Unlike popular belief, the abacus math training is not just about performing calculations. This powerful tool stimulates the left and right prefrontal cortex of a child’s brain, boosting their memory, attention, and confidence. It teaches your child to be in the moment while also enhancing their power of visualization. Abacus learning can be a rewarding experience, helping kids develop great cognitive, problem-solving, and analytical skills. But as with any educational endeavor, it has its own set of challenges.
While this blog will discuss the challenges associated with Abacus, we will focus more on overcoming these challenges and making Abacus more interesting for your children. Here we will discuss some pitfalls in traditional abacus learning and how these are being addressed with modern-day abacus:
Challenges and Solutions To Traditional Abacus Learning
Complexity of Use:
The use of Abacus dates back centuries when it was used by Romans, Chinese and Europeans before the advent of modern-day math. Each of these civilizations invented different ways of using and even holding the Abacus. It was often overwhelming for beginners, as they had to learn to perform math calculations through a series of manual operations.
Fortunately, many modern abacuses that we use today feature simplified designs, making it easier for children to understand and use them. Their color-coded beads help students quickly identify their values and solve arithmetic problems without extensive memorization.
Finger dexterity and gesticulations:
Have you noticed kids making finger gesticulations when solving math problems? It is believed that these finger movements develop a mind-body connection and without these, a child’s accuracy in abacus math can drop by almost half. This makes abacus particularly difficult for children with physical disabilities or fine motor skill difficulties.
Fortunately, today Abacus is also available as a digital application on tablets or computers, allowing one to manipulate virtual beads with touch or mouse controls. Some abacuses are also designed with larger beads or rods making them easier to manipulate. Our educators at UCMAS Mental Math Class For Kids can also help adapt lessons for students with physical or mental disabilities.
Limited Scope for Advanced Mathematics:
Traditional abacus math was meant for performing basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It was not equipped to handle complex math concepts like algebraic expressions, equations, or functions.
But, the modern-day abacuses that we use today incorporate some additional features, like extra rods or specialized bead arrangements, that allow for more complex calculations. They help students solve complex math equations, work with variables, and even analyze data.
Creative Ways to Make Abacus Learning Fun
Abacus can make a mediocre child into a math genius, only if taught the right way. Our educators use some remarkable ways to refine the math and cognitive skills of a child with Abacus. Here are some fun ways that we employ to make learning more fun at UCMAS:
Math puzzles to develop problem-solving skills
Our fun and engaging math worksheets require children to identify, interpret, and extend math patterns. We often give them puzzles related to numbers, shapes, angles, and spatial reasoning, challenging them to think critically and creatively. We sometimes provide them with math riddles that involve clever wordplay or unexpected twists. Take a look at our Mental Math Worksheets to understand what is in store for your child.
Speed counting games for a better focus
In speed counting games, we give our students some quick counting tasks to enhance their speed and accuracy in calculations. Our goal with such activities is to enhance their numerical fluency and mental math skills while also making the learning process fun and enjoyable. Our timed counting challenges require quick thinking and concentration and help children develop their focus and give attention to details.
Abacus patterns for enhanced memory
Our educators begin by showing children some basic patterns that they try to recreate on the Abacus. This abacus math game leverages the visual and tactile aspects of the abacus and helps players recognize and remember patterns. This also enhances their overall mathematical abilities and memory retention.
Find the mystery number to develop recognition skills
In this game our educators provide clues to the children so they can recognize the mystery number. After every clue, students must guess the mystery number and use their abacus to represent their guess. This game continues until a player correctly guesses the mystery number or until all clues have been used. It encourages critical thinking, and teamwork, and also reinforces number recognition and counting skills in children.
Abacus versus the calculator: The ultimate clash
In this game, we allow students to compare the traditional method of using an abacus with the modern convenience of a calculator. We give them math worksheets, while one team uses the abacus to solve it, the other uses the calculator, and the team that comes up with the answer first is the winner. This game encourages players to appreciate both traditional and modern calculation methods while fostering a competitive spirit.
Want to learn more about these two competing methods, read our blog Abacus Vs The Calculator – The Clash Of The Titans.
Finding the Right Abacus Classes in Canada
Are you constantly searching for “abacus classes near me,” to enhance the math and cognitive abilities of your child? We at UCMAS Abacus Centre take pride in being among the best global institutes for a child’s mental development. Our abacus math learning programs are unique and scientifically-proven to develop the latent mental power of your child. Over the years, we have not just established our reputation, but have also earned the loyalty of millions of parents worldwide. Enroll in UCMAS Abacus Mental Math Class today and unlock the full potential for your child’s growth.