What is Abacus
- The abacus, a physical tool with beads, allows children to manipulate the beads to represent different numbers based on the rules taught by their abacus teacher.
- Abacus serves as a traditional method for mastering basic math operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, which form the foundation of Mathematics.
- Proficiency in these calculations and numbers through the use of abacus reduces a child’s fear of Math, resulting in a significant boost in their self-confidence. When taught by an expert, the abacus transforms numbers into a child’s trusted ally.
The secret of Abacus Training
Many parents may not realize that the Abacus is a proven method for developing the brain, leading to improved concentration and focus. As a result, children are able to do mental calculations without relying on paper and pen, and as they advance, they are often called human calculators. Prior to enrolling their child in Abacus training, parents should educate themselves on how it enhances concentration
- The child initially grasps the concept of representing various numbers on the Abacus tool using the beads, as previously mentioned.
- Following this, the next step involves children utilizing visualization to achieve the same result, commonly known as air-brushing.
- The visualization method is crucial to the Abacus, as it requires the child to mentally construct an image of the physical tool and manipulate the beads in their mind to represent the answer at each calculation step, creating a new mental image.
- Once the beads are positioned for the final step, the child can promptly interpret the number and provide the answer.
Let’s learn with a simple example
Question 3 + 5 + 7
Abacus Step1: Child imagines the tool in the default position
Abacus Step2: Upon informing him that the initial number is 3, he proceeds to mentally adjust the beads to illustrate the number 3, as depicted in the image provided
Abacus Step3: When we instruct the child to add 5 as the next step, he utilizes the Abacus method he learned in his classes to combine 5 with the previous number, forming a mental image of the process
Abacus Step4: The child is prompted to add 7 as the next step, and he utilizes the Abacus formula (taught in his Abacus classes) to perform the addition. In his mind he visualizing the following image
The final image displayed above is the actual outcome, which is “15” in this instance. Therefore, the child can promptly give the answer as 15, as they have the solution prepared at each stage based on the Abacus Tool image.
Secret to excel in Math exams
A strong grasp of logical reasoning and fast calculation speed are essential for excelling in mathematics, enabling you to finish your exams punctually and accurately. The Abacus aids in cultivating these crucial skills in children, let’s delve into how.
Super-fast calculation speed
A child skilled in the use of an Abacus operates like a human calculator, as previously demonstrated. To fully appreciate this remarkable ability, experiencing it firsthand is essential. Check out our mathcruise video gallery page to see demonstrations from our incredible students
Strong Logical reasoning skills
The abacus is built on the Hand-Eye-Ear Coordination Technique, which also plays a significant role in brain development. If you see a child doing mental math through visualization (check out our video gallery and learn more about this on our website), you’ll notice that the child moves their fingers with each calculation. This finger movement essentially represents the shifting of the beads, which represent the numbers (the child is mentally placing the image of the tool rather than physically using it).
Abacus Training – Additional benefits
Abacus offers a wide range of advantages (the list is extensive and impressive) and is therefore highly recommended for children aged 5 to 15. Here are some of the extra benefits mentioned for your information:
- Boost self confidence
- Boost concentration
- Significantly improved speed and precision in performing all arithmetic calculations mentally, without the need for paper and pen
- Boost listening skills and thus helps the child to do much better and quality conversations
- Continuous brain development since Abacus works on a technique that stimulates the brain via air-brushing and visualization methods
- Removes fear of Maths from children’s mind
- Develops photogenic memory
Where to find best Abacus classes
You can opt for any of the proven and renowned Abacus training academies, just ensure to prioritize the trainer over any other factor like the brand or the location of the academy. A good trainer from a small academy will give much better results as compared to the inexperienced trainer from the bugger brand.
It’s understandable if you are looking for the Abacus Trainer close to your place and there is nothing wrong in it. There are many good academies operating in specific locations. For e.g. Mathcruise provides specialized Abacus classes in Pune as well as they provide global online classes, and they have really great user reviews. Similarly SIP Abacus also provides classes in all the global cities but ensure to avail a demo class before enrolling.
And as a thumb rule – be prepared to wait at least six months for visible progress. With patience and dedication, your child will excel in math and have a competitive edge over their peers.