Even in ancient times, arithmetic was carried out using calculating stones on boards with a system of lines. This method was used until the 17th century in the counting rooms of Central Europe. We introduce arithmetic on the lines, practise it in a playful way and finally everyone can become a master of arithmetic and solve problems themselves.

Another arithmetic aid is the abacus. In addition to the well-known school abacus, which goes back to the Russian stschoty, the Roman abacus, the Chinese suanpan and the Japanese soroban are also shown and explained. At the end, all the children are given a suanpan so that they can do their own calculations. It is amazing how much these simple arithmetic aids simplify the learning of basic arithmetic.