Shichida’s Method

Makoto Shichida based his math program on Glenn Doman’s. However, Shichida does not bother to teach numerals or equations using numerals. The subjects involved in the Shichida program are:

• Quantity recognition
• Equations using quantity
• Imaging and problem solving

Unlike with Doman, you will finish teaching quantity before starting on equations. Shichida also mixes all the operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). Since specific equations are set out, the brackets necessary for enforcing the Order of Operations are also provided, so there is no danger of the kind of “serious errors” cited by Doman.

Details of the Shichida program are usually obtained by attending a course at a Shichida school. You can also get details from the relevant thread on the BrillKids Forum (see following page – not available at the moment). The program consists of two cycles of 65 days, to be done twice each.

Quantity recognition

You will teach your child quantity for the first nine days. In the first cycle, you will teach 1-50, and in the second cycle, 51-100. Teach 10 numbers per session. Retire and add 5 numbers per day.

Equations using quantity

Quantity lessons are finished before equation lessons are started. You will spend 10 days on two-step addition, and 5 days on two-step subtraction (since the child will grasp it faster, having already seen addition). Likewise, you will spend 10 days on two-step multiplication, and 5 days on two-step division.

Next, you will spend two weeks on mixed three-step equations. You will then spend a day on mixed four-step equations. Finally, you will revise the quantities learned at the beginning of the cycle.

Imaging and problem solving

The last week of the cycle is spent on imaging – for example, having the child picture numerals turning into dots, and vice versa – and problem solving. Most of the problem solving is similar to Doman problem solving – that is, it is multiple choice. On the last day however, the child will write down the answers to equations without any choices being provided.

If you are teaching math by either the Doman or Shichida method, be sure to visit the BrillKids Forum (not available at the moment), where you can compare experiences and get advice from other parents teaching their children math.

You might also consider the Little Math curriculum, which would involve no lesson preparation on your part. For more on this, go to Computer-Based Learning.

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