What is abacus-based math?
Simple structure, infinite possibilities:
The abacus tool is a simple structure with a series of rods each containing 5 counters. The rods represent various units of measures like ones, tens, hundreds, and so on. Through the movement of counters on rods inside the abacus tool, students learn how to perform foundational mathematical operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Minimal involvement, thumb and pointer:
Only two fingers are needed to move abacus beads up and down the apparatus. With these two fingers, you can compute millions, billions, trillions and more depending on the number of rods comprising the abacus.
The imaginary abacus, always with you:
The abacus method of learning is effective because it teaches students ultimately how to perform mathematical computation through visualization of an abacus. After some time of physical abacus practice, the imaginary abacus develops in your head. It goes with you anywhere you go. Whatever you do, you cannot help but use it. This is called Anzan (mental math).
why invest in abacus instruction?
Builds Confidence
Increases Concentration
Increases Concentration
Mental Math skills using imaginary abacus are phenomenal. Students perform way above grade level at school. That gives a head start for advanced math in higher grades. Students gain tremendous confidence in classrooms.
Increases Concentration
Increases Concentration
Increases Concentration
As part of abacus practice, each number is carefully studied. This approach helps students build strong concentration skills. This is further developed through Dictation and Flash Anzan techniques [see FAQ] taught in our intermediate and advanced programs.
Develops Dexterity
Increases Concentration
Stimulates Whole-Brain Development
With speed and accuracy, using two fingers to control abacus beads develops dexterity. It strengthens fine motor skills with excellent hand-eye coordination, which are only developed in early years.
Stimulates Whole-Brain Development
Stimulates Whole-Brain Development
Stimulates Whole-Brain Development
Abacus learners ultimately process written number and abacus beads as mental images. The processing speed of those images is so fast that it expands working memories and cognitive capabilities.
Teaches Endurance
Stimulates Whole-Brain Development
Teaches Endurance
The abacus learning journey offers exams and competitions at each student’s own pace. In a safe, supportive environment, students learn to challenge themselves, achieve goals, and build tenacity that benefits all areas of life.
About us
Online Lessons
Experienced Instructor
Experienced Instructor
Joyful Abacus School provides online lessons accessible to individuals worldwide, with in-person classes available in limited capacity. Our adaptable lesson schedule presents a variety of options (refer to the Schedule), catering to both individual learners and home-schooling groups.
Experienced Instructor
Experienced Instructor
Experienced Instructor
Our instructor, Akiko Amano, Ph.D. has taught college-level math and engineering subjects. After realizing the need of strong computational skills in elementary math, she decided to train children with abacus-based math. She runs her abacus instruction in partner with teachers at the Kawakami School in Japan.
Supportive Environment
Experienced Instructor
Supportive Environment
Our small group lessons are designed to be inclusive and supportive of each student’s unique learning needs. Students are encouraged to be inquisitive and ask questions both inside and outside our weekly lesson. Our program ensures an environment that welcomes students of all ages, genders, and races.
meet our instructor
Akiko Amano, originally from Osaka, earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Oregon Health & Science University. She has a strong background in machine learning and audio signal processing, and previously worked on hearing aid and cochlear implant research at the House Research Institute in Los Angeles. In 2023, inspired by her own abacus experience and parenting, she founded Joyful Abacus School LLC, offering abacus instruction in Japanese and English to students in Washington and beyond through online and in-person classes.
