You have seen a toy that resembles an abacus if it contains colorful beads on wires that slide back and forth. And it’s more than just a toy—it’s a brain workout!

Let’s look at how this simple tool may help children—yes, even you—be more mathematical, develop their cognitive abilities, and focus better.

What Is an Abacus?

Rows of beads that slide back and forth on rods make up an abacus, a calculator. Long before calculators and/or computers were invented, humans used it to keep track of counting systems or to help solve difficulties involving huge numbers.

Abacus fever is going global—winning hearts (and minds)from Singapore to India and all the way to the UK!

What’s the Magic Behind the Beads?

Each bead stands for a number. When you move the beads, you’re doing maths! For example, if you move one bead, you add 

1. If you move two more, now you have.

 2 . The abacus performs division, multiplication, subtraction, and addition too. Somehow, kids will learn to perform sums, using their fingers and eyes, at sometimes quickening sums to a speed of even faster than a decent calculator.

Hold on— that’s not the best part!

It’s Not Just About Maths

Using an abacus helps your brain in many ways:

1. Better Memory: Kids who use an abacus often remember numbers faster. Why? Because they picture the beads in their heads!

2. Stronger Focus: You need to look carefully and move the right beads. This helps you pay more attention.

3. Faster Thinking: Your brain starts working like a superhero. You can solve problems quicker, not just in maths, but in daily life too.

4. More Confidence: When you get good at something, you feel proud. Kids who learn the abacus feel smart and happy.

Magic in Your Mind

After practicing on the real abacus, some children can imagine the abacus in their heads. They close their eyes and see the beads moving in their minds. This is called a mental abacus.

Even without touching anything, they can add and subtract in seconds. Isn’t that magical? But it’s not magic – it’s just good brain training!

What Do Parents Say?

In Singapore, many parents say their children became more confident in school after learning the abacus. Some kids started to enjoy maths more. In the UK, too, parents are now looking at abacus classes as a fun way to build number skills early on.

Many say their children are not only doing better in maths but are also more focused while studying. Some parents say their child now teaches them maths tricks at home!

Is It Too Hard to Learn?

A child can begin to use an abacus as early as the age of four. While it may initially seem slightly uncomfortable, soon enough, fun should prevail. Learning the abacus is a lot like learning how to ride a bike; the part of learning to ride is awkward and wobbly, and suddenly you are on board completely! There are games, songs, and online types of classes to make learning the abacus fun and gradually get a learner into the abacus world.

Should You Try It?

Yes! If you’re a parent and looking for a cool way to help your child get smarter, an abacus is certainly a good option. And if you’re a child and want to feel like a number wizard, please try the abacus.

It is not just about maths. It is about making a smart, strong brain ready to learn anything.

So, if you see a board with colours beads, don’t think of it just as a toy.