The APH Abacus Bee is a fun and engaging competition designed to ignite a passion for mathematics in students who are blind or have low vision. By allowing the use of various formats like print, braille, UEB math, or Nemeth code, the competition ensures that participants can use methods that suit their individual learning styles. The APH Abacus Bee encourages the use of mental math and abacus skills, unlocking students’ full mathematical potential. To learn more, check out Calculating Confidence article.
The APH Abacus Bee is divided into two phases. The preliminary regional contests, organized by partner organizations or schools, provide a platform for students to compete locally and showcase their skills within their communities. This phase not only fosters healthy competition but also allows students to meet and engage with other students from their region!
Does this sound like something a student you know would enjoy? Encourage them to join the excitement, boost their confidence, and let the APH Abacus Bee inspire their journey into the fascinating world of mathematics and beyond!
Beyond Calculations & Testimonials
Even though each competition varied in size and location, there was one common theme amongst them all: CONFIDENCE. When asked, the regional coordinators and participants’ families all commented on how much of a confidence boost it was for the students to compete and show off their talents. Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some of student participants and their families had to say about their experience:
- “In the past two years of participating in the Abacus Bee, I have definitely noticed a positive change in my son’s attitude toward math. He is more confident and seems to recognize his gift more readily and is thinking about ways that he can use it in his future career.” – parent
- “I met other nice students and liked how everyone got an award. I used a great mental math strategy that helped me to do great in the Oral (Space Race) Round!” – student
- “Thank you for offering this event! It has instilled a great deal of confidence in my son and has definitely inspired his interest and abilities in math!” – parent
- “I loved the Abacus Bee. My favorite part was meeting new friends!” – student
- “I loved the red-carpet event! The look of joy and pride on each child’s face showed how much the enjoyed the event!” – parent
- “For me personally, this shared experience with my granddaughter truly opened my eyes to the challenges she faces now and will carry throughout life, but also all the massively inspiring young people and volunteers I met, this was a humbling experience and so grateful I was able to attend.” – grandparent
