I do not have experience from both CC and CMA. But if you are trying out CC then CMA, what I know is CMA requires student to start from their beginner level, regardless of whether the child has or no experience in abacus/mental arithmetric. If you try CMA then CC, you probably able to discuss with the CC’s instructor to place your girl into level that she is comfortable with. Hope the information helps.

Yes, 心算(xin suan) aka mental arithmetric/mental calculations is normally introduced after acquiring the ability to use the abacus. Learners will do mental sums using the set of formula learned.

[Editor's note: Topic selected for http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/abacus-mental-arithmetic-good.]


The 7 beads (2 beads on top and 5 beads below) is Chinese abacus.

Taiwan's abacus, or the so call 'traditional abacus' (1 bead on top, 4 beads below), is a Japanese modified version of the Chinese abacus, aka Soraban. (There is a long history on abacus which you can googgle to find out.)

Then there is also another school of people who feels that there are too many formula to remember so they prefer 9 beads abacus and adopt essential formula from traditional abacus. The adventage of this is it is similar to regrouping/renaming taught in school, easier to understand.

All have their pros and cons. All have been around a long time. All require the students to practise diligently. Result wise, it is individual. Some went through the tedious foundation learning but some prefer to do a quick and run learning approach.

In my opinion, the best time to learn abacus is K2 to P2. Once kids achieve good mental calculation skill, they will attain confidence in exam and it will be easier when they are promoted to P3 to handle more complex problem sums. Also P3 onwards kids have additional subject - science to handle, that leave them lesser time to devote time to practise, not to mention they usually have lots of other enrichment classes to attend.

Anyone giving out the outgrown uniform- size 24 (blouse) and size 22 (skirt) for girl? The fabric of the new batch is lousier than before and is very thick. Thanks.

I teach abacus/mental arithmetic at home in Sengkang. If it is near your area you can pm me. But then… you’ll need to buy new abacus as I use 9 beads abacus.

[Editor's note: Topic selected for http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/content/abacus-mental-arithmetic-good.]


I teach abacus/mental arithmetic and I'm always asked, is it good?

Yes, I would answer \"It is good because you'll learn to handle big problems fast with good guesses, within a certain percentage of error or so\".

You'll learn to do arithmetic fast, in that way you can spend your time thinking about what the numbers mean. Use that rapid arithmetic skill in the examination battlefield and you know you have the right weapon.

But, I must warn you. Learning abacus is boring. It involves plenty of calculation. It requires persistency and consistency as well as patience to practice daily. Once you stop training your brain, your brain function will begin to decline slowly again.

So to learn or not to learn? That is the question.

Well.... abacus is not the only aid in town. There are other methods on brain training, flash memory. Again, once you stop, memory fades away.

But because abacus/mental arithmetic requires you to calculate sums quickly, it activates the largest region of the brain. Your Prefrontal cortex is actively working.

Preforontal cortex = frontal lobe (also known as motor function - foundation of creativity, memory, communication, and self-control).

Putting aside this medical term and scientific research, my humble thoughts is that once kids achieve good mental calculation skill, they will attain confidence in exam and self-esteem in their life skill.

CC is equally good, more sessions - cost effective but the main question is can our child benefit from big class. The break between each level before they get enough students to open next level is not certain. The trainer may be engaged by 3rd party so possibility of turnover is there.


CMA on the other hand, uses a lot of multimedia to teach, I do not feel the personal attention there. 14-17 modules (I can’t remember) to complete is too long, time consuming and taxing for both parents and child. Paying 70 bucks for that T-Shirt and materials are too expensive.

So, pros and cons.

Hi Mums,

3G aka 3rd Generation. It has same benefits as traditional abacus but uses only 2 sets of formula. I have a blog : http://agilemaths.blogspot.com/ . You are welcome to post enquiry to me.