Unique math program helps students

OVIEDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - It's a unique math enrichment program that focuses on total brain development. It's called Aloha Mind Math and is growing in Oveido, Florida.

"We started 2 summers ago," says Johnny Gibson who has 3 sons enrolled. "I like it because it makes school at work a lot easier," said 8-year-old Jack Gibson. "Compared to the school work they're doing now its far advanced," said Johnny Gibson.

Children five to twelve years old first learn how to calculate using an ancient tool called an abacus. And once they have it down, it's all mental. "You see an abacus in your head," said 6-year-old Grant Gibson. His twin bother, Tyler, says, "We're pretending we have an abacus."

They visualize the beads and use their fingers to help them count. Eventually, they solve the math problems using only their brain power. And get this, most of the time can actually beat a calculator.

"I'm from India and like the way we are taught over there. It's mental and that's the reason I was looking for something similar for him," said Nehal Amin of her son.

But how would you apply this in real life? "When you go to the grocery store you can start calculating. A child can add and subtract," said Cathy Patel, owner and teacher. "Then (comes) the confidence they get from achieving something they didn't think they could do," said Gibson.

There are about 100 Aloha learning centers across the country with one Central Florida location in Oviedo. Tuition is $130 a month and it is a 24-month long course. For more information, visit Aloha Mind Math's website .

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On the web:
http://www.aloha-usa.com/index.html