Yes, it's all about visual memory and "seeing" quantities. Remember there is always more than one way to solve a problem. For instance if your child likes to do the trading to "see" the answer, that is one way to solve the problem. However, with an array and being able to see it as both of you described quite well, you are able to "see" the abacus in your head so when there is no abacus present.....you can still "see"/use the strategy of seeing the beads to solve a problem. Also, as you continue to do this and to play the math card games the automaticity of answering math facts will come.

Does this make sense? Thanks for posting your questions.

Rosine

Thanks Rosine.