Abacus is the oldest calculation tool. It is one of the most essential calculating equipment ever created. It was used for centuries before the Hindu-Arabic numeral system was adopted in the ancient Near East, Europe, China, and Russia. Simple arithmetical functions can be learned quickly using an abacus. It consists of beads arranged in rods of wires embedded in a wooden or plastic frame.
Students learn to imagine beads on the abacus and mentally move them about, which engages the brain's right side, or "creative side." Simultaneously, mathematical computations are performed using the "logical" left side of the brain. This balance of creativity and logic supports in the overall development of the brain. Students benefit from this multisensory learning strategy. Children can use more of their brains than ever before by quickly learning to operate the abacus and participating in games that develop memory and focus.
