PARENT GUIDES
Abacus & mental maths, explained for parents
Short, practical guides for families of children aged 5–13+. How abacus and mental maths work, tricks to try at home, and how to get ready for a maths competition. Many are written so children can read along.
Guides for parents
AvsM
CHOOSING A PATH
7 min read
Abacus vs mental maths: which is right for my child?
What each one is, how they connect, and how to choose the right start for your child.
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Ready.
Steady.
Sum.
GETTING READY
Steady.
Sum.
7 min read
How to prepare for a mental maths competition
A week-by-week plan for ages 5–13+: accuracy first, then speed, then the real exam format.
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6 min read
What is an abacus competition? A parent’s guide
How rounds, levels and scoring work, and what your child should expect on the day.
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8 min read
How to use an abacus: a step-by-step guide for kids
Show numbers, add and subtract, and learn small friends and big friends, with bead pictures.
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8 + 5
13
7 min read
10 mental maths tricks for kids (with pictures)
Make a ten, doubles, round and adjust, ×5, ×9 and more. Each with “try it” questions.
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123◎★
WHY ABACUS
6 min read
Benefits of abacus for kids: what it really helps with
What abacus builds, what it doesn’t, the best age to start and signs it’s working.
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16–17 JANUARY 2027 · ONLINE
Abacus World Championship 2027 · Global Mental Maths Competition
Abacus or mental, ages 5–13+. No abacus training needed. Free practice for every registered child.