Anyhoo--I wanted to share my latest discovery about rekenreks. I think I shared a while ago that I had made some and they were working out just fine. However, by chance, I discovered a better way to make them. It all started when I received my materials from Frog Street Press for the make and take session I did this summer in San Antonio (which, by the way, was a complete sell out!) In making the rekenreks for my session, I discovered that they turned out even better than before, so I wanted to share that with you.
When I constructed the first ones, I put the pipe cleaners directly into the foam board, which meant that the pipe cleaners were taped down on the back, and they showed. This time, I started with a cute name plate (there are so many to choose from!), and THEN I mounted them onto the foam board with hot glue. The last step was taping the edges with duct tape. I went with a name plate that would match my Rock Star themed room this time. Also, I decided to make them all exactly the same. I don't know about you, but if you have several to choose from, the kids will always want to be selective about which one they choose! So now, I don't give them a choice, because they all look just alike, and time is saved when passing them out!
Another tip I wanted to share this time is putting the little happy face sticker in the top left-hand corner. Sometimes the kids want to tell you the way they made their number by starting on the right and moving toward the left. I guess this would be OK, but I really want them to proceed from left to right, just like we do when we read. So, this way, having the little smiley face helps them to remember where to start.
Here are a few pictures to help give you an idea of how I constructed them this time:
It is my goal in the near future to make a little video that shows you how I use my rekenreks during our "Math Talks." So, stay tuned--but don't hold your breath!
