Soroban Abacus and Mind Math

Soroban Abacus is the name of the Japanese abacus, used for 450 years. When used by an expert, the soroban is capable of difficult calculations, but at a more basic level it can also be a useful tool in general mathematics education. It enables figures to be represented in a concrete visual way, which can help students’ grasp of numbers, particularly in understanding place value, doing addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

The Japanese Soroban Abacus is a device to which helps students develop fast mental math skills. An abacus device, also called a Counting Frame, is a simple device for calculating, consisting of a frame with rods along which beads are slid to calculate mathematical problems.

 This program comprises of two parts namely:

1. Abacus calculation using abacus tool, and
2. Mind Math or Anzan by visualizing abacus in head

 Abacus calculation is the method of computation using the Abacus. Abacus calculation is a Skill. A child goes through the following phases to master the abacus.

1. Cognitive Phase
2. Acceptance Phase
3. Practice Phase
4. Proficiency Phase
5. Autonomous Phase
6. Expression Phase

 Mind Math or Anzan is the abacus system of mental calculation where children mentally visualize an abacus to do calculations. No physical abacus is used; only the answers are written down. Calculations can be made at great speed in this way.

As they learn, students will be taught Anzan or mind math calculations. They are encouraged to incorporate mind math method along with the regular abacus method. While using mind math, a child will visualize the abacus and only make finger movements without using actual abacus. Children first read a number and set it on their mind abacus. While visualizing and remembering it there, they have to focus on the next number, take it to their mind abacus and perform the operation (add, subtract, multiply, or divide) as per the command on their paper. Then they have to hold this new intermediate answer in their mind while they read the next number and follow the necessary operation once more. Exercises will be given in class and homework practice to be done using mind math method. Logic and calculation are left brain functions and visualizing is a right brain function. Thus, by learning to use soroban children are able to stimulate their entire brain while perfecting their mind math skills.