So. Apparently the old abacus is really good for us human beings. It leverages everything we are good at to make something most people find hard, a lot easier, and provides lasting benefits to your overall cognitive abilities.
AND, shows you a new way to learn - and retain - new skills!
The abacus. Who knew?
I learned how to use one long ago, and after reading this article, I am definitely going to pick up another one, if I can't find mine.
And the cognitive benefits later in life seem to be accumulative, as well. So yeah! Teach your daughter! The other interesting takeaway from the article is that the physical aspect of using an abacus helps with retention, because it engages motor function as well. (The abacus geniuses still move their hands and fingers like they are operating an abacus, to activate more of their brain in the process.) So as your daughter grows and learns, if she runs into things that are really hard, try to associate them with a physical activity as well. It engages more of the brain, and makes those things easier to remember in the future. Man... I wish I had kids to experiment on! ;-)