The Rekenrek

In this post, we'll explore what the rekenrek is, what it is that makes it so helpful for developing number sense and how best to use it, both in a classroom and a support setting.

What is it?

The rekenrek is, at its core, an abacus. It comes in two sizes - one with 20 beads and one with 100 beads. But, it is much more effective than a traditional abacus in developing number sense. Just like an abacus, it has 10 beads on each wire rack but, unlike a traditional abacus, those beads are split into just 2 colours, mostly red and white.

How is it helpful?

The rekenrek can be used just like a traditional abacus when children are learning to count and to add simple numbers. However, where it really comes into its own as a maths tool is when you want to progress children to seeing numbers as groups, where you want them to be able to count on or back from a given number with ease, and in the case of the 100 bead rekenrek, where you want them to count on and back over the 10.

Why is this important?

For children to be able to use effective strategies like number bonds to 10 and bridging to 10, they need to be able to see numbers as groups. Developing that skill at an early stage allows children to develop their competence and confidence in themselves.

Arranging the beads in groups of 5 red and 5 white helps children to easily locate numbers. With a little practise, children start to see that 7 is made up of 5 red and 2 white. Similarly, when adding 5 to 8, children can see that they need 2 white to make up 10 and another 3 makes 13.

Using it in a classroom setting

Ideally, a junior class would have one 20 rekenrek per child until children are solid in their number bonds, numbers within 20 and are able to add and subtract effectively over the 10. If this isn't possible having enough for one station group, e.g. 5 would also work.

The 100 bead rekenrek

Having a large 100 rekenrek, either as a physical resource or on an interactive whiteboard, is very useful for adding / subtracting 10. It also allows children to see patterns and connections with what they have previously learned, e.g. 9 + 7 = 16, so I can physically see that 19 +7 = 26 etc. While it mightn't be necessary to have a whole class set of 100 rekenrek available, I would as a minimum have a set of 6 available when children are consolidating numbers to 100. It allows for small group teaching and for children to practise work independently.

I would also make sure these are available for use in a support setting, even for children who are older. In a whole class setting, I also draw children's attention to the couple that I have in my room and, though they are used less frequently, children do occasionally use them.

Multiplication and Division

The rekenrek's usefulness is mostly in developing solidity in basic number sense, in number recognition, in consolidating basic addition and subtraction It is of less use when it comes to teaching multiplication and division, though having said that, I have had some pupils who have found it useful when learning times tables.

Conclusion

As with any maths tool, once demonstrated, children will use it when they need it, find different ways to get it to help them and then when they no longer need it, will leave it to one side. In my view, the rekenrek is a fantastic tool for helping children develop their basic number sense and for making sure children are active agents in their own learning.