Throughout my journey with the abacus, I’ve discovered some pretty amazing benefits that have made a big impact on my life. I started learning when I was 5 years old and kept at it for 8 years. Now, as a high school student, I’m excited to share the five great benefits I’ve gained. Here’s what I’ve discovered from my experience.
1. Mental Math Skills:
Learning the abacus has significantly boosted my mental math abilities. While other students might reach for a calculator, I can often solve problems in my head. For example, my mental math proficiency (Dan level 9) involves solving 4-digit by 4-digit multiplication in my head. Even now, I can handle most calculations required for subjects like math, physics, and chemistry mentally. Being able to do mental math helps me solve problems faster and try out different approaches quickly.
2. Improved Concentration:
The abacus requires a high level of concentration to place the beads accurately and quickly. I’ve been practicing this skill since I was very young, and it has helped me maintain long periods of focus on tasks I enjoy. This skill has been crucial in various aspects of my life.
3. Excelling in Math:
The abacus has given me a strong foundation in math, allowing me to advance quickly in school. Starting this fall, I’ll be in 11th grade, but I’ve already completed all the math credits needed for science students in high school, finishing with AP Calculus BC. Since I was three grades ahead in math during elementary school, I was able to start with Precalculus as a freshman. For the remaining two years, I plan to take math courses at a nearby university, which will give me an advantage when applying to STEM-focused colleges.
4. Building Self-Confidence:
Knowing that I’m good at math has significantly boosted my self-confidence. While I don’t often talk about it, I’m fully aware that my mental math skills are quite exceptional compared to my peers. This confidence comes from years of practice and mastery of the abacus, which has sharpened my ability to perform complex calculations quickly and accurately.
5. Teaching Abacus to Kids:
Although I’m not yet 18 and can’t officially become a certified abacus instructor in Japan, I meet all the qualifications. This summer, I’ve been teaching kids at a local library as part of the Summer Abacus Challenge Program. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them improve. I’d love to share the benefits of abacus learning with a greater audience.
Conclusion:
I’m truly grateful for having learned the abacus at a young age. In the U.S., many children struggle with math, but learning the abacus can help them understand numbers better, develop a love for math, and build confidence. Even if they don’t aim for the highest level like I did, they can still improve their math skills, concentration, mental math abilities, and experience of sense of accomplishment. Of course, mastering the abacus requires time and effort, but the benefits last a lifetime. This is why I hope to spread the joy of abacus learning to many more children.
