The Abacus – A Wonderful Old Tool for Smart Calculations

Long before calculators and computers were invented, people across the world used a simple counting tool called the abacus. It was made of a wooden frame with rods, and beads that could be moved up and down. Even today, the abacus is used to teach children how to calculate faster and think clearly.

How It Works:

Every rod represents a place value:

-Ones

-Tens

-Hundreds

-Thousands

When we move beads, we are actually adding or subtracting numbers. Children learn to use both hands and eyes together. This builds a strong connection between the brain and numbers.

Why Students Learn Abacus Today

Many schools and learning centres across the world teach abacus because of its powerful and long-lasting benefits for a child’s brain development. Abacus training not only makes children faster at calculations but also strengthens their concentration and confidence in mathematics. With regular practice, students gradually move from using physical beads to visualising the abacus in their mind. This advanced skill is known as the Mental Abacus, where children can “see” the beads mentally and calculate answers with remarkable speed and accuracy.

Key Benefits of Learning Abacus:

• Sharpens the mind and boosts overall brain activity

• Increases speed and accuracy in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

• Improves focus, concentration, and memory power

• Develops strong mental calculation skills without using fingers, paper, or calculator

Children who learn abacus don’t just improve in the classroom—they carry this powerful skill into their everyday lives. Whether it’s counting money while shopping, quickly checking the correct change, calculating scores during games, or solving their maths homework faster, the abacus sharpens their thinking in real-life situations. It also strengthens memory, helping children remember numbers with ease and confidence. Over time, this practice becomes a natural habit, transforming maths from a subject of fear into one of enjoyment and curiosity.

Interesting Facts

-The abacus is more than 2000 years old.
-It was used in China, Japan, Russia, and India.
-In the ancient markets, shopkeepers used abacus for calculations.
-Abacus experts can calculate faster than calculators in some competitions!

Even in a world full of technology, the abacus still has a strong place in learning. It is not only a calculating tool, but a method to train the brain. Children who practice abacus regularly become confident, fast, and accurate in mathematics. This old invention continues to help new generations become smart with numbers.

Article by- Poornima