The way calculation is taught to kids I think could use a whole lot of work. Calculation and mental arithmetic are pretty interesting and quite handy, even for

The way calculation is taught to kids I think could use a whole lot of work. Calculation and mental arithmetic are pretty interesting and quite handy, even for adults. Check out Vedic and Trachtenberg techniques: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedic_math http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedic_math http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trachtenberg_method http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trachtenberg_method Doing 3-digit multiplication in your head with those techs is like doing a mental pushup. Practicing calculation this way helps keep your mind active and your concentration sharp. Here's a fun clip of Scott Flansburg, Guinness world record holder for being the fastest "mental calculator", teaching a class of kids - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjSPMfBoV0w http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjSPMfBoV0w Teach math to kids like that and I bet you'll a foster a stronger appreciation for the field early on.