In math today, it seems like you finally understand what a new math tool is called and then you hear a new name and wonder if it is the same thing or something completely different. Most of you have heard of an abacus; then the other day I saw it called a Ten Bar Demonstration Rekenrek. Guess what? It is the same thing!
So let’s get the lingo straight!
What is an abacus?
Measures 20 3/4″ × 5 1/2″ × 15 3/4″
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In the U.S. we use the Danish Abacus as it works with our base-ten system (with 100 beads). It is also known as Ten Bar Rekenrek, 100 Number Rack, and 100 Math Rack. Basically, this tool has 100 beads on it. It sometimes has one solid color per row, or the ones that I prefer have 5 red beads and 5 white beads. My new fan favorite is this awesome demo abacus! It uses large beads and you can do endless math concepts on it (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decomposing and composing, place value, and more).
- An abacus is cleared with all of the beads to the right (I like to put a sticker or a sharper marker smiley face on the right corner of the abacus to help children know when it is cleared). You move the beads to the left and read it from left to right.
- Great for supporting the development of number sense, rekenreks are visual models that encourage students to subitize, think of numbers in groups, strengthen counting proficiency, develop addition and subtraction strategies, and gain a better understanding of number relationships.
- Use the Ten-Bar Demonstration Rekenrek to teach numbers up to 100. This unit features 10 bars, each containing 10 beads (100 beads total). The bead color changes after the first five beads. The inner and outer faces of the frame are painted blue for easier visibility.
Learn more about the Abacus here in this two-part blog series: Abacus Fun: Part One and Abacus Fun: Part Two.
What is a Rekenrek?
Measures 6 5/16″ × 3 3/8″ × 2 3/8″
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A Rekenrek usually has a total of 20 beads in two rows, with 5 in red and 5 in white on each row. It is ideal for PK-1. This is also known as a Two-Bar Rekenrek, Twenty Math Rack, and Twenty Number Rack.
- Like the abacus, this is cleared to the right (I like to do red in the lead). I put a sticker on the right side of the Rekenrek to help students know how to clear it. You also move the beads to the left and read it from left to right. One thing I love to do with the Rekenrek is to push the red beads to the left and the white beads to the right and have students show me how many ways they can come up with a sum (by pushing the beads to the center). Example: How many ways can you make the sum of 7 (4 red and 3 white, 5 red and 2 white, etc.)
- Great for supporting the development of number sense. Rekenreks are visual models that encourage students to subitize, think of numbers in groups, strengthen counting proficiency, develop addition and subtraction strategies, and gain a better understanding of number relationships.
- Use the Rekenrek to practice numbers up to 20. This unit features a plastic frame, 2 metal bars with 5 red beads, and 5 white beads, on each.
Learn more about the Rekenrek and get some great resources on this blog post: What the Heck is a Rekrenrek?
Counting Buddy
Of course, one of our favorite linear tools is the Counting Buddy!
The My Counting Buddy system is a multi-sensory approach that will engage children and help them develop skills for lifelong mathematical thinking. The My Counting Buddy Book explains how the system will help young children develop crucial foundational skills such as one-to-one correspondence, recognizing number groups without counting (subitizing), adding and subtracting, understanding missing parts, and more.
Check out the Counting Buddy Junior with 10 beads total (5 of each color) and the Counting Buddy Senior with 20 beads (10 of each color).
Order a class set of 30 Counting Buddies for your class this year, and you’ll get the My Counting Buddy Book free!
