Class Notes-Number Sense and Abacus
I teach abacus to children, call me for a spot in my class.
There are stages in learning numbers.
Stages are different for each child because they learn differently. This number lesson uses gross motor skills to engage my student with counting and a little song.
I match the abacus amount to the items. Read this blog post for this activity. So students can see the relationship. In my next stage of teaching numbers I move the 1 bottom bead up, students are able to relate that that is one. The object one, one item. As we move the beads, we say out loud “1” I also add clapping and a song:
— “I can count to 1” CLAP
— “I can count to 1” CLAP
When moving two beads up to the beam, students can see that there are two beads. As we move the beads, we say out loud “2” and then clap with a song:
— “I can count to 2” CLAP CLAP
— “I can count to 2” CLAP CLAP
When moving three beads up to the beam, students can see that there are three beads. As we move the beads, we say out loud “3” and then clap with a song:
— “I can count to 3” CLAP CLAP CLAP
— “I can count to 3” CLAP CLAP CLAP
When moving four beads up to the beam, students can see that there are four beads. As we move the beads, we say out loud “4” and then clap with a song:
— “I can count to 4” CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
— “I can count to 4” CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
At the moment, the lesson goes to 4 because that is all the lower beads of the abacus.
After this review, I created an abacus maze worksheet. This worksheet encourages children to connect the number with the abacus. It is best used when each number has a different color because it is easier for children to separate colors than to decipher the numerals.
I always enjoy watching my students make connections.
We colored the abacus and then colored the respective number that is on the path to lead us to the next abacus. Along with the image of the abacus in the hexagon shape, I encourage students to move the beads on the abacus to show a 1:1 relationship. on the physical abacus, the abacus in the activity.
This activity also promotes subitizing and number sense.
What is subitizing?
Subitizing is the ability to quickly recognize the number of objects in a small group without counting them individually. It's essentially the ability to perceive the quantity of objects at a glance. This skill is particularly evident with small numbers, typically up to around 5 or 6 objects. In this activity, it is 0-4.
For example, if you see three beads on the abacus, you don't need to count "1, 2, 3" to determine the quantity. Instead, you immediately recognize that there are three beads on the abacus without conscious effort.
Subitizing is thought to be a fundamental skill in early mathematical development. It provides a foundation for more complex mathematical concepts by helping individuals develop an intuitive sense of number and quantity. This ability is believed to be innate in humans and some animals, and it's considered a precursor to formal counting skills.
Research suggests that subitizing relies on visual processing mechanisms that quickly recognize patterns and arrangements, rather than on explicit counting strategies. It's an important skill not only in mathematics but also in various daily activities where quick and accurate estimation of quantities is necessary.
What is number sense?
Number sense is the ability to identify and conceptualize numbers, like 1, 2, 3. The activity helps compare the abacus beads with the numerals
I also provide on-demand videos to support your child learning throughout the week. The videos are less than 5 mins and it shows how to work the activities from the Preschool Abacus Math workbook.
If you are looking for the activity, it is located here 👇 Click on picture.
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