Hands-On Math: Number Rack | Rekenrek Micro Course

Build Early Number Sense with a Number Rack

Help students move beyond counting one-by-one toward seeing and reasoning about numbers with a number rack, also known as a rekenrek. This hands-on micro course explores how the structure of grouped beads can help students visualize numbers in fives and tens, build fluency, and develop flexible mental math strategies. Educators will discover practical ways to model addition and subtraction while extending the number rack to deepen number relationships and connect visual representations to abstract mathematical thinking.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Use a number rack to visually model addition and subtraction.
• Apply number rack strategies that strengthen number relationships, fluency, and flexible thinking.
• Extend the use of number racks beyond addition and subtraction to support broader mathematical reasoning.

Target Audience:

• Math Teachers and Coaches

Format:

• Self-paced eLearning course with interactive knowledge checks and real-world scenarios.
• The estimated time to take the course is 15 minutes.
• Downloadable Lesson plans to support student understanding of number patterns and decompositions with number racks geared towards 1st grade, and can be adjusted to meet the needs of your students.
• A completion certificate is available after completing the course.