FAQ About The Abacus
FAQ About The Abacus
What is an Abacus?
An Abacus is a manual aid for calculating which consists of beads that can be moved up and down on a
series of sticks or strings within a usually wooden frame. The Abacus itself doesn't calculate; it's merely a
device for helping a human being calculate by remembering what has been counted.
The type of Abacus most commonly used today was invented in China around the 2nd century B.C.
However, Abacus-like devices are first attested from ancient Mesopotamia around 2700 B.C.!
The Abacus (plural abaci or abacuses), also called a counting frame, is a calculating tool used in the
ancient Near East, Europe, China, and Russia, centuries before the adoption of the written Arabic
numeral system. The exact origin of the Abacus is still unknown.
• Concentration
• Listening Skills
• Memory, Speed
• Accuracy
• Creativity
• Self Confidence
Yes, an abacus is an excellent tool for teaching children basic math. The different senses involved in using
an abacus, like sight and touch, can also reinforce the lessons.