The key advantages of this mental arithmetic course are the frequent use of videos and brain teasers to develop children’s attention and creativity and the combination of group and individual exercises to stimulate communication and interaction between both sides of the brain. We are one of the first companies to bring mental arithmetic to Europe, and, based on our teaching experience, we have combined our fast mental maths programme with the following aspects from our Brain Fitness exercises

COURSE LENGTH

Abakus’ courses last 2 – 3 years, with the first results appears after just two months of systematic every week lessons.

LESSON FORMAT

Standard course: meetings once a week – 2 lessons* twice a week – 1 lesson* Intensive course: 3-4 lessons* a week *One lesson takes 45-60 minutes, depending on students age. Students spend 15 minutes a day on homework, using unique online portal. Lessons are designed to be fun, and include games and physical activity.

AGE

For optimum efficacy, lessons should be started at the age of 5-7. You can start as late as 16, but this will require a little more work. Sign up for an open session, and let your child give the effective Abakus system a try. ENROLL YOUR CHILD

Contents

7 ABAKUS COMPETITIONS

8 FAQ

OUR METHOD

While everyone knows what arithmetic is, mental arithmetic is not so widely known. It is a unique strategy that allows children’s intellectual and creative abilities to develop in a balanced way, helping them to reach their full potential. The ability to perform quick mental calculations is formed at an early age, when children first start school. Mental maths is essential for stimulating pupils’ mental activity. It helps them develop their memory, speech and ability to understand what they hear, and increases their attention span and reaction speed. Mental arithmetic can be carried out in three different ways:

finger-counting;
auditory/motor-based calculation (where the numbers and mathematical operations are spoken out loud while calculating);
visual calculation (the quickest and most effective method).

Our students follow these steps and at the beginning of the course they use an abacus (or counting frame). Later on, children mentally visualise an abacus to do calculations in their head.

Memory exercises: visual and auditory.
Attention exercises: focus, concentration, capacity and stability. The exercises help children concentrate on information from both visual and auditory sources.
Exercises in logic and thinking outside the box: we achieve this by providing students with additional games, learning aids and assignments, as well as video materials.
Exercises encouraging interaction between the two sides of the brain. This includes kinesiological exercises and exercises designed to speed up the thinking process.
Increased motivation. Both high-fliers and children who find learning difficult enjoy studying with us. Taking part in our lessons increases children’s love of learning.

It is well known that learning and developing new skills stimulates brain activity. The more we give our brain a workout, the better the pathways forged between the left and right sides of the brain. And, as a result, what once seemed hard or even impossible becomes simple and understandable. Research has shown that a child’s brain undergoes an amazing period of development between the ages of 4 and 12. The skills obtained at this age are easy to master and remain for years, and can therefore affect your child’s future success. The positive effect of mental arithmetic has been proven in several international studies.

In 2007 some British universities carried out research involving 3185 children aged 7 to 11 (Lynn R. & Irwing P. (2008) – Effects of Abacus training on the intelligence of Sudanese children. // Personality and Individual Differences. November 2008, pages 694-696). Regular practice using an abacus was shown to be effective, revealing improvement not only in maths but in other subjects as well. Research into the effect of mental arithmetic on children’s working memory carried out in China (Min-Sheng Chen, Chan-Tzu Wang (2011) – Effect of mental abacus training on working memory for children // Journal of the Chinese Institute of Industrial Engineers 09/2011; 28 (6): 450-457) demonstrated a significant improvement in visual memory among the participants. 50 children aged 5 to 12 took part in research in India in 2002-2004 (Bhaskaran M., Senottaiyan A., (2006) Evaluation of memory in abacus learners. Indian J Physiol. Pharmacol., 50 (3), 225-233). A mental arithmetic course improved the children’s visual and auditory memory, concentration and focus. Mental arithmetic therefore facilitates:

The development of interaction between the right and left sides of the brain.
Improved academic performance and creativity.
Increased confidence and self-esteem.
Improved focus and concentration.
An enhanced ability to learn foreign languages.

OUR BOOKS

Every parent wants their children to grow up to be healthy and successful, and the Abakus mental arithmetic programme provides one more step towards this dream becoming reality. It helps children to develop a range of practical skills: focus and concentration, quick mental arithmetic, visual, auditory and verbal memory, intellectual flexibility and the ability to think outside the box. The Abakus mental arithmetic programme not only helps to develop children’s intellectual and creative abilities in a balanced way, but also allows them to fulfil their potential, paving the way for future academic success, creative development and a happy future. The programme significantly increases children’s information acquisition skills, and as a result improves their performance at school and their self-confidence and self-esteem. These workbooks is aimed at parents, nursery staff and primary school teachers, as well as anyone who works with children and who is interested in the issues surrounding children’s intellectual development.

Introduction

This is a unique book, which will help you to get to know the amazing world of mental arithmetic. It contains the answers to all your questions: what mental arithmetic involves and how it originated, what an abacus is for and how to make the most of it, how to unlock a child’s hidden genius, how to develop your brain and, of course, how to grasp the basics of mental arithmetic easily, independently and without losing interest.

Teachers Book. Addition and subtraction

This book consist of recommendation for teachers of mental arithmetic addition and subtraction.

Teachers Book. Multiplication and Division

This book consist of recommendation for teachers of mental arithmetic multiplication and division.

0 Addiction & Subtraction

A mental arithmetic workbook on addition and subtraction. Ages 4-6.

0 Exercises

A mental arithmetic exercises on addition and subtraction. Ages 4-6.

1 Addiction & Subtraction

A mental arithmetic workbook on addition and subtraction. Level 1.

1 Exercises

A mental arithmetic exercises on addition and subtraction. Level 1.

1 Mental Calculation

Exercises for mental calculation. Level 1.

2 Addiction & Subtraction

A mental arithmetic workbook on addition and subtraction. Level 2.

2 Mental Calculation

Exercises for mental calculation. Level 2.

3 Multiplication Table

You can already add and subtract two-digit and three-digit numbers on an abacus with ease. You can add up in your head. This workbook will help you reinforce your mental arithmetic skills and teach you multiplication tables.

3 Multiplication & Division

A mental arithmetic workbook on multiplication and division. This workbook will help you reinforce your mental arithmetic skills and teach you how to multiply and divide using an abacus. Level 3.

4 Multiplication & Division

A mental arithmetic workbook on multiplication and division. Level 4.

5 Multiplication & Division

A mental arithmetic workbook on multiplication and division. Level 5.

OUR PROGRAMME

The mental arithmetic programme taught at Abakus centres complies with international standards. We are constantly improving the method to ensure it remains interesting to new generations of students and parents. So, what does your child gain from the standard 2-2.5-year Abakus programme, which leads on to the basic competition level?

Preparatory level (3-5 months)

Introduction to numbers 1-9 and two-digit numbers. Hand positioning (how to write numbers), development of fine motor skills and interaction between two sides of the brain, speech development.
Abakus counting:

Introduction to the abacus.
Introduction to numbers 1-9 and two-digit numbers.
Adding and subtracting two-digit numbers using the simple method.

Group games and Brain Fitness exercises:

Improved concentration and attention span, visual thinking, photographic and auditory memory through images (flashcards) and mental counting.
Development of maths skills, logic and spatial reasoning puzzles.
Development of maths skills, logic and spatial reasoning puzzles.
Reduced inhibition.
Children develop a love for maths and learning in general. The lessons make children more motivated to study.

Level 1 (5-7 months)

AAbakus counting:

Addition and subtraction: performing calculations with various combinations of one-digit numbers (6+8-2+3+9+4-7+8-5).
Improved finger dexterity.

Mental counting:

One-digit number exercises (5+7-2+6).
Development of concentration and attention span, visual thinking, photographic and auditory memory through mental counting.

3. Group games and Brain Fitness exercises:

Development of maths skills, logic and spatial reasoning puzzles.
Improved sharpness, attention and powers of observation.
Increased motivation to study.

Level 2 (2-3 months)

1. Abakus counting:

Addition and subtraction: combining one- and two-digit numbers (27+5-14+9+67-3+82-5+16-9).

2. Mental counting:

One-digit number exercises (8+3-6+8-2).
Multiplication tables.
Development of concentration and attention span, visual thinking, photographic and auditory memory through mental counting.

3. Group games and Brain Fitness exercises:

Development of maths skills, logic and spatial reasoning puzzles.
Improved sharpness, attention and powers of observation.
Increased motivation to study.

Level 3 (5-6 months)

1. Abakus counting:

Addition and subtraction: combining two-digit numbers (86+54-25+46+98-31+79-64+76-59).
Multiplication: two-digit and three-digit numbers by one-digit numbers (65 x 8, 893 x 4).
Division: dividing two-digit and three-digit numbers by one-digit numbers (96 ÷ 9; 332 ÷ 4).

2. Mental counting:

One- and two-digit number exercises (7+8-2+5-6+7); (4+28-4+95).
Development of visual thinking, photographic and auditory/verbal memory through mental counting.

3. Group games and Brain Fitness exercises:

Development of maths skills, logic and spatial reasoning puzzles.
Improved sharpness, attention and powers of observation.
Increased motivation to study.

Level 4 (2-4 months)

1. Abakus counting:

Addition and subtraction: combining two- and three-digit numbers (314-72+765-97+546+23-375+37+457-21).
Multiplication: multiplying two-digit numbers by two-digit numbers (91 x 85).
Division: dividing three-digit and four-digit numbers by one-digit numbers (4743 ÷ 9).

2. Mental counting:

One-digit number exercises (8+4-3+8-1+9-3).
Exercises combining one- and two-digit numbers (56-3+94+9-4).
Development of visual thinking, photographic and auditory/verbal memory through mental counting.

3. Group games and Brain Fitness exercises:

Development of maths skills, logic and spatial reasoning puzzles.
Improved sharpness, attention and powers of observation.
Increased motivation to study.

Level 5 (4-5 months)

1. Abakus counting:

Addition and subtraction: decimals (47.84+0.36-1.46+34.09+3.95+7.29-54.29+12.48+4.95-2.49).
Multiplication: three-digit numbers by two-digit numbers (612×59).
Division: three- and four-digit numbers by two-digit numbers (1184÷16).

2. Mental counting:

Development of visual thinking, photographic and auditory/verbal memory through mental counting: (67+39-28+58); (65×8); (621÷9).

3. Group games and Brain Fitness exercises:

Development of maths skills, logic and spatial reasoning puzzles.
Improved sharpness, attention and powers of observation.
Increased motivation to study.

Our mental arithmetic course takes the flaws of the education system into account. Children find studying it easy and enjoyable. That’s how a love for knowledge and the foundations for successful education are formed!

ABAKUS COMPETITIONS

There are three kinds of competitions in which our students can participate:

Abakus Championship;
Abakus Olympic Games;
Abakus Summer Championship

Abakus Competitions provides a unique opportunity to test out children’s mental arithmetic prowess and overall logical development. “Our children were delighted to win Abakus Olympic Games! They are now celebrating with their new friends and, of course, they want to get even better! The contest provides strong motivation to continue development, to study hard and to achieve even greater success. We are definitely planning to return next year”. These are the words of some parents, whose children took part in one of Abakus Competitions. When they return to their hometown, for sure they will work on their mental arithmetic with even greater commitment! Abakus Competitions provide an opportunity for parents to enter their children in a high-quality international educational competition, giving them a chance to prove themselves and expand their horizons. Parents are always eager to hear their child’s final result. And we do everything we can for each child in our network, to ensure they receive the best teaching and have the best possible opportunity to show what they can do. Everyone who follows our mental arithmetic programme will fall in love with our centres from the very beginning, becoming part of the big Abakus Center family.

Mental Arithmetic Olympiad

Abakus – Mental Arithmetic Olympiad in Warsaw 2019

Abakus – Mental Arithmetic Olympiad in Warsaw 2018

Abakus – Competition

FAQ

1. What is the best age to start?

For optimum results, it is best to start the training at around five or six years old. Research shows that your brain develops most intensively up until the age of 12. During this period children’s brains are ‘plastic’ (able to self-correct), promoting the growth of brain cells and the formation of neural connections between them. Those older than 12 can also follow the programme, but progress will be a little slower.

2. Will it improve maths results at school?

Despite its name, the main aim of mental arithmetic is not to teach a child to do calculations or solve mathematical problems. The main aim of the mental arithmetic course is the development of all aspects of the brain’s work, and a developed brain can handle problems more easily, leading to improved performance in all school subjects.

3. Can adults also use this method?

Yes. In the USA this method is used to stave off Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This programme can be seen as a workout for the brain. The only difference is that adults have to train harder and more persistently. Just like in sport, the earlier you start and lay the foundations, the better the results. If you start later, with no natural ability, it just takes hard work: you will still see results. Currently, the Abakus Center do not offer courses for adults, but we are working intensively on the program dedicated to grown-ups.

4. How big are the groups of students?

Instructors can teach up to 10-12 children effectively in a single group. Our groups contain no more than 7-10 people.

5. How does the mental arithmetic programme differ from standard development programmes for children?

The goal of our programme is not just teaching how to count fast. The unique feature of this method is that it develops both sides of the brain in a balanced way. A developed brain is a platform for success in the future: children will be more independent and will find studying easier, and their performance will improve.

6. How long does it take to learn mental arithmetic to see results?

Each child follows the programme at his or her own speed. This is another unique feature of the teaching method – it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. To learn addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using an abacus requires on average 8-12 months. The lessons are one hour long and are held twice a week, plus 15 minutes of homework a day. Systematic learning is also very important, we recommend 15 minutes of homework a day.

7. Lessons last one hour or more. Isn’t it to long for children?

Children do not only do calculation for the whole hour, as they would get bored and the teaching would become less effective. For this reason, the lessons feature a variety of inspiring games. In addition, they do exercises to improve memory and attention span and exercises for the eyes and posture.

8. There are no mental arithmetic courses in our city – is it possible to study independently or online?

If there are no mental arithmetic classes in your city, please contact us. We will try to organize an online lesson, depending on the availability of our teachers.