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Soroban - Introductory Book
Capable of difficult calculations and a useful tool in maths education
Key Stage suitability • Explanation |
ATM Non Member* |
ATM Full Member |
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 Introduction to the Soroban (Book) - A Powerful Aid for Number
Item Ref: ACT053 |
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£10.00 | £7.50 |
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* Non-member price applies to both Associates and non-members.
Soroban - Introductory Book
Soroban is the name of the Japanese abacus, used for 450 years, since its arrival in Japan from China in the middle of the 16th century. In Japan, the art of using the soroban has been carefully cultivated: in 1928, soroban examinations were established by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with more than a million candidates sitting the tests by 1959. Although complex calculations are now carried out by computers, the soroban is still in use in offices and shops, alongside computers and electronic calculators.
When used by an expert, the soroban is capable of difficult calculations, but at a more basic level it can also be a useful tool in general mathematics education. It enables figures to be represented in a concrete visual way, which can help pupils' grasp of numbers, particularly in understanding place value and in overcoming problems arising from the irregular construction of number words in the '-teens' and '-tys'.
This is revised and extended version of the ATM booklet ‘An Introduction to the Soroban’ published in 1998. The book includes a brief history of the soroban and a rationale for its use, which shows how the use of a soroban can aid the visualization of number and mental calculation.
Soroban can be used effectively in whole class teaching: where schools do not have access to a large teaching soroban, a soroban frame drawn on an OHP transparency can substitute. There are certain conventions connected with soroban use which may be introduced to create a distinctive working atmosphere.
This is revised and extended version of the ATM booklet ‘An Introduction to the Soroban’ published in 1998. The book includes a brief history of the soroban and a rationale for its use, which shows how the use of a soroban can aid the visualization of number and mental calculation.
Carefully graded and clearly illustrated steps follow, in order to show the fingering, and include calculations to give practice in using the soroban. At each step the mathematical concepts being developed are identified, so that teachers will know how to devise their own activities.
Additional worksheets are provided to support understanding of important number principles including: place value, number bonds to 5 and 10, complements of powers of 10 and mental calculation techniques.
The Teaching size is now not available from ATM but you can...
This is not just another abacus. This is not something else to gather dust on the shelf. This is a simple and yet powerful tool to assist and extend learners. A ‘must have’ for any ‘Maths Club’ and SEN resource pack. Ideal for visual and kinaesthetic learners. It does not take long to learn how to use this apparatus, once mastered a visual image can be accessible to both slow learners and the gifted and talented. A picture will begin to evolve in children’s minds, which provides opportunities to extend their thinking as well as the speed of process.
Children love to use this compact individual tool building their knowledge and understanding of place value and the relationship between the functions. When children become experts they are capable of working on difficult calculations and with younger or SEN children it can greatly assist with helping children to overcome problems that arise from understanding out irregular construction of number words in the ‘tens’ e.g. fifteen, eighteen etc. as well as providing a concrete resource to help understanding of place value.
"I have been honoured to witness many ‘AHA’ moments with children using this wonderful apparatus." Primary teacher from Hertfordshire.
This booklet is essential when purchasing your first Soroban apparatus. It offers many starting points you might need which can be embellished and developed to suit the level or needs of the children you are working with. It provides example worksheets for addition and subtraction to inspire your thinking and development in the use of this wonderful and powerful apparatus.
