I just bought a classic abacus (the wooden one), it arrived today. DD is only 2.5 but loves numbers -- we already have wooden Montessori place value number tiles, she "gets" the one-ten, two-ten counting (though I don't for a moment think she understand the quantities, or the concept of place value yet lol), she counts objects accurately up to 5 and counts by rote to twenty.

She already has a Melissa and Doug abacus, and of course older brother has a "junior" ALabacus. I just thought it was a good time for her to start getting used to the visualizing 5's idea, since she can now understand the quantity of 5 and she loves playing with the abacus.

It was awfully cute when I opened the package and said I had something for her. She said "oh, an abacus! A new abacus for me!" Then a few minutes later, she said, puzzled, "I already have an abacus." LOL

ANYWAY. The beads on the new abacus are VERY STIFF. As in, you kind of have to force them to move. The ones on the junior abacus slide freely. I know we're supposed to clear the abacus by tipping it to the side -- they ain't moving.

Is this a common thing? Are they just stiff when new but they'll free up as they get used? Or did I get a defective one?

Also, the wires seem really bendy. I expected something stiffer, like the M&D one.

Okay, the joke's on me. When I'd opened the abacus, there were a couple little paper pamphets. I glanced quickly at them, figured they were the same things I'd had before with DS's stuff, and ignored them.

So just a few minutes ago I was tidying up, and picked up those papers. One was the basic abacus guide, which indeed we already had. The other said basically 'thank you for buying the classic abacus. Due to the paint process, some beads may not slide easily at first. Sliding them back and forth a few times will loosen them.'

So *duh* on me for not reading this before posting.

But, still... well, I've been sliding them back and forth like mad and they're still very sticky. How long does it usually take?

Heather!

So glad to hear you found our note! Your posts made me chuckle you have a great attitude! :) Thank you for the smiles!

Another suggestion, other than just sitting there moving them constantly, is maybe to put a little cooking oil on the wires. This will make them easier to move, hence the beads becoming more loose.

As far as time, it really depends on how much they are moved. Honestly, some rigorous moving and a little grease will make the process speed up! :) But there is not an actual time line.

If you have tried some "tricks" and still having trouble, please let us know! :)

Thank you again for your inquiry! Make it a great day!

Cassie :)