Concept Of Abacus

 

Abacus is one of the first calculating devices used for doing mathematical calculations. Initially a flat surface with sand spread across it was used for writing and counting. Later, the abacus transformed and a device much similar to the present day abacus was used. This abacus had grooves for small pebbles, which was followed by an abacus with wires or rods on which counters could be moved freely back and forth was used.

 

Abacus is an educational tool that allows the children to learn calculations and numbers with fun. The child uses his or her fingers to move the beads on the abacus and this collaborative movement of the fingers and the brain are responsible for creating a pictorial memory in the child’s brain. During abacus calculation, the child uses both his hands; this movement spurs activity in both left and right brains, thus initiating the development of cells. All this activity helps in nurturing the brain of the child making him much quicker and accurate in this process.

 

How to use abacus for counting?

The abacus counting method makes use of four basic processes. The users learn the four processes easily as compared to other methods used for calculations. For success in abacus counting, the users should be aware of rote counting and have information about the concept “one more than” and “one less than”.

 

Children with visual impairments can benefit by learning how to use an abacus. It can play a fundamental role in math education. Abacus can be used without knowing number facts to ten while using the counter method.

 

Abacus helps in making the child understand number systems. It can adopt itself to any base system, quickly performing calculations such as subtraction, addition, division and multiplication, even with decimal places. If you want your child to improve his performance and truly realize his potential, teach him how to use an abacus. Most of the students find math as a daunting subject but abacus training helps them to master mental math skills to grow their confidence.