“There should be no such thing as boring mathematics. ” — Edsger Dijkstra
A recent survey revealed that children find mathematics the most difficult subject and the undue expectations of parents make it worse for children to excel at maths. Most parents also use maths as a benchmark to measure their child’s IQ.
Maths is a universal language. Unlike other subjects, one can’t excel at maths by rote learning. It requires children to manipulate abstract concepts, think of numbers that don’t have a physical form, imagine them, and see the world as geometry and numbers. That’s where most children find it challenging. But, maths is built on itself, if a child has gaps in understanding number values or concepts they can’t understand it completely. Missing a piece of information can make things harder down the road.
That’s where abacus for kids can help build strong mathematic foundations, especially during the early years of development.
The Neuroscience Behind Abacus
Traditional methods of teaching maths are used to deal with only the left hemisphere of the brain. But abacus requires the integration of visual and spatial memory. Learning maths with the abacus requires the functioning of both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. By moving the beads, children can visualize mathematical concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This hands-on approach caters to learners who benefit from visual and tactile stimulation.
Abacus learning involves relating physical objects with abstract mathematical concepts, This helps in the cognitive development of the brain and allows children to grasp mathematical concepts from an early age building mathematical foundations.
Role of Abacus in Your Child’s Learning Journey
Abacus acts as a gym for the brain and helps in building muscle memory. Here’s how:
Developing Mental math skills:
Abacus requires physically manipulating the beads and solving problems in the head. This helps them visualize and imagine numbers that don’t have a physical form and perform calculations in their head without the requirement of a pen or paper. Regular practice can lead to the development of lightning-fast math-solving skills without the need for any physical object. As children progress, they gradually move away from the beads and perform calculations by visualizing the bead movements in their minds.
Over time, these skills enhance the functioning of the brain which is required for imagination and critical thinking. Abacus can help build the foundation for problem-solving skills.
Beyond rote learning:
Rote memorization might work for other subjects but not in maths. Maths can be understood only by identifying patterns, making connections, and developing clear, step-by-step approaches to problems. The abacus utilizes visualization of numbers and equations by the movement of beads that help children tap into their imaginative skills.
Imagine learning your timetable by imagining the satisfying clicks of the beads – way more engaging than memorizing drills!
Stronger grasp of place value:
Abacus contains rods representing various place values(tenths, hundreds, thousands etc), and its structure inherently represents place value. Operating an abacus can give one an understanding of place value and how changing the position of beads can affect their place value.
Abacus helps build concentration and memory:
Abacus can help the brain build muscle memory through doing abstract calculations using beads and it requires constant concentration and focus to grasp concepts. Therefore, strengthens memory as children learn to recall bead positions and their corresponding values. Regular practice can help children perform well in overall academics.
Increases student engagement:
Let’s be honest, traditional mathematic techniques can be mundane. Memorizing formulas isn’t exactly a recipe for excitement Abacus gives a new perspective to children and changes their perception of maths. It also increases student engagement as they get out of boring textbooks and learn about the practicality of maths.
Learning Abacus Online
Online abacus programs frequently incorporate engaging games, animations, and progress-tracking features, making math practice more fun and motivating for children. The flexibility of online learning also allows children to learn at their own pace and revisit lessons as needed, potentially boosting their confidence and overall grasp of mathematical concepts.
At Cyboard School, abacus is included in math lab activities designed for a more practical approach towards maths.
From boosting mental math skills and memory to enhancing concentration and problem-solving abilities, the benefits of the abacus extend far beyond the classroom. So, if you’re looking for a way to make math enjoyable and empower your child on their mathematical journey, consider incorporating the abacus into their learning experience.
Heartfelt Appreciation for Your Outstanding Support
Dear Harshita Daksh,
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional support and guidance you have provided my daughter, Swara, during her admission process.
Your dedication and hard work have truly made a significant impact on us. Your honesty, intelligence, and customer-centric approach were evident in every interaction we had. It was clear that you were always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that Swara had the best possible experience.
Your professionalism and beautiful spirit shone through in all our communications, making what could have been a stressful process much more manageable and pleasant. We are immensely grateful for your unwavering support and commitment to your work.
Thank you once again for everything you have done for Swara and our family. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly appreciative of your exceptional service.
Warm regards,
Ganesh
We are extremely thankful that our admission counselor, Harshita, has received such immense praise for her dedication and support. Thank you so much for recognizing her efforts and sharing your positive experience.