Cranmer Abacus

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 19, 2025
The Cranmer Abacus is a vital tactile math tool that enables students who are blind or visually impaired to perform calculations independently and efficiently. More than just a substitute for paper-and-pencil tasks, the abacus builds strong number sense, supports conceptual understanding, and promotes mathematical independence. 

Functionality and Design

The Cranmer Abacus, adapted from the traditional Japanese soroban, features:
  • 13 rods with four lower beads (worth 1 each) and one upper bead (worth 5) per rod
  • A horizontal bar that separates the upper and lower beads
  • A soft backing (rubber or felt) behind the beads to prevent accidental movement during use
This design allows students to set and clear numbers tactually and silently, without reliance on auditory feedback. 

When and Why to Introduce the Abacus

The abacus should be introduced after students demonstrate foundational math readiness, including:
  • Basic addition and subtraction facts
  • Solid understanding of place value
  • Mental math strategies for composing and decomposing numbers
Similarly, when a student begins to learn multiplication, ensure the student first memorizes their multiplication facts before teaching multiplication and division on the abacus.​

Why the Abacus Matters

Unlike calculators, which provide answers without a teaching process, the abacus helps students:
  • Visualize and manipulate numbers tactually
  • Understand number relationships, such as grouping by 5s and 10s
  • Learn and apply algorithms for all four basic operations
  • Build short-term memory and sequencing skills
The Cranmer Abacus promotes active problem-solving and supports students in learning math in the same sequence as their sighted peers. 

Teaching Abacus Skills

Preparation
Before introducing the abacus:
  • Review math vocabulary: "digit," "place value," "carry," "borrow," etc.
  • Assess tactile readiness: Can the student isolate fingers, track rows, and distinguish bead positions by touch?
Initial Lessons Should Focus On:
  • Orientation. Name and explore parts: rods, beads, bar, value of each bead. Learn how to set and clear numbers tactually
  • Place Value Concepts. Practice setting 1-digit, 2-digit, and 3-digit numbers. Teach the value of each rod from right (ones) to left (billions)
  • Setting and Reading Numbers. Give verbal numbers to set (e.g., “Set 204”). Have students read aloud numbers they’ve set
  • Basic Addition and Subtraction. Begin with simple single-digit problems. Model using the “add to five” and “take from five” strategies.
  • Progression to Algorithms. Introduce multi-digit operations. Emphasize logic, regrouping, and systematic movement of beads

​Accessibility and Procurement

The Cranmer Abacus is:
  • Available through APH quota funds (Catalog #1-03180-00)
  • Similar abacuses are available from vendors like Amazon, LS&S, and MaxiAids

​Additional Resources for Cranmer Abacus Instruction

​Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) may go long periods without having a student who requires abacus instruction, making it easy to lose fluency in teaching this important tool. Fortunately, there are excellent resources available to help you refresh your skills, learn new instructional methods, and provide students with meaningful, accessible math instruction. Below is a curated list of manuals, digital tools, and video resources that cover a range of teaching techniques, including both the Counting Method and the Indirect Method of abacus instruction.

Manuals & Print Resources

Abacus Made Easy – Second Edition (APH)
  • Description: A simplified, step-by-step manual for teaching the Cranmer Abacus.
  • Topics Covered: Setting and clearing numbers, and performing operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, percents, and square roots.
  • Why It’s Helpful: Especially useful for new TVIs or those needing a refresher across a wide range of skills.
  • Where to Find: Available through APH Quota Funds or for purchase via APH's website.
Abacus Basic Competency: A Counting Method (APH)
  • Description: This manual focuses on the Counting Method, a direct approach where each movement on the abacus directly represents a numerical action.
  • Best For: Students who benefit from a more concrete, straightforward teaching method.
  • Includes: Lessons for all four basic operations.
  • Available From: APH (APH Quota eligible).

Online Courses & Instructional Videos

APH Hive – Free Online Abacus Course
  • Description: A self-paced professional development course designed for TVIs.
  • Includes: Video lessons, interactive activities, and downloadable resources on abacus use and instruction.
  • Certificates: CEU credits available.
  • Access: Free account required.
  • Link: APH Hive

Interactive Apps and Digital Practice

Practice2Master Abacus App
  • Description: A mobile app that helps students and educators practice abacus skills in basic arithmetic.
  • Best For: Independent student practice and reinforcing classroom instruction.
  • Features: Visual simulations of the abacus, with audio feedback and problem sets.
  • Platforms: iOS and Android.

YouTube Channels and Video Resources

  • ​General YouTube Search: Type in “Cranmer Abacus instruction” or “Abacus math for the blind” to find tutorials demonstrating setup, operations, and teaching strategies.​
  • Recommended Channels:
    • TSBVI (Susan Osterhaus): Focused instructional videos with clear narration.
    • Paths to Literacy: Occasionally posts hands-on strategies using the abacus.

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