My Child Learned Soroban for 3 Months But Grades Are the Same – I Almost Gave Up
I was so disappointed. Spent money and time, but no results. Until I realized this important truth.
I enrolled my son in Soroban with high expectations: he'll be better at math, grades will improve. 3 months later, he could do 47 + 38 in his head instantly. But math tests at school? Still C's. I was so disappointed, almost gave up. Then I researched more and realized: I had wrong expectations from the start.
My Story: Wrong Expectations
When I read about Soroban, I saw videos of Japanese kids calculating like machines. I thought: 'If my kid learns this, math grades will definitely improve!' So I signed up for Sorokid.
First month, he was excited. Learned to move beads, started doing simple add/subtract. Second month, mental math with 2 digits worked. I was thrilled, waiting for the next test.
Test came back. He brought home: 70%. I was shocked. 'You're learning Soroban and grades are still the same?' I started doubting: Is Soroban really effective? Am I wasting money?
If you're in my position – disappointed because your child learns Soroban but grades don't improve – keep reading. The problem isn't that Soroban doesn't work. The problem is how I set expectations.
Biggest Mistake: Thinking Soroban = High Math Grades
I was wrong to think simply: Soroban → fast calculation → high grades. Reality is more complex.
What Soroban DOES Help
- •Mental calculation: add, subtract, multiply, divide – fast and accurate
- •Focus and concentration
- •Visual memory (visualization)
- •Strong foundation for complex calculations later
What Soroban Does NOT Help
- •Reading comprehension for word problems
- •Solving logic/reasoning problems
- •Geometry (angles, areas...)
- •Proper presentation format
- •Remembering formulas the school teaches
The issue: school math tests aren't just calculation. They include reading comprehension, geometry, presentation – things Soroban doesn't teach.
I Analyzed My Son's Test
After calming down, I looked carefully at his 70% test. Here's what I found:
Calculation Section (30%): He got 30/30
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division – all correct, no calculation errors. This is Soroban's result!
Word Problems (40%): He got 20/40
He missed points because he didn't understand what the question asked. Some problems he added instead of subtracted because he didn't read keywords carefully. Not a calculation error – a comprehension error.
Geometry (20%): He got 10/20
He forgot formulas for area and perimeter. This is school knowledge, Soroban doesn't cover it.
Presentation (10%): He got 10/10
Good format, all steps shown. No points lost here.
Lesson: Don't just look at total score. Analyze WHERE your child lost points. If calculation errors – Soroban isn't working yet. If other sections – need to supplement other skills.
What Soroban ACTUALLY Helps – Seeing the Real Value
After analysis, I realized Soroban IS helping my son – just in areas different from what I expected.
- •Fast and accurate mental math: No more simple calculation errors, saves time
- •Confident with numbers: Not scared of big numbers anymore, willing to work faster
- •Better focus: Moving beads requires attention, helps reduce distraction
- •Strong foundation: When math gets harder in middle school, fast calculation will really help
- •Less anxiety: Knowing he calculates correctly reduces test worry
What I Did to Improve Grades
I decided: continue Soroban (it's helping calculation), but supplement the missing skills.
1. Reading Comprehension Practice (10 min/day)
- •Read problems slowly, underline numbers
- •Circle the question: 'What is being asked?'
- •Find keywords: 'gave more' = add, 'took away' = subtract
- •Write the equation before solving
2. Review School Material (15 min/day)
- •Review geometry formulas: perimeter, area
- •Redo teacher's assigned homework
- •Look at old tests, correct mistakes
3. Presentation Practice (5 min/day)
- •Write full steps: Summary, Solution, Answer
- •Include units
- •Clean, clear presentation
Results After 6 Months of Persistence
I didn't expect immediate change. But after 6 months of combining Soroban + school review, results came:
- •Math grades: From 70% to 85-90%
- •Calculation section: Still 100% correct
- •Reading comprehension: Clear improvement, fewer errors
- •Geometry: Remembers formulas better
- •Attitude: Confident, no longer afraid of math
More important than grades: he's not afraid of math anymore. He knows his calculations are definitely right – and that creates confidence to tackle other sections.
How Long Until You See Results from Soroban?
Based on my experience and talking with other parents:
- •1-3 months: Getting familiar with abacus, simple calculations
- •3-6 months: 2-digit mental math, starting to speed up
- •6-12 months: Confident mental math, solid skills
- •1 year+: Stable skills, can handle complex calculations
Note: Overall grades may take longer because they depend on other factors (comprehension, geometry...). Don't just look at grades, look at progress in each skill.
Soroban isn't a 'magic pill' for math grades. But it's an important part – the foundation part. With a good foundation, your child will improve gradually when combined with other skills.
Advice for Disappointed Parents
- •Set right expectations: Soroban helps mental math, doesn't solve all math problems
- •Be patient: Need at least 6 months for comprehensive results
- •Analyze tests: See where your child loses points to supplement correctly
- •Combine sources: Soroban + school review + reading comprehension
- •Don't give up early: Soroban IS helping, just in ways you haven't noticed
Conclusion
I almost gave up because I thought Soroban wasn't working. Now I understand: Soroban is very effective – within its scope. It's not a magic pill for math grades, but it's an important brick in your child's math foundation.
If your child is learning Soroban but grades haven't improved – don't quit yet. Analyze, supplement missing skills, and be patient. Results will come.
Keep building that foundation. Mental math skills last a lifetime. Sorokid helps your child master calculation while you work on other skills.
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