Revolutionizing the Way Children Learn Numbers

Children learn language through hearing and speaking, which shapes their thinking and memory. Reading and writing come later. However, when the pronunciation of numbers differs from their written form, it creates difficulties. In the Western world, we read from left to right, whereas numbers originate from India and Arabia, where people read from right to left. This poses a challenge for children who rely on pronunciation as they have to learn a reversal. This hampers counting, arithmetic, and numerical understanding.

The Solution: Introducing the Concept of "Tig"

Introducing the concept of "tig" resolves the confusion surrounding numbers like 19 and 90. We currently say "nineteen," but mathematically it is "ten and nine." For children dependent on pronunciation, this reversal can be problematic. By using "tig," we eliminate the confusing "nineteen" and replace it with "nine·ty." The mathematical pronunciation of 19 becomes "tig and nine," and 21 is "two·ty and one." This simplifies arithmetic and enhances numerical comprehension.

Showcasing a Promising Lesson Example

This lesson example for the early years of primary school demonstrates how we can improve number learning. Although it hasn't been tested in a classroom setting yet, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, parents, and policymakers. For further enhancements and evidence, refer to the books "Een kind wil aardige en geen gemene getallen" and "A child wants nice and no mean numbers," authored by an esteemed economist and mathematics teacher. Explore more about this innovative approach at thomascool.eu.