A short, free math tutoring video about teaching how to add one to any number using Cuisenaire Rods. Oftentimes, children are taught this with symbols only…

1+1=2
2+1=3
3+1=4
4+1=5

…and they are expected to see the pattern in these symbols in order to remember that when adding one the answer is the next counting number. The problem is that this does not build number sense. It is another rule to remember.

If you use Cuisenaire Rods to teach this concept, then children have a mental PICTURE they can refer back to as well as having TOUCHED these numbers and, suddenly, it becomes more concrete and less abstract to them. Their brains are much more likely to understand and remember math concepts if they are taught this way instead of with symbols only.