9 Things I Love About The Abacus

Since they were babies, my kids have had an abacus that they could play with.  Last week, I showed SpiderGirl how we can use the abacus to add and subtract larger numbers.  Not until we worked with it together did I truly see the power of the abacus as a manipulative.

Top Things I Love About the Abacus

1. The abacus is both visual and kinesthetic.  Oh, it's auditory too.  We hear a satisfying clack! for every bead we count.

Structural Geometry

For SpiderGirl's learning plan this year, she expressed an interest in learning about building and architecture.  In addition to looking at some of the fabulous designs around the world and photographing archtectural details around town, we have explored the shapes used to hold these structures up.