It's About Time

I know, I know. I've been absent from the blog for a REALLY long time.

I spent most of last school year feeling like this:

I promised myself that it wouldn't happen again. So I spent most of my summer planning, pouring over our new math program and preparing.

Guess what? It hasn't helped! 7 days into school and I am feeling like this:

Maybe if high school football and a non driving player didn't coincide with the beginning of the school year things would be better. Oh, and 27 students (one of which is still in Saudi Arabia, so I'm scanning everything that we are doing to email to him until he gets back), and there is that new math program.

Enough of my grumblings.

This summer as I was facilitating core academy I learned about a new math manipulative.

It's called a Rekenrek. It is a visual tool for students to be able to conserve numbers.

Here is a video of it in action:

I bought my teacher Rekenrek from eNasco.  They also have student versions, but at $5 a student I couldn't afford it this year. BUT, using my favorite website Pinterest I found a way to make some from foam and pony beads thanks to Math Coach's Corner. I think I made an entire class set for about $7 (don't you love a good sale?).  Here is what her's turned out like. Mine are all the same color.

A google search will give you a lot more ideas on how to implement it in your classroom. I can't wait until I can use it in my class this year!