What is the Smart Brain Program?
The Smart Brain Program utilizes the Taiwanese methodology for Advanced Abacus Mental Arithmetic techniques for proper Right Side Brain Development but more importantly overall brain development. Smart Brain students achieve Right Side Brain Development by being trained to solve mathematical problems utilizing the abacus.
Mathematics is the chosen tool because it specifically stimulates and develops regions of the brain that are crucial to proper learning development. The abacus is a renowned Visio-Spatial tool that is utilized to form mathematical images in a child mind and helps in the development of a number of sensory pathways responsible for creativity, reading, reasoning, observation, conceptualization for writing/essay skills, and many other benefits associated with right side brain development. As the student progresses in each level, they are slowly weaned off the abacus and learn to perform mental calculations that are quick and accurate. The Smart Brain methods collectively ensure that the appropriate action, cognitive and conceptual connections are made.
Is Smart Brain International the same system as in other Smart Brain countries?
Smart Brain International operates under two names: Smart Brain International & Smart Brain Abacus Academy. Otherwise, Smart Brain International should never be confused with any other so called “Smart Brain” systems. Most of these other systems do not properly integrate the Abacus into real brain development. Furthermore, most of these other “Smart Brain” systems are run with a part-time or spare-time mentallity and usually lack the dedication needed as a full-time and non-stop operation with real Research & Development such as Smart Brain International franchise system.
What is an abacus?
The abacus is an ancient counting tool that has been used for more than three millennia. The word abacus is derived from the Greek word “Abax”, meaning counting board. The original “dust abacus†eventually evolved into a slate with grooves into which counters such as rocks, would be placed to mark numbers. The Smart Brain International abacus is a scientifically manufactured item to target even more right brain development. Hence, giving our program yet another edge in the field of education.
My child is already good in math, why should I send her to the program?
The abacus serves as a strong Visio-Spatial tool that the child will use. Your child will learn to special concepts in how to add, subtract, multiply and divide the Smart Brain way using our abacus. The abacus in a sense serves as a stepping stone to more complicated and advanced Mental Arithmetic learning and brain development. Your child initially views numbers as bead images, but as they are weaned off the abacus, the program graduates to an advanced stage where problems are solved through mental computations.
How does Abacus Mental Arithmetic aid in Right Side Brain Development and why is Right Side Brain Development so important to learning?
The abacus is the chosen tool because it specifically stimulates and develops regions of the brain that are crucial to proper learning development. The left side of the brain serves as the logical portion of the brain. We learn how to solve problems in a sequential or logical fashion. One purpose that the Right Side of the Brain serves is Conceptualization. Conceptualization allows us to see the bigger picture. Using an analogy of putting together a jigsaw puzzle, the left side of the brain would help to fit individual piece of the puzzle together, while the Right Side of the Brain would try to view or conceptualize how the puzzle would look in its entirety. Conceptualization is key to problem solving and crucial in developing positive learning skills for the long term.
Is the Abacus Mental Arithmetic Program a tutoring program?
No. The Smart Brain Abacus Mental Arithmetic Program is more than a tutoring program. Tutoring is used for one of two reasons: to either advance in a very specific subject or as a corrective measure to regain lost ground in class work. Most children attend tutoring sessions because they are missing something in the classroom. This is where the Smart Brain Program can play a pivotal role in your child’s learning process. Our program is more than an educational “band aidâ€, that is why we address learning problems directly at the source. By stimulating and encouraging Right Side Brain Development through the Smart Brain Program, key learning facets such as memory, memory recall, concentration, reading comprehension and conceptualization are some of the benefits that can be seen. Improving these key learning abilities will increase their overall learning capabilities. Therefore we seek to provide our children with the tools they need to learn in the classroom.
Is this a new program, how has it helped others?
Abacus Mental Arithmetic has been around for thousands of years & is used in countries all over the world. While there are many variations of the Abacus Mental Arithmetic Program, the Smart Brain International Program is internationally renowned as an innovator in the field. We have carved a niche for ourselves in the Global Market for our ability to specifically cater the program to children between the ages of 3-16. So our strength is our innovation and our dedication to educating our children.
How long is the Smart Brain Program
The Smart Brain Program is taught over 10 levels. Each level represents a new array of concepts and techniques to children. Although each level is taught over the course of 3-4 months, some children are able to complete the program at a quicker pace while other students need a little more time. The Smart Brain Program from Initiation to Completion (from level 1-10) is approximately two and a half years in length. The first three levels are the most crucial stages of the program. During these stages the child is introduced to the Abacus Mental Arithmetic Program and are taught the concepts and techniques that are crucial to the more advanced latter levels.
How is the program taught?
Our Smart Brain instructors must pass a comprehensive Certified Instructor course in order to teach the Smart Brain Program to the children. The children come to the program once a week for a two-hour that is both fun, and engaging. Our children are taught in a friendly classroom environment in small groups of 8-10 children. In addition to the in-house Smart Brain Sessions, our children practice at home for an additional 15-20 minutes of Smart Brain exercises a day. These 15-20 minutes are crucial for the development of the brain.
Is this program for gifted children only? Will it help the average child or child that needs a little extra help?
The Smart Brain Program is for average, below average and above average children. The Smart Brain Program can help your child increase their learning abilities whether they are in any of these categories. Time would be the main variable. Our children are not constrained to uniform and discouraging time tables. Rather, they develop at their own pace and progress as they master the concepts and techniques. Therefore, some children will master a level in less time while others may need more time. Our children key learning attributes and behaviors are formed as they master the levels and their corresponding concepts and techniques. Remember, our goal is to provide our children with the learning tools and behaviors they need to become independent and creative thinkers for now as well as the future.