The Ultimate Guide to Glenn Doman's Math Program
As the co-founder of Doman Learning and the grandson of Glenn Doman, I've had the unique opportunity to continue and expand upon my grandfather's pioneering work in early childhood education, especially in the realm of mathematics. At Doman Learning, we are driven by the mission to empower parents to teach their children the joy of math before school age. Our dedication has led us to develop and introduce new teaching modules in our Math Before School course, specifically new teaching techniques and materials for children over two years of age. Most people know the Doman Method math program as the “math dots,” but that program is primarily for younger children. In this blog, I’ll give an overview of Glenn Doman’s early childhood math program as well as provide our expansion of the Doman Method math program for ages 2.5 to 6.
Glenn Doman’s Math Program and Innate Number Sense
Glenn Doman’s early childhood math program, which people call the “math dots”, comes from the human function of 'innate number sense.' This foundational ability enables individuals to recognize quantities instantly, without needing to count explicitly. For instance, when you glance at the image below and immediately identify three pens without counting them one by one, you're using your innate number sense.
The automatic recognition of quantities is a fundamental mathematical skill inherent to varying degrees in all of us. Understanding and cultivating this innate number sense is central to our Math Before School Course and Glenn Doman's math program. We aim to enrich this natural ability in young learners, especially those between the ages of 1 to 3 years. By emphasizing the development of this innate sensibility towards numbers from an early age, we set a robust foundation for their future mathematical abilities. At Doman Learning, our mission is to ensure that children don't just learn math—they excel in it and, crucially, enjoy it. That's why the Doman Method math program begins by introducing quantities in a fun and easy-to-understand way.
Teaching quantities is central to Doman Learning’s math curriculum because innate number sense is arguably the most critical and foundational mathematical ability humans possess. For instance, when we present children with visual representations of numbers—showing them what four looks like, or what the quantity five represents—we're not just teaching them to count; we're nurturing their innate ability to grasp numerical concepts intuitively. This foundational skill is pivotal for several reasons. Firstly, it enables children to perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division more quickly and accurately. But the benefits extend far beyond mere calculation speed and precision. By fostering a deep, intuitive understanding of numbers from an early age, we're not only preparing children for success in mathematics; we're helping them develop a genuine enjoyment of the subject. This positive relationship with math, established early on, lays a solid groundwork for their continued success in the subject throughout their lives. At Doman Learning, we believe that by giving children the tools to develop their innate number sense, we're setting them on a path to not only succeed in math but to relish the journey of learning it. If you would like to learn more about innate number sense and how it predicts future math scores check out this study by Duke University.
Doman Learning’s Expansion of Glenn Doman’s Math Program (Ages 2.5 to 6)
Through our experiences and continuous research, we've observed that while Glenn Doman's math program has been remarkably successful in introducing young learners to the world of numbers, older children sometimes face challenges in recognizing quantities. This observation prompted us to innovate and tailor our curriculum to ensure that children between the ages of two and a half and six can grasp and excel in math, thereby laying a strong foundation for their future academic success in mathematics.
In the Doman Math program, our approach to teaching addition and subtraction is grounded in the use of quantities to facilitate a deeper understanding of these fundamental operations. Using quantities and innate number sense, we uniquely teach these concepts to children. Our method involves presenting equations through tangible quantities, allowing children to visualize and internalize mathematical operations. For instance, to convey the concept of two plus two equals four, we don't just state the equation; we show each quantity involved, making the abstract concept of addition tangible and understandable. This method of teaching, which combines the visual representation of quantities with written equations, significantly enhances a child's ability to perform mental math. By engaging with math in this manner, children learn to carry out addition, subtraction, and other arithmetic operations quickly and accurately in their heads. Our Math Before School Course equips parents not only with the teaching methodology but also with all the necessary materials to implement this program at home. Our goal is to make learning math a more intuitive and enjoyable experience for all children, ensuring they develop both the skills and the confidence to excel in mathematics from a very early age.
Watch Spencer Doman teach addition and subtraction using quantities!
The Long-term Benefits of the Doman Math Program
The long-term effects of the Doman Math program on young learners are profound. Teaching children math at an early age through the Doman method doesn't merely give them a head start; it fundamentally transforms their relationship with the subject. By integrating quantities into teaching addition, subtraction, and beyond, we enable children to master math swiftly, fostering an ability to perform mathematical operations with ease. The profound impact of early math education extends far beyond academic achievement. Children who are taught with the Doman method from a young age typically exhibit greater confidence in math. This confidence stems from a foundation of strength in the subject, cultivated before they even enter a formal classroom setting. Such confidence not only positions them for higher performance on tests but also instills a genuine enjoyment of math. This enjoyment is crucial, as children naturally gravitate towards activities they excel in, and a positive attitude towards math can influence their educational journey for years to come. Math, undeniably a pivotal subject within the educational spectrum, often plays a significant role in academic opportunities later in life, including university admissions. Early math education, therefore, is not just about learning numbers; it's about setting a course for lifelong success and fulfillment.
Math Before School Course
To support parents in teaching math using the Doman Method, we are offering free resources, including Doman Math materials for quantities 0-9 below. Additionally, we invite you to explore our Math Before School Course below. This course and our free materials provide everything you need to foster a robust mathematical foundation in your child, ensuring they not only excel in math but also develop a lasting love for the subject. Discover how the Doman method can make a lifelong difference in your child's education and start their journey to mathematical excellence today.
Click the button below to download Doman math quantities 0-9 for free!
