abacus training and working memory

How Abacus Training Strengthens a Child’s Working Memory for Academic Success

Have you ever noticed that your child understands a lesson perfectly in class but forgets it shortly after? This is a common challenge caused by working memory limitations.

Working memory is the brain’s ability to hold and manipulate information for short periods. It’s critical for tasks like following instructions, solving problems, reading comprehension, and remembering spelling. For Nigerian parents, understanding this connection can make a huge difference in a child’s academic journey. This is where abacus training and working memory come in.

At SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy, we don’t just teach children maths—we train their brains to retain, process, and recall information efficiently.

What Working Memory Means in Simple Terms

Think of working memory like a mental notepad. When children read a sentence, solve a problem, or follow instructions, their working memory temporarily stores the information to use it immediately.

If this mental notepad is weak, children may:

  • Forget instructions quickly
  • Struggle with multi-step maths problems
  • Have difficulty retaining new information for exams

Abacus training strengthens this mental notepad, allowing children to handle complex tasks with ease.

How Abacus Exercises Activate Both Hemispheres of the Brain

Abacus learning isn’t just about counting beads. It activates both the left and right sides of the brain:

  • Left hemisphere: Logical thinking, calculations, and sequential reasoning
  • Right hemisphere: Visualization, memory, and creative problem-solving

When children practice mental abacus, they visualize bead positions, recall numbers instantly, and manipulate them mentally. This dual-brain activation significantly improves working memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.

Why Children Forget Instructions—and How Abacus Helps

Many children struggle in school not because they can’t learn, but because their working memory isn’t strong enough to hold and use information effectively.

Abacus training helps by:

  • Strengthening short-term memory pathways
  • Improving attention span and focus
  • Encouraging children to mentally manipulate information

With consistent practice, children can follow multi-step instructions easily, remember lessons longer, and excel in classroom activities.

Long-Term Academic Advantages for Nigerian Pupils

Children with strong working memory experience benefits beyond maths:

  • Better reading comprehension and spelling
  • Improved problem-solving and reasoning skills
  • Greater confidence during tests and exams
  • Easier adaptation to curriculum changes

These skills are especially important in Nigeria, where academic expectations are high and students often face challenging multi-step problems in exams.

How SIMA Abacus Trains Memory Systematically

At SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy, we use structured programs to progressively develop working memory:

  1. Foundational Bead Training: Introduces number recognition and manipulation
  2. Mental Calculation Activation: Children visualize and move beads mentally
  3. Memory Challenges & Exercises: Gradually increase difficulty to strengthen recall
  4. Real-Life Application: Children apply mental maths in problem-solving tasks

This step-by-step approach ensures children don’t just learn calculations—they train their brains for lifelong academic success.

Strengthen Your Child’s Mind, Not Just Their Maths Skills

“Why your child understands today but forgets tomorrow?” The answer often lies in working memory. Abacus training strengthens this vital brain function, giving children the tools to remember, focus, and excel in all areas of learning.

Investing in abacus training today is investing in your child’s academic future—a foundation that lasts a lifetime.

Help your child strengthen their working memory and academic skills today! Contact SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy.
🌐 Visit www.simaabacus.com