I Bought Soroban Flashcards – Here's What I Learned
I saw parents showing off Soroban flashcards, so I bought a set for $25. After using them, I learned when they actually help – and when they don't.
In a parent group, I saw many people showing off their Soroban flashcards. One side shows abacus beads, the other shows the number. I ordered a set right away. $25 for 100 cards. After using them, I have some thoughts to share.
What Are Soroban Flashcards?
Simply: cards with a Soroban bead pattern on one side, the corresponding number on the other. Kids look at the pattern and guess the number, or look at the number and visualize the abacus.
The purpose is to help kids memorize abacus patterns faster.
How I Used Them Wrong (At First)
I held up a flashcard and asked my son: "What number is this?" He hadn't learned Soroban yet. He just stared blankly.
I tried to explain: "The top bead is 5, the bottom beads are 1 each..." The more I explained, the more confused he got.
My mistake: Using flashcards when my child didn't know what Soroban was yet. Flashcards are for REVIEW, not for initial teaching.
After My Son Learned Soroban for 2 Months
I pulled out the flashcards again. This time, totally different. He looked at a card and knew the answer immediately.
I turned it into a game: lay out 5 cards, guess as fast as possible. He loved it.
When Should You Use Flashcards?
SHOULD Use When:
- •Your child already knows basic Soroban and needs to practice faster recognition
- •You want screen-free practice time
- •During car rides, waiting rooms, or travel
- •As a fun quiz game between siblings or parent-child
SHOULD NOT Use When:
- •Your child hasn't learned Soroban yet
- •Your child just started (first few weeks)
- •As a replacement for actual Soroban practice
Do You Even Need to Buy Them?
Honestly, if your child uses an app like Sorokid, the app already has pattern recognition exercises built in. Flashcards just add another way to review offline.
I find flashcards useful when I want my son to rest from screens but still practice. Or during car rides when we can't use the tablet.
Flashcards are a supplementary tool, not required. If you don't have them, your child can still learn Soroban perfectly well.
Types of Soroban Flashcards
- •Number recognition cards: Bead pattern on one side, number on the other
- •Speed drill cards: For rapid-fire recognition practice
- •Operation cards: Show addition/subtraction problems in bead format
- •Anzan prep cards: For mental visualization training
How to Use Flashcards Effectively
- •Start small: Use just 10-20 cards at first, focus on numbers they know
- •Make it a game: Race against time, compete with siblings, earn rewards
- •Short sessions: 5-10 minutes max – don't bore them
- •Mix with other practice: Flashcards alone won't teach Soroban – use alongside app practice
DIY Alternative: Make Your Own
If you want to save money or try before buying:
- •Download free Soroban images online
- •Print on cardstock paper
- •Cut into cards
- •Cost: About $3 for paper + markers
- •Bonus: You can customize to numbers your child struggles with
Pro tip: Start with numbers 0-20. Once your child masters those quickly, add more. Don't overwhelm them with a 100-card deck right away.
My Final Verdict
Flashcards are a nice-to-have, not a must-have. They're useful for:
- •Screen-free practice moments
- •Variety in learning routine
- •Fun family quiz games
- •Reinforcing what they've already learned
But they can't replace actual Soroban practice. Your child needs to learn on an abacus (physical or virtual) first. Flashcards come after, not before.
What Actually Works Better Than Flashcards
- •Consistent app practice: 15 minutes daily beats occasional flashcard drills
- •Anzan mode in apps: Specifically designed for mental visualization
- •Real-world questions: "What's 17 + 8?" while driving
- •In-app games: Built-in motivation and instant feedback
Save your money if budget is tight. The app provides everything flashcards do, plus instant feedback, progress tracking, and gamification. Flashcards are bonus, not essential.
If your child doesn't know Soroban yet, start with the app first. Flashcards come after.
Let Your Child Try Sorokid