Many children can recite multiplication tables and formulas, yet still struggle with basic maths understanding. This often frustrates parents.
The missing piece is usually number sense—and abacus training builds number sense in a way traditional classroom teaching often does not.
What Is Number Sense (In Simple Terms)?
Number sense is a child’s natural understanding of numbers.
A child with strong number sense can:
- Understand quantities easily
- Estimate answers correctly
- See relationships between numbers
- Know when an answer “makes sense”
Without number sense, maths becomes memorization instead of understanding.
Why Many Children Lack Number Sense
In many schools, maths focuses on:
- Memorizing formulas
- Repeating procedures
- Passing exams
Children learn what to do, but not why numbers behave the way they do. As a result, they:
- Guess answers
- Panic when questions look different
- Struggle with mental maths
This is why some children score well sometimes, but fail when questions change slightly.
How Abacus Training Builds True Number Understanding
Abacus training teaches children to see and feel numbers, not just write them.
1. Visual Representation of Numbers
On the abacus, numbers are physical and visible. Children understand size, value, and place—not just symbols on paper.
2. Understanding Quantity and Place Value
Abacus lessons naturally reinforce ones, tens, hundreds, and beyond. This helps children grasp place value deeply.
3. Mental Visualization
As children progress, they imagine the abacus mentally. This strengthens internal number understanding and flexible thinking.
Why Strong Number Sense Improves Maths Performance
Children with strong number sense:
- Detect mistakes quickly
- Solve problems faster
- Adapt to new question types
- Feel confident with large numbers
Maths stops being scary and starts making sense.
Why This Is Crucial for Nigerian Children
In Nigerian classrooms and exams:
- Questions are often timed
- Problem-solving is emphasized
- Small errors can cost many marks
Children with strong number sense handle these challenges calmly because they understand numbers, not just procedures.
Beyond Maths: Lifelong Thinking Skills
Strong number sense also improves:
- Logical reasoning
- Problem-solving ability
- Decision-making skills
- Confidence in learning
These are skills children use far beyond the classroom.
How SIMA Abacus Develops Number Sense Naturally
At SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy, we:
- Teach numbers visually and mentally
- Build understanding before speed
- Help children progress step by step
Our method ensures children don’t just calculate—they understand what they are doing.
Learn more about our child-centered approach here: https://www.simaabacus.com
What Parents Can Do Now
If your child:
- Memorizes maths but doesn’t understand it
- Gets confused when questions change
- Struggles with mental calculation
Then the real issue may be weak number sense.
Enroll your child today at www.simaabacus.com and help them build a strong mathematical foundation that lasts.