My Kid Learns Soroban But School Teaches Math Differently – Is That a Problem?
School requires showing work on paper. Soroban teaches mental calculation. Will learning both methods confuse your child? Here's what actually happens – and how to handle it.
"Teacher, I can do it in my head!" my son said. The teacher replied: "No, you need to show your work on paper." He came home confused: "Why won't she let me do mental math?" I realized this wasn't about right or wrong. It was about two different systems – and my son needed to learn when to use each one.
My Initial Worry
When my son started learning Soroban, I worried: learning two different methods – won't that confuse him? Soroban calculates mentally, school requires written work on paper.
I got even more worried when he came home saying: "Teacher said I was wrong because I didn't write out my work. But my answer was correct!"
I decided to dig deeper into this issue.
If you're also worried that Soroban will 'mess up' your child's school math – I understand. This is a very common concern, and it's completely reasonable.
I Talked to the Teacher
I scheduled a meeting with my son's teacher and asked directly: "My son learns Soroban at home. He can calculate mentally but you require written work. Is that okay?"
The teacher explained it clearly:
- •"Being able to do mental math is great. I'm actually glad he's good at it."
- •"But in class, I need him to show his work so I can see HOW he's thinking."
- •"On tests, graders need to see the solution process, not just the answer."
- •"Knowing both methods is wonderful. He can use whichever fits the situation."
I understood: neither method is wrong. They just serve different purposes.
Comparing: Soroban vs. School Math
Soroban (Mental Calculation)
- •Purpose: Fast, accurate calculation
- •Method: Calculate in your head, no paper needed
- •Result: Just the final answer
- •Advantages: Quick, trains the brain, no tools required
- •Disadvantage: Process isn't visible
School Math (Written Work)
- •Purpose: Clear presentation, checkable work
- •Method: Write on paper, step by step
- •Result: Both process and answer visible
- •Advantages: Easy to check, easy to grade, errors are visible
- •Disadvantage: Takes more time
Both methods lead to correct answers. Your child can use Soroban to calculate mentally, then write out the steps to 'present' their work.
How I Taught My Son to Handle Both
Rule 1: "At School, Follow School. At Home, Follow Home."
I told my son: "At school, do what your teacher asks. If she wants written work, write it out. At home, use Soroban. Neither way is wrong – each place just has its own way."
Rule 2: Use Soroban to Double-Check
I taught him: "After you write out your work, use mental math to check. If the two answers are different, something's wrong – go back and review."
Having two methods means two chances to verify. He makes fewer mistakes than classmates who only know one way.
Rule 3: Don't Show Off
I reminded him: "Being good at mental math is great. But don't brag to friends or argue with your teacher. Just quietly get the right answers."
Social skills matter too. He needs to know how to behave appropriately.
Learning two methods doesn't create confusion. Instead, your child has two tools. They can use whichever fits the situation.
Surprising Benefits of Knowing Both Methods
1. Cross-Checking Answers
My son writes out: 247 + 158 = 405. Then mentally checks: 247 + 158 = 405. Both answers match → correct.
If they don't match, he knows to review his work. This catches mistakes before turning in assignments.
2. Faster Test Completion
On timed tests, he mentally calculates the answer first (fast), then writes out the steps (required). He finishes sooner than classmates who calculate while writing.
3. Real-Life Advantage
At the store: "Mom, those 3 items cost $47." No need for a calculator. In daily life, mental math wins. The written method stays at school.
4. Deeper Understanding
Knowing multiple approaches means understanding math from different angles. This builds flexibility that helps with more advanced math later.
What About Initial Confusion?
Yes, there was about 2 weeks of adjustment where my son mixed up methods on homework. But we talked about it, and he quickly understood the context difference.
Think about it: kids learn to speak differently at school vs. with friends vs. with grandparents. They code-switch naturally. Math methods work the same way.
Advice for Parents
- •Don't fight the school method – Let your child learn it for assignments and tests
- •Keep Soroban separate – Different time, different context
- •Explain both are valid – "This is the school way. That's the Soroban way. Both get correct answers!"
- •Focus on results – The goal is correct answers, not method purity
- •Talk to the teacher if needed – Most teachers appreciate kids who can do mental math
After the initial adjustment (usually 2-4 weeks), most kids handle both methods without any confusion. Trust your child's adaptability.
My Son Now: Best of Both Worlds
After 6 months, here's where we are:
- •At school: He shows all his work neatly. Teachers are happy.
- •At home: He calculates mentally, fast and confident.
- •On tests: He uses both – mental math for speed, written work for presentation.
- •In daily life: He's the family's human calculator.
He's not confused. He's equipped. Two tools are better than one.
Soroban builds number sense that complements school math. Your child gets two powerful tools instead of one.
Start Building Number Sense