5 Surprising Benefits of Learning Abacus Maths for Kids’ Brain Development
As parents, we all want our children to succeed — not just in school, but in life. We encourage them to play sports, read books, and explore new skills. But have you ever thought about giving your child the gift of abacus maths learning?
Many parents wonder, “What is abacus?” It may look like a simple wooden frame with beads, but abacus maths has been transforming the way children think and calculate for centuries. At SEMAS Australia, we specialise in abacus education through carefully designed abacus courses like Mini Soroban, Soroban Kids, and Mastering Soroban.
Beyond quick calculations, the abacus develops powerful brain skills that prepare children for lifelong success. Here are five surprising benefits every parent should know.
1. Abacus Learning Boosts Whole-Brain Development
Activating Both Sides of the Brain
Unlike traditional maths that mostly uses logic and memorisation, abacus maths stimulates both hemispheres of the brain.
- Left brain: Handles logic, numbers, and problem-solving.
- Right brain: Manages creativity, imagination, and visualisation.
The Mental Abacus Effect
As children progress, they stop physically moving beads and begin to imagine them in their mind. This “mental abacus” practice strengthens neural pathways and builds advanced concentration skills.
Parent Insight: You may notice your child staying focused longer, becoming more attentive in class, and solving problems more creatively.
2. Abacus Maths Builds Lightning-Fast Calculation Skills
Beyond Memorisation
Abacus learning isn’t about shortcuts. It teaches children to understand number systems deeply. By visualising bead movement, they can solve complex sums quickly and accurately.
Surprising Classroom Results
Children in our Soroban Kids and Mastering Soroban programs often outperform their peers by completing mental sums in seconds — sometimes even faster than calculators.
Parent Insight: This confidence with numbers translates into smoother homework sessions, higher test scores, and reduced stress around maths.
3. Improves Memory and Concentration
Strengthening Short- and Long-Term Memory
During abacus education, children must remember bead positions, patterns, and sequences. Over time, this improves both short-term recall and long-term retention.
Benefits Beyond Maths
These memory skills extend into other subjects such as reading, science, and spelling. Children become more attentive, less forgetful, and more engaged in their studies.
Parent Insight: Parents often notice their kids remembering instructions better, recalling schoolwork with ease, and finishing tasks more independently.
4. Builds Confidence and a Growth Mindset
From “I Can’t” to “I Can”
One of the most valuable features and benefits of abacus education is how it boosts children’s self-esteem. A child who once thought maths was “too hard” begins to enjoy solving problems — and succeeds at it.
Confidence Beyond the Classroom
This newfound belief spills into other areas of life. Children start to welcome challenges, understand that mistakes are part of learning, and develop resilience.
Parent Insight: Parents report their children becoming more confident, more independent, and more enthusiastic learners.
5. Cultivates a Lifelong Love of Learning
Making Maths Fun
Children love the interactive nature of moving beads, and later, the “magic trick” of solving sums in their head. Learning becomes a game, not a chore.
Structured Learning Stages
- Mini Soroban: Introduces young learners to numbers in a fun, playful way.
- Soroban Kids: Develops speed, visualisation, and mental calculation.
- Mastering Soroban: Takes children to advanced levels, solving complex problems confidently.
Inspiring Lifelong Learners
When children feel proud of their progress, they begin to love learning itself. This joy carries over to school subjects, extracurricular activities, and personal growth.
Parent Insight: A child who enjoys learning develops curiosity and motivation that lasts a lifetime.
Bonus Benefit: Exclusive Program for Schools
In addition to individual enrolments, SEMAS also offers an Exclusive Program for School partnerships. Schools that introduce abacus maths into their curriculum report:
- Improved classroom engagement
- Better teamwork among students
- Higher confidence and academic performance
This makes abacus learning not just a personal advantage, but a community-wide benefit.
Why Parents Choose SEMAS Abacus Courses
At SEMAS Australia, we have designed age-appropriate programs that grow with your child:
- Mini Soroban for early learners (ages 3–5)
- Soroban Kids for primary school children
- Mastering Soroban for older children ready to excel
Each program nurtures focus, imagination, and confidence — giving your child skills that extend far beyond numbers.
Conclusion: Setting Your Child Up for Success
As parents, we know that education isn’t only about test scores — it’s about preparing children to think critically, stay focused, and believe in themselves. Abacus education provides all of this and more.
From boosting memory and confidence to developing whole-brain skills, abacus learning gives your child a powerful advantage. Whether through our abacus courses like Mini Soroban, Soroban Kids, or Mastering Soroban, the benefits go far beyond mathematics.
Ready to explore the difference abacus maths can make? Discover our SEMAS Abacus Programs today and give your child the gift of confident learning.