The Rekenrek, or abacus, is a visual tool that helps students recognize number structures and patterns. It is especially useful for practicing the five-structure and ten-structure, supporting early arithmetic skills and number sense.
How it works:
Move the beads from left to right to represent numbers.
Use the five- or ten-structure to show numbers in groups, making it easier to see number bonds.
Practice addition and subtraction by sliding beads across in steps.
Settings:
Amount of rows: Choose how many bead rows you want to display.
1 row (10 beads)
2 rows (20 beads)
5 rows (50 beads)
10 rows (100 beads)
Bead structure:
5-structure: Each row shows 5 red and 5 white beads.
10-structure: Each row contains 10 beads of alternating colors.
Extra option:
Color each row differently for easier distinction.
💡Tip: Use the rekenrek to show number combinations visually. For example, move 7 beads (5 red and 2 white) and ask students how many more are needed to make 10. This makes addition and subtraction strategies more concrete.