What is English math? Understand the benefits of English math all at once A complete guide to elementary school English math problems and exercises 🧠✏️
Publication date: 18/02/2026
🌟What's good about English math? Parents will know after watching it!
In recent years, more and more parents have been actively seeking English math textbooks for their children, not only because their children attend English math primary schools, but also because many parents have long-term plans: hoping that their children can seamlessly transition to international curricula, study abroad, and even participate in international competitions in the future. In fact, English math is not just about "teaching math in English," but about helping children build a complete system of English math vocabulary and specialized English math terms, so that they can truly understand rather than just memorize.
1️⃣Benefits of English Math: 🌍 Abundant free international resources; English math opens the door to the world.
Foreign countries place great importance on educational resources, and many platforms offer high-quality, free English math exercises and video tutorials.
For example, the well-known Khan Academy
Although the interface allows you to select Chinese, the video explanations are entirely in English. If a child lacks basic English math problem comprehension skills...
For example, fraction, multiple, and equation.
If you don't know, it's like wasting these world-class resources in vain😢
⚖️Chinese Math vs. English Math: Each Has Its Advantages
Chinese mathematics does indeed have its advantages, especially in rapid calculation, where rapid calculation around the world also advocates starting calculations from the highest digit:
118 118 = →
First, think of the hundredth digit, "two hundred..."
Think of ten more "two hundred...twenty..."
You need to keep reciting numbers.
However, it was discovered that the units digit needed to be carried over, so it was changed to "two hundred...thirty..."
Finally, process the units digit: "200...30...6".
The thinking is very intuitive and fast ⚡
However, the advantage of English mathematics lies in its clear logical expression. This training method is especially important for writing mathematical explanations, participating in international mathematics competitions, or taking international exams (IB, IGCSE).
2️⃣Benefits of English Math: 🏆International Math Competitions: From "Practice-Based Competitions" to "Thinking-Based Competitions"
When many parents in Hong Kong hear about the "mathematics competition", the first thing they think of is: practice questions, brush papers, memorize skills, and have only one goal - to win a prize. But the reality is that many local competitions are getting more and more difficult in order to distinguish the rankings. Primary schools have learned the content of secondary schools. Children have not understood the concepts and are forced to memorize formulas, which eventually become "know how to do but don't know how to explain"😵.
In contrast, international mathematics competitions focus more on the thinking process and problem-solving logic. The questions are designed close to the age group and encourage students to describe their ideas in English, such as how to analyze conditions and how to reason about answers step by step. This competition not only tests calculation skills, but also cultivates children's mathematical English vocabulary and expression skills, so that children really understand: 👉 Mathematics is used for thinking, not for rote memory.
For parents, the value of this kind of competition lies not in the medals, but in the fact that their children begin to enjoy solving problems and dare to talk about math in English. This ability is the most practical advantage for them when they go to English-medium secondary schools and study international courses in the future.
🎯 Comparison Table of English Math vs. Chinese Math
| language | Learning methods | Training Focus | Use of overseas resources | International exam adaptation | Adaptation to English Middle School | Mental arithmetic speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Mathematics | Technique-heavy, formula-heavy, biased towards 'how to count faster'. | Calculation speed, patience, and memory | Many resources are either incomprehensible or require translation. | Switching to IB/IGCSE requires some adjustment. | "Language gaps" are prone to occur. | Very fast, especially suitable for mental arithmetic. |
| English Mathematics | Heavy understanding, heavy steps, biased towards ``how to explain why'' | Logical thinking | You can directly use global free resources | Naturally Connected International Curriculum | Almost zero adaptation period | It's slow at first, but it trains logic and expression in the long run. |
3️⃣ Benefits of English Math: ✈️ Overseas exchange programs and international curricula: English math is the real entry barrier
Many parents think that as long as their English is good, they can join overseas exchange tours or international courses; but the reality is that the biggest obstacle for children is often not everyday English, but not being able to understand the teacher's math.
For example, the teacher said:
“ Today we are learning fractions and ratios. ”
If children haven't even learned fractions and ratios, even if they can understand English, they won't be able to keep up with the content at all 😥.
In fact, what really limits children to the international stage is often not English proficiency, but a lack of English mathematical foundation. Once the basic math English proper nouns and common English math problem patterns are mastered, children can:
✅ Understand foreign teachers explaining mathematical concepts ✅ Clearly express problem-solving strategies in English
✅ Follow overseas math, English math olympiad, AI and STEM courses
Without number sense, children are merely memorizing answers; with number sense, children truly understand mathematics. ❤️
4️⃣ Benefits of English and Math: 🎓 I only realized how important English and math are after entering secondary school.
Many students find that the biggest problem is not the difficulty of mathematics, but that they are completely unfamiliar with the Chinese-English checklist of mathematical nouns:
Addition: Addition | Sum (and)
Subtraction: Subtraction | Different (差)
Multiplication: Multiplication | Product
Division: Division | Quotient
As a result, I spent the first six months "re-learning math language", which was both strenuous and affected my self-confidence 😔. If you have been exposed to primary English math problems at the primary school stage, the promotion to secondary school will be much easier.
🎯 Summary: Why is it better for children to learn English and math as early as possible?
Learn English math well, not just for the exam, but for:
🌱 Build a complete mathematics English vocabulary library 🌍 Understand international free resources and courses 🏫 Easily cope with English, international school mathematics 🧠 Improve logical thinking and expression skills
Instead of waiting until middle school to "catch up on English and math," it's better to start in elementary school with systematic English and math problems and exercises, allowing children to absorb the material naturally and truly achieve the desired results.
✨"Good at math, good at English, and good at thinking."
Other articles:
1. [What is Olympiad Math?] Breaking down 4 reasons why Olympiad Math can make children "outstanding".
2. [Olympiad Math Problems] Free download of Olympiad Math practice problems detailed video explanations (Part 1)
3. Children's math is not good? 5 tricks to help him improve number sense, strengthen the foundation
4. International School Math | Hong Kong's Only English-Language Math Olympiad | International School Math
5. [Olympiad Math Problems] Free download of Olympiad Math practice problems detailed video explanations (Part 2)
6. STEM Education: The Key to Giving Children a Head Start
7. What is STEM education? Recommendations for STEM interest classes
8. [Children's Extracurricular Classes] Five Recommended Children's Extracurricular Classes: The Key to Giving Your Child a Head Start
9. [Extracurricular Classes for Three-Year-Olds] 3 Must-Take Extracurricular Classes Recommended to Prepare You for Future School Admission Interviews
0. [Five-Year-Old Extracurricular Classes] 3 Must-Attend Extracurricular Classes Recommended to Prepare for Future Math Competitions and Primary One Admission
a. [Four-Year-Old Extracurricular Classes] 3 Must-Attend Extracurricular Classes Recommended to Prepare You for Future School Admission Interviews and Math Competitions
