Advantages of Learning Abacus for Kids

Abacus learning is not anything new in the world of learning, but it has been there since ancient times. If we look at the history of abacus, it is believed to have been invented back in around 2700 to 2300 BC. The name of the abacus comes from a Green work ‘Abax,’ which means tabular form. Abacus is one of the most ancient tools used by humans to perform calculations. However, it still remains relevant due to its effectiveness and lots of advantages that we will discuss further in this blog:

What is an Abacus and How Does it Work?

Abacus is a traditional mathematical tool used for counting and basic calculations. It consists of 2 rows and 10-13 columns, each having movable beads added to them. An abacus can be especially useful for children with visual disabilities or other such challenges, though anyone can learn it for faster calculations. It can be used for counting and basic math operations, such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, square root, cube root, etc. 

Talking about how an abacus works, it has beads in every column that you need to move up and down to meet each other in the middle. The exact operation may vary for different types of abacus, however, the basic rules are the same. The final position of the beads is read in such a way as to determine the result. If learned properly, one can use the abacus to make calculations much faster than they do it on paper.

Benefits of Learning Abacus

The most significant benefit of learning abacus is that it boosts a child’s mathematical competence, which further improves their logic and reasoning skills. However, there are many more advantages of abacus learning as listed below:

Enhancing Mathematical Skills 

Kids who learn abacus are often more likely to develop mental math abilities. They can simplify calculations by breaking them down into multiple simple steps in their mind. It not only improves their mathematical skills but also their concentration. Learning abacus can have a very positive impact on a child’s STEM education, making them smarter.

Boosting Concentration and Focus

Another reason why most primary schools have abacus learning in their syllabus is that it boosts concentration among children, enabling them to pay more attention to what they learn. This further improves their academic performance. As they have to mentally visualize numbers and calculations, it improves their memory retention as well. 

Fostering Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are among the most essential life skills that one should learn at a young age. Children who learn abacus can manage basic mathematics problems and everyday homework on their own, reducing the burden on parents. Not only this but Abacus learning is also known to enhance the IQ levels among children by boosting their brain activities. 

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Encouraging Creativity and Imagination

Abacus is a very effective mental activity that activates both sides of the children’s brains. The logic and problem-solving skills used in solving abacus activate the left brain, while visualization of numbers activates the right brain. Children who learn abacus are more likely to be creative and have imagination skills to think outside the box. Developing these creativity and imagination skills at a young age can benefit them throughout their higher education and career.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Many schools have abacus learning in their CBSE syllabus as it has plenty of benefits apart from just mental math abilities. It gives children confidence in mathematics and technical subjects that require more concentration and problem-solving. Children who learn abacus are more confident and are likely to have higher self-esteem than those who perform basic math calculations on paper. 

Preparing for Future Academic Success

Last but not least, learning abacus is a skill in itself, which contributes to the academic success of children. Mathematics is consider as one of the most difficult subjects. Children who develop mental meath capabilities with abacus are more confident in their academics and likely to perform better in other subjects as well. 

Abacus Vs Traditional Math

The abacus is an ancient tool having multiple movable beads that are moved up and down to represent numbers and visualize calculations. Then, the final position of the beads is analyzed to determine the result. On the other hand, traditional mathematics consists of a set of predetermined rules that are explained using different examples to properly explain concepts to the students. Normal mathematics requires pen and paper to physically perform a calculation, while those who have learned abacus can perform these calculations mentally.

Conclusion

Abacus learning can have multiple advantages for your child. It not only improves their mental math abilities but also impacts their overall academic performance in a positive way. Therefore, abacus learning can be a significant factor to consider when looking for the right school for your child’s CBSE admission. The benefits of abacus go much beyond just calculation skills. This is why all the best schools in Ahmedabad have abacus learning in their syllabus. Try to choose a school that pays attention to developing such skills along with academics.