Number Joy with Abacus Learning: Why is it Essential?
It has been proved by researches that human intelligence is greatly influenced by external environment and isn't just dependent on family genes. Intelligence refers to the ability of a human mind to unravel problems. Abacus math is fundamental in the budding years of a child. It forms a stronger image in a child's mind and lets the child have a rich logic of basic math. A child often starts to visualize the abacus and perform calculations in mind if he/she is involved in learning with an abacus. This action itself, of creating a virtual image in the mind helps enhance memory and sharpen cerebral construction of a child.
What is Abacus?
Abacus is the oldest known computer to humans aging back to more than 2000 years. Even in this digital age, abacus remains a favorite tool for calculation. The basic abacus set up has been recognized globally as an effective tool for math education and skill augmentation. Abacus learning has been proven to boost reflexes, quicken calculation and a much improved command in Math. These learning programs are designed in a way that they help nurture a child's intelligence.
How Abacus Helps?
Any child who knows basic counting from 1 to 10 is technically qualified to be using abacus learning program. For regular Math, a child requires very limited memory and brain power to engage into and solve arithmetic problems. In comparison, a child using abacus learning has a much stronger logic and reasoning. It also makes the child more attentive towards information. Abacus learning has also been known to strengthen intellectual formation and boost confidence at the same time. Also, over time, these positive effects tend to influence other children involved too.
Why Abacus?
In this day and age, when everything is possible at the click of a button (internet, calculator, computer), what is the necessity of learning through an abacus? Abacus learning is essential for children in growing years as it plays an instrumental role in forming a wholly functional brain and life skills. Using an abacus requires co-ordination of different senses of the body. Sight, sound and hand co-ordination are needed. The mind undergoes physical and logical development at the same time. It requires strong visualization that stimulates brain development at an early age. More importantly it is a great tool in removing the fear of numbers in children.
The Challenges
Abacus Learning traditionally consists of several levels (between 8-10 levels). It takes a child approximately two years to get through these levels and completely learn how to use an abacus. It is however a challenging task. Many students withdraw before reaching a level of proficiency. This can be avoided if parental support and a positive reinforcement is consistently available to the child. This, almost always leads to the child doing well and experiencing accomplishments at a very early age which in turn enhances self-esteem in a major way. There is often a dramatic improvement in children's skills and brain functioning once they engage in abacus learning.