The rekenrek (rek- en- rek) is a tool that was developed in the Netherlands to support the development of number sense in young children. The picture shows a homemade rekenrek that I created with string, beads, and the bottom of a shoebox. This rekenrek has 20 beads. Much of your work with students in grades PK-2 could be done with a rekenrek of this size. You will also see larger versions that have 10 rows of beads to work on numbers within 100. The larger version is great for counting patterns within 100. The larger version would also be useful for 3rd grade teachers because you can easily create arrays on the rekenrek that model multiplication.
If you are looking for a rekenrek app for the iPad, I like the one called
"Number Rack" You can adjust how many strings of beads you have showing up to 10 strings. The movement of the beads is pretty similar to the actual rekenrek. It's nice that I can pull beads to the right at the same time I'm sliding beads to the left. It also lets me slide a whole group of beads over at once. It has a screen, but I can't seem to be able to move the beads under the screen like I could with a real rekenrek. However, you could use the screen to decompose a number. If 3 beads are showing, how many beads in the string of 10 are hidden under the screen, etc.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/number-rack-by-math-learning/id496057949?mt=8
Want to see the rekenrek in action? Check out this video on Youtube created by Bill Davidson. He was one of the presenters that came to Albany to share information about the upcoming math modules. In less than 5 minutes you can see many ways to use a 20 bead rekenrek... enjoy :)
"Number Rack" You can adjust how many strings of beads you have showing up to 10 strings. The movement of the beads is pretty similar to the actual rekenrek. It's nice that I can pull beads to the right at the same time I'm sliding beads to the left. It also lets me slide a whole group of beads over at once. It has a screen, but I can't seem to be able to move the beads under the screen like I could with a real rekenrek. However, you could use the screen to decompose a number. If 3 beads are showing, how many beads in the string of 10 are hidden under the screen, etc.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/number-rack-by-math-learning/id496057949?mt=8
Want to see the rekenrek in action? Check out this video on Youtube created by Bill Davidson. He was one of the presenters that came to Albany to share information about the upcoming math modules. In less than 5 minutes you can see many ways to use a 20 bead rekenrek... enjoy :)