Math Monday: Abacus Shapes

Good thing we're not partaking in formalized education, since I completely finished my kids homework!
To kick off our Chinese New Year events this week, I (re)introduced the abacus.
I thought we would begin with a unique use and create shapes out of the beads.
In my attempts to create an 'invitation sample', it dawned on me how difficult it was and I became engrossed in making more!
http://www.planetsmarty.com/2013/08/hands-on-math-tools-abacus.html

Equals Ten

Once I got that out of my system, I invited each child to take turns creating an image of their choice by arranging the beads.

Later in the day, Ms.O and I had a chance to do various equations that equal ten and examine the pattern that creates on the abacus.