A DIY for making an abacus from recycled items

Without a doubt there are some things you can just count on being particularly awesome...upcycling trash into new things, learning to use numbers and homemade kid-sized abacuses. Simple Kids Crafts has posted a tutorial for making a Chinese abacus from a few beads, hot glue, and recycled popsicle sticks and wooden BBQ skewers. The detailed project includes written and video directions that are clear and easy to follow. When you are finished you'll have crafted a swell little counter. Now, if you're like me and it's been decades since you've used an abacus then perhaps you'll need a little refresher course on the heavens and earths. You might want to check out this tutorial before trying to explain how to use your new upcycled calculating tool to your mini mathematician. A fun time with numbers is guaranteed with an abacus in hand.