Markham Abacus
and Mental Math
Unlock Your Kids' Math Potential!
The standards for abacus and mental calculation are set in 12 levels. Levels are ranked in descending order (12th level is the lowest level and 1st level is the highest).
Phase I: Readiness Level (Level 12)
This phase is designed to ensure that learners are able to conceptualize numbers on a physical, numerical and symbolic level. It is necessary to ensure that children have an appropriate understanding of the concept of numbers before they embark on the abacus math learning path.
Phase II: Introductory Level (Level 11 & Level 10)
The learning experience at this phase is designed to ensure that children have a natural understanding of all the basic principles of using an abacus. An important measurement at the end of this level is that children would have a good understanding of the times table.
Phase III: Foundation Level (Level 9)
With the basics of the abacus in place, this phase of the learning experience helps children to make quick progress to more complex mathematical problems. An important measurement at the end of this level is that children should be able to do simple addition and subtraction mentally.
Phase IV: Intermediate Level (Level 8 & Level 7)
This Phase can be started once a child displays a clear grasp of the basic principles/rules of the abacus and the times table. Multiplication and division are added to the learning path. An interesting skill that the children learn at this level is that they will start to show the ability to visualize calculations (in other words, no need for calculators and scrap paper).
Phase V: Advanced Level (Level 6, Level 5 & Level 4)
Use of the abacus and understanding theory and visualization of solutions is taken to a higher level. Children learn to use the principles of abacus to solve larger math problems, some that may also contain decimals.
Phase VI: Supreme Level (Level 3, Level 2 & Level 1)
Because the basics are in place, progress through the abacus math learning path can be accelerated and children are constantly encouraged to challenge themselves and their problem solving abilities.
Mastering calculations through the abacus not only enhances computational speed but also ensures a strong numerical foundation. Once students have acquired proficiency in calculations, the next step is to study different mathematical concepts, skills, and problem-solving techniques. Click here to learn more about our Curriculum Math program.