Reasons that compel you to take your child to Abacus classes

In this modern era, as more innovative gadgets are invented, the usage of critical thinking and computation skills has been decreasing. One cannot stress enough. Basic mental skills are essential as they form the foundation for other complex cognitive functions. One such crucial mental process is arithmetic operations.

People tend to rely on devices like calculators for performing arithmetic operations. There is no doubt that these gadgets have been very beneficial in several instances. One can use these gadgets, but their mental development should not be hampered. Abacus education is a great way to hone your mental and computational skills. 

What is an abacus?

The abacus is essentially a tool that was used to do arithmetic calculations in ancient times. Its origins are in ancient China, Greece, and Babylon. Traditionally, it was used to perform basic operations like subtraction, addition, division, multiplication, counting, etc. 

Abacus refers to the frame, which used to be made of wood with vertical wires. On these wires, beads were placed, which were moved to do calculations. The modern version is very similar; only the material with which it is made has changed. Today, many people around the world still practice abacus. In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in abacus in Perth. 

Advantages of learning abacus 

It is a well-known fact that the abacus helps develop basic mental computation skills. These basic skills further help in the development of other mental skills like intelligence and creativity. Learning the skill of an abacus not only has a positive impact on one’s arithmetic skills but also contributes to an individual’s overall development. Here are some of the advantages of learning abacus:

• Better visualization skills

The abacus bead frame serves as a visual aid. It has been found that when a skill is learned with the help of a visual medium, the probability of absorbing the teachings increases. As the abacus is taught by doing calculations by moving the beads, it creates a lasting effect on a person’s mind. Students can do mental computations more easily as they advance in their skills. 

• Improved problem-solving abilities

The abacus helps in the comprehensive development of cognitive skills. Apart from improved visualisation skills, the abacus also helps in improving problem-solving abilities. As one keeps learning and developing their abacus skills, their mental computation skills continue to improve. This increases one’s critical thinking, enhancing one’s ability to solve novel problems. 

• Better accuracy and speed

Improvement in accuracy and speed while solving an arithmetic problem is one of the main aims of learning the abacus. An abacus is taught using a bead frame where the beads represent numbers, which helps hone one’s oral and mental skills. Over time, their speed increases commendably when one keeps practising these skills. 

• Increased understanding of number patterns

Having a better understanding of number patterns is one benefit of learning abacus, among many others. Since it is taught with the help of a bead frame, where the beads represent numbers, and one has to move them to do calculations, it acts as a visual aid. This helps in grasping the understanding of patterns and relationships among different arithmetic operations.   

• Improved concentration and focus

One of the main benefits of learning abacus is that it helps increase one’s ability to concentrate and focus. It is important to remember that concentration power will only grow after continuous practice. As the abacus helps improve visual representation skills, it also increases concentration and focus.   

Final Words    

Therefore, having basic mental skills is very important for establishing a solid foundation for cognitive functioning. An increase in the usage of devices like calculators has led to poor arithmetic functioning. Abacus is a great skill to learn that hones one’s mental computation abilities. Abacus is especially beneficial for young children who are still learning new things. It is essential to get your abacus lessons from a reputed academy so that you can understand the correct way. 

Semas Abacus is a well-known abacus academy based in Perth, Australia. At Semas, you will get the best abacus lessons from skilled professionals. Semas aims at the all-around development of their students, which will result in the knowledge you will learn here and help you in other related areas like creative writing.