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Why Asian Kids Are Smart in Math
We all, as parents, wish our kids are smart in Math. Pretty much
like the Asian kids. Today’s world has acknowledged the superiority and
ingeniousity of the math skills of Asian kids. We as parents or teachers always
indulge in the discussions of rote memorizing the times tables which results in
dull boring way to tutor our children. Asians on the other hand have been using
age old technique of Abacus education.
Abacus education fits right in this modern world. Abacus as a tool is used in
many Asian schools, public and private, to teach children aged 3 through 8 the
basic of mathematics. Abacus allows children to learn numbers and calculations
with fun. When a child uses his/her finger to move the beads on the abacus, the
collaboration between finger movements and brain creates a pictorial memory in
the child’s mind. When using the abacus the child makes use of both his hands
and this movement spurs both parts of the brain the left and the right part
together and initiates development of the cells. Abacus nurtures the minds of
children making them quicker and more accurate. Abacus mental math is that
wherein the child visualizes the image of the abacus in his mind and then
calculates accordingly.
The abacus is the perfect way to make your child understand number systems. The
abacus can adopt itself to any base system and allows you to quickly perform
calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division – even
with decimal places. If you want your child to realize his potential and utilize
it too then you need to put them on correct path of learning to be able to
facilitate this. Math can be pretty daunting but if your child is able to master
it then his confidence will grow manifold.
Obviously you don’t envisage a future for your child totally dependent on the
electronic calculator even for the smallest calculation. The present education
scenario is fast leading to that. That is why many schools in Asia and elsewhere
too have adopted the abacus formally for teaching mathematics.
Using the abacus also:
Fosters a greater sense of numbers.
Helps develop an intuitive understanding of numbers through their concrete
representation.
Fosters one's trust in the process of calculation by enabling one to observe it
in action.
Manifests the concept of decimal places and the progression of units by tens
physically.
Instantly accomplishes addition and subtraction when numbers are placed on the
abacus.
Improves understanding of compounded numbers (through the use of supplementary
numbers for 5 and 10).
Helps in developing the beneficial qualities of concentration, patience, and
endurance.
Fosters one's confidence in calculation.
Uses a left to right calculation method, which makes quick estimation and
rounding off possible.
Works on the decimal rather than fractional system, an easy progression to
digital systems.
Develops mental calculation, which is the ultimate resource.
Develops the right brain tremendously.
Leads to greater mental capacity.
Expresses large numbers simply and easily.
Provides a sense of achievement as one's proficiency improves.
Performing activities based upon the abacus will not only improve the
mathematical skills of your child but each successfully done task will boost the
confidence of the child. The problem solving capability will be gradually built
in him rather than being forced to cultivate it. You can ensure a bright future
for your child as many other parents have done that already with these books and
the abacus. And you can assure your child the confidence, endurance when it
comes to performing math calculations.
About the Author:
Dhaval Shrimankar is a Fairfax VA based tutor and he focuses on mental arithmetic. For more information on Abacus Education visit http://www.nurtureminds.com/