We often talk about education in terms of test scores, grades, and academic milestones. But let’s pause and think: when did you last get through a day solely on your multiplication tables? Probably never.
What actually gets us through the ups and downs of school, work, and life is a combination of confidence, focus, communication, problem-solving, and time management, aka soft skills. These are the silent superheroes of success, and guess what? Programs like UCMAS are nurturing them every single day, even if you signed up thinking it was just about Abacus math.
In fact, a report by the World Economic Forum lists creativity, emotional intelligence, and cognitive flexibility among the top skills children need to thrive in the future workplace. And those are all soft skills! So if you’re wondering whether UCMAS is more than math tutoring, you’re asking the right question.
Let’s explore how this number-centric program is secretly raising the next generation of confident communicators and thoughtful leaders.
UCMAS is More Than Math
You’ve probably heard parents say, “My kid started Abacus classes and now she’s solving math faster than a calculator.” True. But what they often don’t realize is what’s happening behind the scenes.
Let’s take a look at the UCMAS Abacus Math Program; it isn’t just about flicking beads. It’s a whole-brain development approach that trains both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. While the left deals with logic and numbers, the right is home to creativity and intuition. When both are stimulated regularly, the result isn’t just a math whiz; it’s a well-rounded child.
In fact, a study published by Research Gate showed that children who practiced Abacus techniques demonstrated better memory, focus, and problem-solving skills compared to their peers.
So while your child is learning to visualize numbers and compute faster, they’re also practicing patience, boosting their attention span, and thinking outside the box. That’s not just math, it’s mental magic.
Here’s a piece of great news for parents looking for a math tutor in Toronto. UCMAS has several centers across the country, so that your child gets the perfect opportunity to shine. Being a part of the UCMAS class provides a chance to make new friends while learning math concepts from basic to advanced levels.
Soft Skills Grown the UCMAS Way
Let’s break down some of the core soft skills UCMAS helps develop, without your child even realizing it:
1. Focus & Concentration
Imagine trying to visualize a multi-digit number in your mind while mentally moving beads on an invisible abacus, all within seconds. That’s what UCMAS students do regularly. Over time, this intense mental workout sharpens focus like a laser beam.
You know how kids can sit through a 90-minute animated movie without blinking, but can’t do 10 minutes of homework without a snack break? UCMAS changes that. Parents often report that kids who were once easily distracted are now sitting through schoolwork with better attention spans.Check out this blog on how math tutoring supports child growth, it’s not just about scores!
2. Time Management
In a world where kids are overscheduled and overstimulated, time management is pure gold. At UCMAS, speed and accuracy go hand in hand. Children are trained to solve a certain number of problems in a limited amount of time, which means they learn how to manage pressure and pace themselves.
Whether it’s finishing a test on time or balancing school with extracurriculars, this skill follows them well beyond the classroom.
3. Sharp Memory That Sticks
Your child can sing five cartoon jingles by heart, but forget where they put their notebook? You’re not alone.
UCMAS flips that script. Through constant mental math and visualization, kids unknowingly give their memory a full workout. It’s like strength training for the brain—quiet, consistent, and powerful. Before long, they’re recalling class instructions, school lessons, and yes, even where they left their water bottle.
4. Problem-Solving Like a Pro
Ever seen your child freeze the moment something doesn’t go as planned? A tough math question, a missing puzzle piece, or a sudden change in plans, and they just melt down.
UCMAS gently changes that. With every timed challenge and mental calculation, kids learn to stay calm, think clearly, and try different ways to solve a problem. It’s like building a quiet confidence that says, “I’ve got this.”
And before you know it, they’re not just solving math problems, they’re solving life ones too.
5. Confidence that Shines
Surprise! UCMAS isn’t just about solitary learning. Regular competitions, oral answering, and group exercises push kids out of their comfort zones and into a space where they’re comfortable presenting their skills. Think of it like a “brain gym” where kids build mental muscles and social confidence, without even knowing it.
Over time, even shy children begin to raise their hands in class, explain math problems out loud, and speak with clarity and confidence. That’s a game-changer.
The Magic of COMIC JARS
UCMAS is a research-based and continuously evolving whole-brain development program. Using the Abacus method, children activate both the left and right hemispheres of the brain, strengthening their critical as well as creative thinking abilities. This holistic approach not only improves math skills but also builds a foundation for lifelong learning.
The program proudly presents its key advantages through ‘COMIC JARS,’ a framework that highlights the essential cognitive skills gained through UCMAS.
| Concentration | Observation | Memory | Imagination | Creativity |
| Judgement | Application | Reasoning | Self-Confidence |
Every time your child moves those abacus beads, they’re strengthening these abilities, without even knowing it. It’s like a quiet superpower growing in the background.
But Isn’t This Just About Numbers?
Think of UCMAS as a karate class for the brain. You don’t send your kid to karate just to throw punches; you send them to learn discipline, respect, and self-control. Similarly, you don’t sign them up for abacus classes just for faster math; you do it because it helps shape them into focused, confident, and creative thinkers.
If you’re still on the fence, dive into this blog on early education success. You’ll see why starting early gives your child a strong foundation, not just academically, but personally, too.
So, Is UCMAS Really Helping Kids With Soft Skills?
Absolutely. It’s more than math tutoring, it’s life tutoring. At first glance, it looks like kids are just learning to move beads. But underneath that, they’re building an internal compass: one that helps them navigate focus, emotions, relationships, time, and challenges.
In a world full of AI, automation, and rapid change, it’s no longer enough for kids to just be book-smart. They need to be people-smart, emotionally strong, and mentally agile.
Ready to Raise a Life-Ready Learner? Here’s How to Start!
If you thought UCMAS was only about mental math, now you know that it’s so much more. From sharpening focus and memory to nurturing confidence, creativity, and problem-solving, the UCMAS Math Tutoring Program is designed to develop all aspects of your child’s personality.
Curious how? Take a closer look at the UCMAS Abacus Math Program and discover how every bead moved builds not just better math skills, but stronger minds and future-ready thinkers.When you’re ready, find a UCMAS centre near you and give your child a head start on skills that truly matter. Or explore all we offer at UCMAS Canada and take the first step toward unlocking your child’s full potential.
