What is an Abacus?
The abacus is an ancient calculating tool used for performing arithmetic operations through the movement of beads. Unlike a calculator that only gives answers, the abacus helps children understand numbers, visualize calculations, and develop strong mathematical thinking skills.
The Soroban Abacus
At BTL, we use the Soroban Abacus, the Japanese version of the abacus. It evolved from the Chinese Suanpan Abacus and was refined in Japan into a faster and more efficient calculation tool. The Soroban is widely used in Japan and around the world for mental math training.
Why Do We Use the Soroban?
Soroban training goes far beyond simple counting by providing a structured method that sharpens a child's calculation speed and accuracy. By visualizing the beads, children build strong concentration, enhance their number sense, and learn to visualize math problems mentally. This comprehensive approach trains young minds to think and solve problems efficiently, building lasting confidence in their mathematical abilities.