Rekenreks with Mrs. Wallace

Today Mrs. Wallace was invited to join our math class and teach the children how to use a cool math tool called a rekenrek. The rekenrek, or arithmetic rack, was designed by Adrian Treffers, a mathematics curriculum researcher at the Freudenthal Institute in Holland, to support the natural development of number sense in children.
Smaller versions consist of two rows of 10 beads. Larger versions with ten rows of ten beads are also available. Each row is made of five red beads and five white beads. This allows students to make mental images of numbers. Using 5 and 10 as anchors for counting, adding and subtracting is obviously more efficient than one-by-one counting. This tool provides learners with the visual models they need to discover number relationships and develop a variety of addition and subtraction strategies, including doubles plus or minus one, making tens, and compensation, thereby leading to automaticity of basic facts (K-5 Math Teaching Resources Website).

The kids used the rekenreks to make numbers, to show one more, two more, one less, two less and to practice their make ten facts. It was a cool tool to use and we will continue to use this tool over the school year.

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