How to Make an Abacus for Kids

Choose different colored beads for each row.

Teach your children counting and math computations by making an abacus -- a calculating device that uses beads inside a frame. The modern abacus was invented by the Chinese. However, the earliest known counting board used grooves on a marble tablet, which was discovered on the island of Salamis, dating back to 300 B.C. Fabricate your own abacus using plastic beads and cardboard. Once it is complete, engage in math games with your child by sliding the beads back and forth.

Things You'll Need

• 12-by-16-inch cardboard
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Yarn
• 70 colored beads

Instructions

1. Turn your 12-by-16-inch piece of cardboard horizontal on your work space. The cardboard is the frame and base of the abacus.

2. Mark 10 lines on the right edge of the cardboard 1 inch apart, using a ruler and a pencil. Then mark 10 lines spaced 1 inch apart, on the left edge of the cardboard, that match up with the right side's marks.

3. Cut into these lines 1/2-inch deep, using a pair of scissors. Cut 10 pieces of yarn 14 inches long for the abacus frame.

4. Tie a knot with an 1/2-inch tail at one end of each piece of yarn. Slide one piece of yarn with the knot on the left side onto the first cut slit on the top left-side of the cardboard. Place the knot behind the cut slit, so the yarn stays in place. Pull gently to test it.

5. Slide 10 of the same colored beads onto the yarn, from the right end. Pull the yarn taut over to the right side of the cardboard. Bring the end of the yarn over the top-right slit and tie a knot. Secure it under the cardboard's cut slit, and trim the yarn to leave a 1/2-inch long tail.

6. Hook the other nine pieces of yarn onto each slit on the left side of the cardboard. Then add 10 beads onto each piece of yarn, and secure them on the right side. Tie knots onto each piece of yarn and trim the ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Craft sticks can be glued over the cut slits on the right and left sides.

• A frame can be crafted using crafts sticks and bamboo skewers to hold the beads.

• Choose large beads for your child's abacus.

References

• Abacus; A Brief History of the Abacus; Luis Fernandes