What the Heck is a Rekenrek?

A Rekenrek Is a Math Tool for K-2 Students

     

Rekenreks were introduced at the Star Summit earlier this month.  Rekenreks are a new math tool many teachers had never heard of before.  Our teachers loved them, so we wanted to share this amazing math tool with all of you.

A Rekenrek combines features of the number line, counters, and base-10 models. It is made of two strings of ten beads each, strategically broken into two groups: five red beads, and five white beads. With this math tool, children begin to think in groups of five and ten.
 
Rekenreks can also be differentiated to accommodate children who may be either more or less advanced. One string of five beads or ten beads may be easily created, just as a teacher may wish to use two strings of twenty beads each.

REKENREK VIDEOS:

• Rekenrec Math Explanation and Lessons
• Rekenrec Activities 
• Rekenrec Demonstration

REKENREK RESOURCES:

Using the Rekenrek as a Visual Model for Strategic Reasoning in Mathematics 

by Barbara Blanke includes:

• What is a Rekenrek?
• 6 Rekenrek Activities

Learning to Think Mathematically with a Rekenrek

A Resource for Teachers, A Tool for Young Children

by Jeffrey Frykholm includes:

• About the Rekenrek
• A Rationale for the Rekenrek
• 10 Rekenrek Activities