How to play Ten-Row Counting Frame
The more rekenrek, the more fun you’ll have! Count to one hundred and perform operations with this fun set of virtual beads. Similar to an abacus or a ten frame, rekenrek is a Dutch math tool. The word means “calculation rack.”
What is a rekenrek? This math manipulative was invented by Adrian Treffers at the Freudenthal Institute in Holland. This rekenrek is similar to the original, except it has 10 rows of 10 beads instead of just two (try the original rekenrek here!) Each row features five red beads and five white beads. This helps students count by fives and tens, building their number sense.
Slide beads to the right or left on the rekenrek rows by clicking and dragging them. Move one at a time or push several at once.
Once your students start using our online rekenrek, they won’t want to stop! Here are some fun ways to use the 10 row rekenrek in your classroom:
Ask students to model a number on the rekenrek. Encourage students to count by fives or tens to show numbers over 20.
Display a number on the rekenrek. Ask students to figure out what it is without counting individual beads.
Ask students to model addition and subtraction problems using the rekenrek. You can include problems with missing addends of subtrahends.
Ask students to count by multiples. For example, count by 3s up to 21.
Ask students to model multiplication problems on the rekenrek.
Want tips and strategies? Read the full How to Play Ten-Row Counting Frame guide.
