Activities for Learning, Inc. Affiliate Program

This unique hands-on program de-emphasizes counting, uses visualization of quantities, and provides strategies (visual pictures) for learning the facts. Understanding and problem solving are emphasized throughout the curriculum. The primary learning tool is the Cotter Abacus (AL Abacus), a specially designed two-sided abacus that is both kinesthetic and visual. The Cotter Abacus (AL Abacus) is grouped in fives and tens for quick recognition of quantities. Children develop visual strategies as they use this manipulative.