Abacus

This wooden "calculator" helps teach math skills, patterning and color recognition. Slide and count the beads with this timeless counting frame.

Ideas for activities include:

• Move any number of beads to one side of the frame. Ask the child to match your "move" on the wire below yours. This can also be done with a repetitive pattern--arrange the 10 beads in different groupings (e.g., 3 beads, 1 bead, 3 beads, 1 bead, 2 beads) that the child has to mimic on the wire below. 
• Move a certain number of beads to one side and ask the child to count how many beads you moved and how many remain on the other side. Or have the child count from one to one hundred as they move the beads on all ten wires.

Children with autism and other special needs learn better with interactive toys and this colorful abacus appeals to the senses for a more pleasant learning experience.