Technology has made everything easier — even maths. With just a few clicks on a calculator, answers appear instantly. But here’s a question many Nigerian parents are now asking: Is that really helping our children think better?
When it comes to developing young minds, there’s a huge difference between using an abacus and using a calculator. While one stimulates the brain to think, the other simply provides answers. At SIMA Abacus, we believe that children who learn abacus gain mental power far beyond basic calculation skills.
The Abacus: Training the Brain to Think, Not Copy
The abacus is more than a counting tool — it’s a brain gym. Each time a child moves the beads, they activate both the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
- The left brain handles logic and numbers.
- The right brain manages creativity, memory, and imagination.
Through continuous practice, children begin to visualize the abacus in their minds — a technique known as mental arithmetic. This mental visualization builds focus, sharpens memory, and boosts problem-solving skills.
Science says so!
Studies by the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Journal show that abacus learners develop faster numerical memory and cognitive flexibility compared to non-learners.
Calculators: Quick Answers, Weak Thinking
Calculators, on the other hand, replace thinking with tapping. When children depend on them early, they miss the opportunity to train their brains in logical reasoning and calculation speed.
Over time, this dependency can lead to:
- Reduced mental focus
- Lower retention ability
- Difficulty understanding number patterns
- Slower problem-solving in exams
As one Nigerian teacher put it, “Children who rely on calculators often struggle to explain how they got their answers.”
The abacus does the opposite — it helps children understand numbers, not just memorize them.
The Real-Life Advantage: Abacus Kids Excel Everywhere
At SIMA Abacus, we’ve seen children who started with low math confidence grow into top performers in their classes.
For instance, Daniel, a 9-year-old student from Lagos, could barely add double digits without counting fingers. Within six months of abacus training, he was solving 10-digit sums mentally — faster than his parents could type them into a calculator!
This level of mental speed and accuracy boosts not only math results but also self-esteem and academic focus.
Why the Abacus Is Better for the Nigerian Child
In a world full of distractions, abacus training gives children a natural mental edge. It develops patience, focus, and resilience — traits essential for success in Nigeria’s competitive education system.
While calculators may provide instant results, abacus training builds something far more valuable: a strong, confident, and intelligent mind capable of lifelong learning.
Choose Beads Over Buttons
When your child uses an abacus, they’re not just learning math — they’re developing their brain’s full potential. Calculators may give quick answers, but abacus training creates thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers.
At SIMA Abacus & Mental Maths Academy, we help children discover that the best calculator is the one inside their minds.
Help your child unlock their brainpower today!
Call: +2348135178604 or +2347017275320
Email: simaabacus@gmail.com
Visit: www.simaabacus.com