Many Nigerian children start maths the same way—counting fingers, slowing down, and second-guessing themselves. While this is normal at the early stage, staying stuck there often leads to poor confidence and slow thinking.
What most parents don’t realise is that abacus learning transforms children from counting fingers into confident mental calculators by rewiring how the brain processes numbers.
At SIMA Abacus, we see this shift happen every single term.
Why Finger Counting Holds Children Back
Finger counting may seem harmless, but it creates limitations:
- Slow calculation speed
- Dependence on physical aids
- Difficulty handling complex sums
- Anxiety during timed tests
When fingers are no longer enough, children panic.
The real issue isn’t intelligence—it’s how the brain is trained to think.
How Abacus Learning Changes the Thinking Process
Abacus learning introduces children to:
- Visual representation of numbers
- Structured mental steps
- Logical movement-based calculation
Instead of guessing or memorising, children see numbers in their minds.
Over time, the physical abacus disappears and the brain takes over.
This is called mental visualisation, a powerful cognitive skill.
Rewiring the Brain Through Visual Maths
Abacus training activates:
- The left brain (logic and calculation)
- The right brain (visualisation and imagination)
This whole-brain engagement helps children:
- Calculate faster
- Recall information better
- Switch between problems smoothly
Educational studies on cognitive development show that visual-based learning strengthens neural connections related to problem-solving and memory (outbound reference: educational psychology research).
The Moment Finger Counting Stops
One of the most exciting moments for parents is when:
- Fingers go down
- Eyes focus
- Answers come quickly
This moment builds massive confidence.
Children realise:
“I don’t need my fingers anymore. I can think.”
You can also explore how this confidence grows in our related post on how abacus builds calm and confident learners (internal link).
Speed Without Pressure
A common fear parents have is speed equals pressure.
In abacus learning, speed comes from:
- Understanding, not rushing
- Repetition, not cramming
- Confidence, not fear
That’s why children trained with abacus often appear calm—even when answering fast.
Why This Skill Goes Beyond Maths
Once finger counting is replaced with mental processing, children begin to:
- Read faster
- Follow instructions better
- Solve problems independently
The brain learns how to think, not just what to calculate.
Why SIMA Abacus Gets It Right
At SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy, we:
- Start at each child’s pace
- Build skills step by step
- Remove fear from learning
Our method ensures children grow from physical counting to mental mastery naturally and confidently.
If your child still relies on finger counting, it’s not a failure—it’s a sign they need better mental tools.
Abacus learning transforms children from counting fingers to thinking clearly, quickly, and confidently.
Give your child the gift of mental speed and confidence.
Visit www.simaabacus.com to get started today.