Does your child know 5+5 but struggle with 5+6?

The doubles strategy uses known double facts to solve near‑doubles. 5+6 = 5+5+1 = 11. Abacus makes this connection obvious.

Here’s the promise: You’ll learn how abacus builds on what children already know.

🧩 Why the Doubles Strategy Works

Children learn doubles easily (2+2, 3+3, 4+4). Near‑doubles are just doubles plus or minus one. This builds a network of related facts, not isolated memorisation.

🎯 How Abacus Teaches Doubles

Visual doubles: Two identical bead rows. Near‑doubles: Add one more bead to one row. Practice sequence: “Show me 3+3 (double). Now show me 3+4 (double plus one).” Mental transfer: “If you know 6+6, what’s 6+7?” “If you know 7+7, what’s 7+6?”

💡 A Parent’s Success

“My daughter used to count 6+7 on her fingers. Now she says ‘6+6 is 12, plus 1 is 13.’ She’s so proud of her speed.”

You might wonder, “Does this work for subtraction?” Yes — 13-6 = (12-6)+1 = 6+1=7, using the near‑double relationship.

❓ FAQ — Doubles Strategy