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 challenges students with exams and competitions at a pace suited to individual’s needs. In a safe and supportive environment, students learn how to push themselves to achieve goals and develop tenacity that will benefit them in many aspects of their life.
About us
Online Lessons
Experienced Instructor
Experienced Instructor
Joyful Abacus School offers online lessons that anyone can take from anywhere in the world. In-person classes are offered limited numbers. Our flexible lesson schedule offers many options to choose from (see Schedule). Our program is suitable for individual scholars as well as home-schooling groups.
Experienced Instructor
Experienced Instructor
Experienced Instructor
Our instructor, Akiko Amano, grew up learning abacus-math in Japan. She holds a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering and 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 inst
Our instructor, Akiko Amano, grew up learning abacus-math in Japan. She holds a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering and 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.
a Message from your instructor
I grew up learning abacus math in Japan. Looking back now, I am convinced my abacus practice directly contributed to my overall fascination with numbers and helped me become a more curious and persistent individual. While excelling at Anzan (mental math) is not guaranteed to foster interests in science and technology as it has for me, the discipline learned through this practice can transfer to almost any aspect of life. It is my hope that your child will experience these tremendous benefits from studying abacus math with me and master techniques for managing future challenges. It would be my pleasure to partner with your child in his or her abacus learning journey and be there along the way to encourage as well as celebrate their accomplishments. I look forward to getting to know your child and your family.
親として習い事を選ぶとき、私自身、先生の人柄を重視しています。子供が先生に憧れて、尊敬できるのなら、一緒に歩んでいくその時間は、素晴らしいものになります。Joyful Abacus School に来てくれる子供達にとって、先生として一緒に悩み、一緒に喜んであげられるような存在になれますように。今まで出来なかったことが、出来たという喜びは、誰にとっても喜びであり、皆が励まし、励まされる場を作っていきたいです。日本語でも対応していますので、それぞれお子様にあった言語(英語か日本語)をお選びください。昔、そろばんを習っていた、またはやったことないけどやってみたい、という大人の方も歓迎します。まずは、体験レッスンでお待ちしています。
