Introduction

_{The abacus has been the tool of choice for math calculation in Asian countries for hundreds of years. It has survived the test of time because it works. It works even more so as a tool that develops and enhances the brain. Believe it or not, it is faster than using a calculator and it changes the brain in ways that regular classrooms and instruction methods can only dream of.}

Millions of children around the world are taking the abacus training today and here is why

<sub>A proven track record through history and recent neuro-scientific research has positively confirmed the effectiveness of the abacus training. Calculating on an abacus that utilizes a hands-on, kid-friendly, and multiple-intelligence approach has proven benefits to enhance the development of the human brain. The mental abacus method has a clear advantage to keep the mind vibrant and to ease the journey of learning while utilizing one's WHOLE BRAIN power.

Abacus instruction works because it is a unique combination of classic and contemporary methods, tools, and research. The goal of the program is to teach students how to mentally calculate while simultaneously enhancing and improving the brain.</sub>   

_{Abacus + Brain + Software + Great Instructor  =  HIGH SPEED MENTAL ABILITY} 

_{The BRAIN is wired for challenge and can function as a SUPER COMPUTER.  Information travels across the nervous system at a speed of over 200 mph. How’s that for an information super highway? Yes, we are wired for very complex applications — just like a computer. Why not use that? Forget calculators. When the hands, both hemispheres of the brain, brain waves, auditory nerves, and memory are in synch, the brain is at its best. It is wired for success. Eureka! Repeating something over and over solidifies a pathway. Brain plasticity proves that parts used are parts engaged and expanded. As the abacus training synchronizes all of these traits, brain cells grow and areas expand. Science proves it.}

Activating both sides of the brain through the abacus

_{Abacus Math training is extremely unique in that it is one of the very few exercises which stimulates and utilizes both sides of the brain to work together at the same time.}

_{Your brain is divided into two hemispheres: the left brain and the right brain. The left brain is responsible for analytical and logical thinking. For most people, this is the only side of the brain that is utilized for calculating numbers and solving math problems. The right side of the brain is the creative and visual side, which has the capability to proccess information and make decisions quickly based off of your intuition and is also the side that is connected with your imagination!}

_{Just like how you can close your eyes and imagine yourself relaxing on vacation at the beach, our students can imagine the abacus in their minds and manipulate the beads mentally in order to perform mental math. Through this imaginative process, these students are unknowingly activating their creative and intuitive right brain to work alongside their logical and sequential left brain in order to perform extremely impressive mental math!}

_{The result? Well it turns out that when both hemispheres of the brain are in sync, the brain is at its best and operates EXTREMELY FAST. That is exactly why our students are able to perform mental math much faster than a calculator. That's the secret! Abacus mental math training is not only a math program. Abacus mental math training cleverly exercises and trains the brain to operate at peak efficiency and unlocks one's full brain power.}

_{Hi-Speed Mental Math is just the beginning}

_{Image Abacus is a method of mental calculation. It is performed on a virtual image of the abacus formed in the mind and is based on the principles of abacus calculation. In this case, the abacus is merely a tool, through regular practice of which, children are able to visualize and internalize the image of the abacus in their mind.}

_{How fast can it be?}

_{By activating both sides of the brain, all students can achieve calculation speeds previously only achievable by math geniuses.} 

_{As a matter of fact, in Dec. 2000, a first-year student and his 2 sisters had broken 4 Guinness world records with this very same method of calculation.}

_{Read the full story on the Taiwanese Government’s official website.}

_{How does it benefit my children?}

_{Image Abacus trains students to use and synchronize the left brain hemisphere (logical side) to manipulate the virtual abacus image created on the right brain hemisphere (abstract side). This unique exercise fosters and strengthens the brain function in the following areas:}

     _{•     Improves mental calculation, which is the ultimate resource.} 

     _{•     Provides a sense of achievement as one’s proficiency improves.}

     _{•     Develops the right brain tremendously.} 

     _{•     Leads to greater mental capacity.} 

     _{•     Promotes intuitive thinking.}

     _{•     Enhances problem solving capability.}

     _{•     Greatly enhances creativity.}

     _{•     Improves memory capacity.}

     _{•     Improves concentration and mental endurance.}

     _{•     Fosters one’s confidence in calculation.} 

_{Left and right brain thinking}

_{In short, image abacus training will help any child to retain knowledge better and become proficient in any subject, especially math.}

Speed Hearing Calculation

Brain Wave Study

_{Biofeedback: The "Little" Breakthrough In Learning}

_{Brain Wave Study}

_{Our brain is an electrochemical organ. When working, different regions of the brain emit different frequencies called brain waves. Research found that brain wave patterns are directly related to our behaviors, capabilities, and performances after decades of measuring brain wave patterns of natural leaders, artists, scientists, and creative minds from all walks of life. The optimal pattern call “The Awakened Mind” was released in 1979 by British psychophysiologist and biophysicist C. Maxwell Cade.}

_{Brain Wave Pattern of Peak Performance}

_{The "Ah-Ha" Wave Pattern}

_{The Super Learning State}

_{The Super Learning State occurs when alpha and theta waves dominate. The Super Learning State, which shares some characteristics with the peak performance brain wave pattern, occurs when alpha and theta waves dominate. However, in the Super Learning State, the beta wave is reduced. The result is a unique state where the brain can accept a much larger volume of information than is normally possible. This occurs because the normal conscious filter of the mind is bypassed; instead, the knowledge is absorbed directly and in an unfiltered state.}

_{The goal of the mental abacus training is to provide students with control over these brain wave patterns. This control will allow students to access the desirable brain wave pattern for the learning which is required. Employing the core “speed hearing” technique and progressing through a carefully designed series of graduated calculation exercises, students are trained to achieve the optimal state of mind for the task at hand.}

_{The Abacus Brain Gym Method}

_{The power of the mental abacus system consists of its manipulation of three key variables: difficulty of the task, task duration, and the speed at which the task must be accomplished. Manipulation of these variables requires sophisticated technology as does measurement of students’ response. Abacus Brain Gym is one of the very few institutions, and unique in North America, in its ability to provide the equipment, training program, and instructional support to guide your child through this system.  The outcome is that one goes far beyond the ability to perform fast calculation. The lasting effect is the student’s acquisition of a tool that will support all future learning experiences.}

Research on Abacus Training

_{The best skill any child would wish for}

_{Solid math foundation is the key to opportunity}