SEMAS SA is the largest Abacus Maths training franchise in
South Africa and is aimed at
children between 3 and 11 years old.
SEMAS, the abbreviated popular name of
Soroban (Abacus) Education and Mental Arithmetic System,
has introduced a Japanese Abacus system which is a Powerful Brain
and Skills Development course aimed at not only improving
children's mental arithmetic ability, but also abilities like memorisation,
concentration, speed reading and listening, information processing,
insight and fine motor movement (which is linked to intelligence).
At the same time SEMAS aims at creating a love for maths.
How does SEMAS work?
SEMAS enables learners to "see" Maths. Despite the use of an abacus,
it's most definitely not senseless repetition.
"Our aim is to accomplish whole brain development," enthuses Marlene Ras,
founder of SEMAS SA. "It's much more than a Mathematics course.
SEMAS will also heighten skills learners need throughout all learning areas,
like comprehension, concentration, listening, creativity and problem-solving.
Ultimately, SEMAS fosters a love of Mathematics in children.
" The SEMAS classroom will be peopled by learners as young as two and a half years old. "
It is no good teaching a child this technique when he is twelve. He must start at the age of four or five when he is able to absorb essential skills development, and the system becomes the dominant one for him".
"Then it becomes a talent like learning to play the piano. If you don't practice a lot, you can still play, but you would not reach the same levels of expertise." The SEMAS method is also sensitive to the fact that very young learners respond best to periods of intensive activity.
"A session will kick off with brain gym, as it achieves integration of the left and right brain hemispheres, then we do flash cards and speed writing. The kids move about.
They'll be on the carpet, on their feet, then we'll continually use the big abacus to
familiarise them with the concept.
"Then they will start refining motor skills by practising the finger exercises they will require for the abacus, and they will learn to work with rhythms and key words like 'Big Friend' to represent mathematical processes. This moves learning from the abstract to the concrete and helps them to grasp the notions of adding and subtracting, and then they will be able to step-up the amounts with which they are dealing."
Ask your child's school if SEMAS is offered as an extra mural activity
or visit our contact us page to see if there is a franchisee in your area!
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