The Soroban: Construction and Use of the Japanese Abacus

This book is no more than an introductory chapter overview. You will learn more about the soroban from a Youtube video. Krovetz lauds the wonders of the abacus and its role throughout history as a calculation device, but he provides precious little instruction on how to actually do meaningful calculations. There is only enough information for absolutely rudimentary equations, which the average person can calculate in their head. In other words, he doesn't teach you enough to be able to do equations that ACTUALLY REQUIRE THE USE OF AN ABACUS or other calculator. He doesn't even address the most fundamental skills like regrouping the beads to higher place values--essential for adding long lists of numbers beyond 3 digits. Decimal places or negative numbers? Forget it. This book is not even useful as a pocket manual. Save your money. Try the books by SAI Speed Math Academy or Paul Green, instead.

Having taught fifth grade math and science for the past twenty-one years, I am always on the lookout for new hands-on learning ideas. So happy to have found Mr. Krovetz's book on the soroban! This book is well-written. It is clear and concise. I had not explored the Japanese abacus before reading this book, but after spending a thoughtful hour with its fifty pages, Mr. Krovetz has me understanding not only adding and subtracting using the abacus, but also multiplying and dividing. (How cool, too, that instructions to build a simple abacus are included!) I am looking forward to making my own abacus, practicing with it to become proficient, and introducing it to my students! (They're going to dig it!)

This is an excellent and easy read for both students and teachers whom use the Soroban in the classroom. Mr. Krovetz book not only contains clear instructions on the use of the Soroban for many arithmetic functions but also provides directions so that the construction of the Soroban can be brought into the classroom as well. I would highly recommend this book to teachers looking for an interesting way to bring hands on activities to learning basic mathematical operations.

As an elementary school teacher I am always looking for new and interactive ways to teach my students. Mr. Krovetz's simple step-by-step illustrations and text set up readers to walk away with a clear understanding of how to use the soroban. He even includes directions on how to craft your own, inexpensive abacus. I can't wait to try out this hands-on approach to place value with my students!

scritto in inglese, 50 pagine scarse scritte grandi

bastante completo

Informative but sparse could do with some practice examples and exercises