Level 1: Bead Basics (Ages 4–6) — Free
Meet the abacus and set any number from 1 to 99.
Level 1 is where every child starts. Five short lessons introduce the frame, the heaven and earth beads, and how each rod is a place value — so young children always know what comes next.
Every lesson, three parts
- 1
Learn
One idea, five illustrated steps with the abacus drawn at each one
5 steps - 2
Practice
Set the number shown by moving the beads yourself
5 problems - 3
Quiz
Four choices per question, stars saved on the lesson card
10 questions4 choicesUp to 3 stars
The 5 lessons
- 1
Meet the Abacus
FreeThe frame, the rods, the beam, and how beads move toward and away from it.
- 2
Numbers 1 to 4
FreeUsing the earth beads (worth 1 each) to set the first four numbers.
- 3
Number 5 & Beyond
FreeIntroducing the heaven bead (worth 5) and combining it with earth beads for 6–9.
- 4
Place Value
FreeWhy the ones rod and the tens rod are different, and how to read two rods together.
- 5
Numbers to 99
FreeSetting and reading any two-digit number across two rods.
Watch the lessons
Free episodes from our YouTube series that teach what this level practises. All episodes →
Episode 1
Introduction & Parts of Abacus
What an abacus is and what every part is called — the frame, the rods, the beam, and the heaven and earth beads — plus how beads move toward and away from the beam.
4:25 · Published 23 Aug 2026
Episode 2
Learn to Count 0–9 on the Abacus
Setting every digit from 0 to 9 on a single rod: earth beads for 1 to 4, the heaven bead for 5, and both together for 6 to 9.
2:53 · Published 30 Aug 2026
Episode 4
Bigger Numbers on the Abacus
Why each rod is a place value: reading and setting two- and three-digit numbers across the ones, tens and hundreds rods.
4:03 · Published 13 Sept 2026
Keep exploring
Start free today
Level 1 is completely free — no card, no trial clock. Download Abacus Kids and let your child move their first bead in minutes.
