This is a clear example of why I wanted to start this blog.
Here is a wonderful example of a counting resource that just wouldn’t fit within the bounds of the full Mathsticks resource list. I’ve had this on file for a couple of months, but this is the first opportunity I have had to share it. Enjoy.
This counting rope is a fairly common resource in most UK schools, however, what follows is a great explanation of how to make them yourself from Cindy the author of the love2learn2day blog.
[source: Make it yourself... counting rope]
Of course, if you already have these in your classroom you wouldn’t want to go to the trouble of making your own, would you? Well, the quick response is “No”, but the real answer focusing on two important points: versatility and engagement… should probably be “Yes”!
Let’s think “versatile“:
Commercial counting rope generally comes with 10, 20 or 100 beads. If we make our own we can provide clear models for other numbers, what about counting ropes with 5 beads… or 15, 25, 30, 50?
Because we are in control of the design, we can decide how the bead colour changes… what learning can be gained by, for example, using alternating coloured beads in the pattern: 3 + 2+ 3+ 2+ 3+ 2+ 3 + 2?
Let’s think “engagement“:
Counting ropes are interesting for a short time, but if we want young children to really engage with using them then allowing them to make their own seems a useful strategy. Ownership and pride will boost the interest level (of course we are also developing manipulative skills along with speaking and listening). The simple act of making a rope necessitates that the child is involved in counting and sorting. The whole activity is rich in learning and assessment opportunities.
Is it enough to just change the colour? What about alternating beads with different textures, or beads of different sizes. These are going to help support children with impaired vision, but will also enable other children to use tactile counting strategies rather than visual ones.
One last point, why stop at simple plastic beads? The activity (and the completed counting ropes) could be far more purposeful if the children selected (or even made) their own ‘beads’.
