“I was working with a student on place value and she was just confused about the concept of ten.....”
When we demonstrate with an abacus we may assume that the children will readily see, believe and internalize that each row has ten beads. However, many students may need to manipulate these themselves and count them one by one to really ‘know’ that there are 10. This knowing and believing that each row is ten is essential if place value lessons are to be successful.
Domain: Place value
Transition: 3 → 4
Barrier: Unsure of the concept of 10.
Other resources:
Numeracy activities:
- Fabulous Fives
- Using the Slavonic Abacus to Reinforce Five Grouping
- Adding and Subtracting with One Hand
- Using One Hand