What is Abacus?
Abacus is a “counting frame” or a very old calculating device that helps us to do mathematical calculations faster and accurately using a series of beads. Plural: Abaci
Who invented the abacus and when?
Though the nearest relative of the current abacus is believed to be invented by the Chinese around the 2nd century BC. There are other references of simpler abacus systems developed by Mesopotamians as early as 2300 BC the Greeks in 500 BC and similarly other ancient civilizations as well.
How does Abacus help in mental maths or mental arithmetic?
Abacus empowers its practitioners to visualize numbers and their calculations, improve listening and attention. Eventually, with enough practice, kids learning abacus can easily perform even complex mathematical calculations faster, producing correct results every time.
It is a high-level cognitive skill that processes calculations mentally in an algorithmic method. People with longer practice have shown higher numerical memory capacity and develop more effectively connected neural pathways.
Ref : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6870462/
At what age can a kid learn abacus?
Anyone can learn abacus, at any stage of his life. However, in the current competitive education scenario children above 4 years and up to 14 years are the ones learning abacus.
How to improve my child’s concentration skills using Abacus?
Abacus is a rewarding method of building concentration. When using Abacus a child tries to visualize the numbers and the related mathematical operation. This improves his concentration ability and when they end up getting correct answers to difficult calculations they are encouraged to concentrate better.
Reference : Abacus benefits for Kids
Can a left-handed child use Abacus correctly?
Yes, of course. It does not matter whether an Abacus user is left-handed or right-handed.
Does learning Abacus conflict with the school’s method of teaching maths?
No, it does not. We have proven evidence and it is general knowledge that students who master abacus do better at school compared to other students.
How much practice is required at home? How much parent involvement is required?
Practice is the basis of Abacus mastery. The more a child practices the better results they receive. So apart from the few hours they spend at the institute, a lot of practice will be required at home as well.
Older students are completely capable of self-practice. However, younger students will need parental help in practicing.
Image Source: StarKids Abacus Classes in Dubai
