How Abacus Helps in Brain Development

What exactly is an Abacus?

Abacus is a counting frame that has been used for centuries to perform mathematical computations. Several lines of sliding beads or other components that represent digits make up this system. The beads are moved to perform calculations using a second number (e.g., addition) or, more rarely, a square or cube root. This article will talk more about how Abacus helps in brain development in kids.

There are still some unanswered doubts about who invented the Abacus and where it came from. All basic arithmetic operations, such as addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, discovering Square, Square Roots, Cubes, and Cube Roots, can be performed using an abacus.

Even though calculators and computers have mostly superseded the Abacus, it is still used to educate youngsters in some nations. Abacuses are still used to teach mathematics to youngsters in various parts of Eastern Europe, Russia, China, and Africa by merchants, traders, and clerks.

Each country has its unique design technique for Abacus. They focused on beads in this Abacus, albeit the pattern may alter. Some people used rods, while others used bamboo sticks and other things.

Previously, the Abacus was only used for fundamental arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction. As time passed, people all around the world discovered new methods to learn using this tool. The Abacus is now utilized for a variety of mathematical activities, including arithmetic, which is accomplished by dividing the beads into ten.

But why is it so important as a learning method today? And how does the abacus helps in brain development?

Let’s have a look.

Higher mental abilities

Mental arithmetic has already established itself in some parts of the world as a unique method for developing children’s cognitive abilities. The results of Japanese comparative studies show, for example, better performance of children taught with Abacus compared to untrained children. Consequently, arithmetic with the Abacus is part of the curriculum of Japanese schools.

Rising popularity

Several scientific studies confirm how efficient mental arithmetic techniques are and how they can contribute to cognitive development. Today, mental arithmetic is enjoying significant and increasing popularity worldwide and no one can deny the magic of the science behind the abacus.

Mental arithmetic is developing into a sought-after learning methodology that decisively shapes the child’s brain.

How does our brain work?

The brain consists of the right and left hemispheres. Both take on particular tasks. The left hemisphere is responsible for analytical and logical tasks, such as language and arithmetic. The right-wing hemisphere specializes in dealing with images and is responsible, among other things, for photographic memory, creative thinking, concentration, and intuition.

What can you achieve with mental arithmetic?

Mental arithmetic increases the brain’s performance by better linking the brain hemispheres. Our classic school system mainly promotes the left hemisphere. As a result, there is a lack of connections between the two hemispheres, and the processing of the processes in the brain cannot be exploited. Special training helps the brain activate links and leads to a significant increase in performance.

Helps children significantly

Children are particularly suitable for the training methods of mental arithmetic, as the young brains have a much higher absorption capacity compared to adult brains due to development. Mental Arithmetic helps to recognize and reveal the talents and abilities of each child. The technology offers a comprehensive development of the child: e.g., better performance at school, higher motivation to learn, and stronger self-confidence.

Training for children

At the beginning of a mental arithmetic course, a child gets to know the Abacus and performs calculations with its help. Subsequently, the child visualizes the Abacus and performs arithmetic operations in the head. So it no longer only uses the left half of the brain but also the right half. With this method, children can add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Harmonious interaction

Mental arithmetic does not just mean learning mental arithmetic. It is a comprehensive approach to developing vital intelligence and cognitive abilities. By stimulating both hemispheres of the brain, harmonious interaction of both hemispheres is achieved over time, as well as the following positive effects: e.g., better concentration, stimulation of creative thinking, and better visual memory.

Now that we know the many functions of an Abacus, let’s look into its advantages & disadvantages of an Abacus.

What are the Benefits of an Abacus for Children?

• One advantage for children is that everything is done mentally.

There are numerous advantages to mastering the abacus tool for children. As a teacher, using the Abacus will allow you to teach children arithmetic without wasting paper or other resources.

• The Abacus is a valuable tool.

Abacus is a centuries-old resource for teaching mathematical operations and calculations. Many parents still believe that buying an abacus tool kit isn’t as helpful as teaching their children through board games. Abacus has long been used in schools. As a result, it is a truth that children will love learning mathematics with an abacus.

• Abacus Tool Improves Children’s Foundation

Kids can enhance their skills early on by using Abacus. Because of difficult calculations and numerical procedures, most children dislike mathematics. Abacus is a fun tool that helps children learn all of the fundamentals of mathematics such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square, square roots, and cube, cube roots.

What are the Drawbacks of Abacus for Children?

• You have to use an Abacus

Abacus is built on actual learning before you teach it. Without the Abacus tool, it is impossible to teach or study mathematics. When using the Abacus Learning Technique, an Abacus tool is required, whether it be for self-learning or teaching children.

• Study before teaching

It is critical that you learn the Abacus tool before teaching your children basic mathematics.

• The Abacus is Beneficial in the Primary Section

You can instruct the students in the primary section using the Abacus. The Abacus tool’s major flaw is that it’s not designed for children who wish to learn advanced mathematics.

• Abacus Cannot Solve Complex Math and hence, is only useful for young children

One of the most significant shortcomings of the Abacus Tool teaching method is its inability to answer complex mathematical problems.

 

We hope you got a fair idea about how Abacus helps in brain development in kids. Are you looking for online Abacus courses for your kid? Have a look at Edujournal’s abacus training Program.