This free math tutoring video shows a fun activity to help kids learn the number bonds (or fact families) to 10 using Cuisenaire Rods and Hundred Flats from a Base Ten set. This is so much more fun and effective than drill of addition and subtraction facts! And, it not only teaches them their math facts, but it gives them a conceptual framework as well – something that will NOT happen if they are primarily working with symbols on paper, which is all too common.

Another great thing about this activity is that it is self correcting. If they are doing a “seven” tower and try to use a 4-rod and a 2-rod, their tower is going to fall. This also enforces that 5+2 or 6+1 or 3+4 will ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS be 7. This is not always clear to children – especially if they are used to counting on their fingers or doing Touch Math.

This game/activity incorporates the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles. Effective and fun!

You will need a small group set of Cuisenaire Rods (not the connecting kind) and a set of Base Ten Hundred flats (which you can purchase by themselves without having to buy the rest of a Base Ten set).