Q: What is a Abacus?

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A: The abacus, also called a counting frame, is a calculating tool used primarily in parts

       of Asia for performing arithmetic processes. Today, abacuses are often constructed as a

       bamboo frame with beads sliding on wires, but originally they were beans or stones

       moved in grooves in sand or on tablets of wood, stone, or metal. The abacus was in use

       centuries before the adoption of the written modern numeral system and is still widely

       used by merchants, traders and clerks in Asia, Africa, and elsewhere.

 

Q:  What can you learn from Abacus/Mental Arithmetic?

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A: Students of the abacus are able to utilize their numerical senses and translate them

       into live action. The abacus is a great visual learning tool. The coordinated actions of

       using fingering and applying basic math rules promote a quicker route to connective

       understanding, enables students to grasp, and master the arithmetic operations faster

       and better. Students of the abacus can further develop their skills by learning mental

       arithmetic. Students will be able to fully utilize their mental power to perform calculations

       without a physical tool as aid. Mental arithmetic techniques allow complement and

       supplement approach to mathematics education used in school systems today.