It is difficult to imagine counting without numbers, but there was a time
when numbers did not exist. The earliest counting device was the human hand
and its fingers. Then, as larger quantities (larger than ten human -fingers
could represent) were counted, various natural items like pebbles and twigs
were used to help count. Merchants in those days not only needed a way
to count goods they bought and sold, but also to calculate its cost.
Until numbers were invented, counting devices were used to make everyday
calculations. The abacus is one of many counting devices invented to help
count large numbers (Abacus Master)
The children who study in SD Cibeureum were exited when the program of Abacus
was introduced to them. All students, teachers and the Principal, Mr. Suprapto,
practiced Abacus together with Mr. Syamsul, the Abacus trainer. They learn from
the basic how to calculate by using the abacus, starting with simple calculation.
We have to wait and see how big their interest to the Abacus. After a month,
the practice goes to the second level of difficulties, now they are already on
the third level of difficulties. We showed the children a video about some
children in India, how fast they can count with imaginative abacus,
the video has motivated the students and the teachers to practice more seriously.
Someday we will make a small Abacus competition among the students,
it must be interesting.
“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere” (Chinese Proverb)