Rekenreks

Getting Started:

What are they?

Watch the video for an introduction to Rekenreks.

Marissa Walsh from Making Math Matters introduces Rekenreks.

A rekenrek is an interactive, hands-on visual model that helps students visualize numbers. This linear model supports the prioritizing of the numbers 5 and 10. It helps students discover the relationship between numbers and build their understanding of place value.

When counting, adding and subtracting, using 5 and 10 as anchors is more efficient than one-by-one counting. The rekenrek is a valuable tool to for helping students develop addition and subtraction strategies such as making ten, doubles, near doubles and compensation. This tool also helps students manipulate numbers so they can visually see how to combine and decompose numbers.

Why should I do it?

Some potential learning intents for curricular competencies include:

Reasoning and Analyzing - using reasoning to explore the relationship between numbers and the connections to five and ten, develop mental math strategies and model
Understanding and Solving - visualize to explore mathematical concepts and develpe and use multiple strategies to engage in problem solving
Communicating and Representing - using mathematical vocabulary to explain ideas
Connecting and Reflecting - connecting mathematical concepts with peers