This abacus craft for kids is a fun way to enjoy creative time and boost math skills.
Your children can practice counting skills and do simple math, like addition and subtraction. With step-by-step instructions, your kids will be able to make a colorful abacus that will be both educational and entertaining.
My younger boys had a blast making their craft for abacus fun. This craft is sure to bring out the inner mathematician in every child!
An Abacus Can Be So Much Fun!
An abacus is an ancient counting tool used in many parts of the world.
While an abacus may not be as commonly used now, it offers a great way to engage young children in learning activities while also promoting creativity.
Years ago, I picked up a toy wood abacus at a yard sale. Each of my boys have used that toy as part of our homeschool and for creative play. I can’t believe how much use we got out of that $1 find!
As I’ve been looking back on our early days of homeschooling, I remembered making a simple craft abacus. I’m not sure who thought of it first – my boys or me. I do know that it was a super fun activity and I wanted to recreate it to share with you!
What You’ll Need to Make This Abacus Popsicle Stick Craft
This abacus popsicle stick craft is a cool way to introduce counting and math concepts plus have some creative fun. This abacus craft is a simple tool that can be made using popsicle sticks, string, and colorful objects, such as beads or buttons.
Here are the suggested supplies for this DIY craft. Please substitute materials that you have at home or think would be best for your children:
- wood craft sticks or popsicle sticks
- beads
- thread or string
- scissors
- craft glue or hot glue (with adult supervision)
- optional: fine-tip markers, glitter glue, small stickers
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How to Make This Abacus Craft with Kids
01
Gather craft supplies
Collect the supplies listed above in order to make the abacus math craft
02
Make abacus frame
Use 4 popsicle sticks to make the frame for the abacus.
If you’re making this craft with younger kids, you can assemble the frame ahead of time so they won’t have to handle the hot glue gun.
03
Cut, bead, and glue on first string
Cut 5 lengths of string slightly longer than the width of the abacus. Have students string 10 beads onto the first string.
Then, glue each end of the string to the top of the frame.
04
Make and add more strings
Finish creating the abacus by adding 10 beads to each of 4 more strings.
Glue each string to the frame from top to bottom.
05
Make another frame & attach
Now, glue 4 sticks together to form a second frame.
Glue the 2 frames together to cover the ends of the strings.
Ideas for Enjoying This DIY Abacus Craft
Using the abacus craft as a learning tool, your students can have fun exploring counting activities plus simple addition and subtraction exercises.
For example, kids can count up to 10 objects at once with each column representing one item or number. As they become more familiar with the abacus, they can practice adding two groups of numbers together.
The abacus popsicle stick craft also encourages problem-solving skills as children figure out how to best use the abacus for each task.
My boys enjoyed using an abacus for creative play, like grocery store. Craftulate shares some super cool abacus activities for kids.
Perfect Addition to Your Craft Time with Kids
I love activities that combine different skills, like creativity and math. This abacus craft is a fantastic way to help your children enjoy both.
If your kids make this craft, I’d love to hear all about it. Share your experiences in the comments area at the bottom of this post. Oh, and if you have fun ways to add more customization, let me know!
