Rekenrek comes from the
Netherlands and is basically an arithmetic (or calculating) rack. It’s a visual way for children to
develop a strong sense of 5 and 10.
Children can use the rekenrek to count, add, or decompose numbers. Smaller versions of the rekenrek have
two rows of ten beads. Five red
beads and five white beads.
(Versions for older students have more rows.) You can purchase these or make your own as shown from fun
foam or cardboard, pipe cleaners, and pony tail beads. One advantage making these for your class is that all the children can be engaged at the same time.
Children always move their
beads to the right or “start position” to begin. As they work they move the beads to the left or “action
zone.” “Reset” reminds them to
return the beads to the start position.
Counting and
Cardinality
Say a number or hold up a
numeral card. Children slide beads
to show the amount. Touch the
beads and count.
Tens and Ones
Slide over the top row. That's ten. Call out other numbers between 10-20 for the children to demonstrate.
Tens and Ones
Slide over the top row. That's ten. Call out other numbers between 10-20 for the children to demonstrate.
Addition and
Subtraction
*If I had 4 cookies and I
ate one how many would I have left?
Show me.
*If I had 5 stuffed
animals and I got 2 more for my birthday, how many would I have? Can you show me?
Decomposing Numbers
*Show me how to make
7. Can you show me another
way? Who can make 7 another way?
What is one more? One less?
Here is a very good
YouTube video on introducing the rekenrek:
Here is a free booklet
that you can download that aligns activities to the Common Core:
http://catalog.mathlearningcenter.org/files/pdfs/URVM_1012.pdf
There is also a free "Number Rack" app that you can download.
There is also a free "Number Rack" app that you can download.
Counting Bracelet
A simple version for the
beginning of the school year might be a counting bracelet. Simply string 10 beads (5 of two
different colors) on a pipe cleaner.
Twist the ends to make a bracelet.
Children can slide the beads to make sets, add, subtract, etc.