Using the Rekenrek: Flash and Tell
By Julie Adams (KCM)
Building and representing numbers in meaningful ways helps develop students' early number sense. In this video, we introduce the Flash and Tell routine using rekenrek, also called a bead
rack, showing how briefly displaying quantities encourages students to recognize and describe numbers based on structure rather than counting by ones. We explain what the routine looks
like and why it supports students in developing more efficient and flexible thinking about numbers.
Resources:
- KCM Rekenrek Routines Handout
- Working with the Rekenrek by Don Balka and Ruth Harbin Miles, Didax
- Math Learning Center Number Rack Web Application
