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.
This free math tutoring video shows how to teach addition and subtraction with Cuisenaire Rods. I also discuss the terminology that should be used when introducing the addition and equals signs.
The thing I like about the game in this free math video is that you can get in a lot of number bonds practice in a very small amount of time. When a child is first learning the Cuisenaire Rods, there is no need to mention any number names or the word “subtraction.” Just seeing the color combinations is enough. Once the child knows the number names of the rods you can start using those in your conversation as you play. Notice the many ways I talk about the number bond combinations in the video. Sometimes I say something like, “Three and what make seven?” or, “What goes with three to make seven,” and sometimes I say, “Seven minus what is three?”
Don’t forget to have fun! My 4-year-old loves that she “beats me” every time we play this game! Doing this for 10 minutes per day for a week has proven great results!
