Instruction should focus on consistent finger placement, efficient movement, and the development of automaticity. With repeated practice, students learn to set numbers accurately and clear the abacus quickly, allowing them to focus on mathematical concepts rather than managing the tool itself. Establishing a strong set of clear skills creates the foundation for successful use of the abacus in all future math instruction.

Abacus Terms

  • Set: To “write” a number on the abacus by pushing beads against the counting bar on the rod with the appropriate value.
  • Count: To move beads one at a time, towards the counting bar while counting numerically each time a bead is moved.
  • Clear: To move beads away from the counting bar.
  • Return: To push a bead or beads towards the counting bar in rules for subtraction and division.

Positioning and Manipulation

  • The rod should always be located with the aid of rod locators and the unit markers.
  • Locate the desired rod with the left index finger. The left index finger is the helper and does the “looking” in mathematical computation.
  • The left index finger should move to the rod immediately left of the working rod to provide assistance when needed.
  • The right index finger will move the beads and hold the rod position.
Numbers are "set" when they are recorded and "cleared" when they are removed or erased.
  • To set 1, move the top bead on the unit rod toward the separation bar.
  • To set a 2, move the second bead on the unit rod toward the separation bar.
  • To set a 3, move the third bead on the unit rod toward the separation bar.
  • To set a 4, move the fourth bead on the unit rod toward the separation bar.
  • To set a 5, clear all four beads by moving them away from the separation bar and moving the single bead with the value of 5 toward the separation bar.
  • To set 6, move the topmost bead below the separation rod up toward the separation bar.
  • To set 7, move the second bead on the unit rod toward the separation bar.
  • To set 8, move the third bead on the unit rod toward the separation bar.
  • To set 9, move the fourth bead on the unit rod toward the separation bar.
  • To set 10, clear all four beads in the unit rod as well as the single bead and move the topmost bead in the tens column, the second column from the right, toward the separation bar.

Practice Setting Numbers

  • First practice setting single digit numbers
  • Practice setting two-digit numbers

Printable Resources

The following are available as PDF downloads on the Abacus Printables page. Check back often as resources are regularly added!
Preview of Read, Solve & Write Activity Booklet
Read, Solve & Write Activity Booklet
Preview of Abacus Basics Handout
Abacus Basics Handout
Preview of Introducing the Abacus Teacher Script
Introducing the Abacus Teacher Script
Preview of Set and Clear on Abacus Activity
Set and Clear on Abacus Activity

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Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

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