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Friends of Mathematics

Year 1 Curriculum

A structured mental math program for ages 6–12 — building confidence, speed, and problem-solving across two core semesters, with optional advanced years for students ready to go further.

Year 1 · 2 semesters Ages 6–12 3 sessions per week

For Ages 6–12

We group instruction by developmental stage because cognitive ability, attention span, and abstraction skills differ significantly at each age.

  • Cognitive development differs significantly
  • Attention span differs
  • Abstraction ability differs
Ages 6–8
More games, visuals, and stories
Ages 9–10
Core mental math
Ages 11–12
Advanced speed & logic

Recommended Weekly Schedule

3× per week = Excellent balance for children

  • Enough repetition to build fluency
  • Not overwhelming for young learners
  • Allows practice between classes

Ideal session length

Ages 6–8
45–60 min
Ages 9–12
60–75 min

Sample technique

Multiplying by 11

Students learn that 23 × 11 = 253 by adding the digits (2 + 3 = 5) and placing the sum in the middle.

This pattern-based approach is taught in Semester 1 and reinforced throughout Year 1.

Ready to enroll?

Register your child for the Friends of Mathematics program.