Mrs. Larremore, creator of ChalkTalk, is having a math workstation linky!
One of the math tubs that helps our first graders with number concepts is called Number Bracelets. Our amazing parent volunteers made these cheap and cute number bracelets for each teacher grades K-2. We received number bracelets for the numbers 1-10. The idea is to focus on one number and in your small group give everyone a number bracelet for that targeted number. (so you make 4-6 identical bracelets for each number 1-10) The students can manipulate the beads on the bracelet to see the parts that make up a whole number. At first this is an oral, visual, and kinesthetic way to understand a number. Once your students have a good understanding of their numbers, we can take it a step further to explore the written parts that make up that whole number. Students will recognize patterns in the parts to whole relationship with this activity.
For this blog post, I went with the number 5. The students learn how to make a number sentence using the beads as a guide. Here is an explanation of how I use the number bracelets and a freebie supplemental guide for you at the end.
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Students take a number prompt and the bracelet that matches the number in the prompt. (use any kind of paper your students are comfortable with) Students count the beads and start with 5+0=5 |
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Next, they move one bead away from the group and make a new number sentence to match. 4 + 1 = 5 |
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This process continues. They move one more bead away and write the new number sentence. 3+2=5 |
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and so on 2+3=5 |
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and….so…..on…. 1+4=5 |
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Until all the beads are back together again in a new spot! 0+5=5 |
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Now the students count up the number sentences and write their answer at the top! |
Be sure to add your favorite math workstation by clicking her button below!

what a great idea and just where I am heading next week!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Love it! Pinned it! 🙂
Amy @ First Things First
This is amazing! I downloaded the doc, thanks a million, looking forward to sharing this with my team! Are these pipe cleaners?
Rachel
asartiparty.blogspot.com
How can I download this?
Yes…I can't believe I forgot to mention that…it is just pipe cleaners with cheapo beads. 🙂
Love this idea! I just got a whole mess of pipe cleaners and beads in my classroom supply box, so I know exactly what I'll do with them now! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks for posting this idea! I can't wait to get started.
http://guidedmathstudygroup.blogspot.com/2011_08_01_archive.html
Thanks! We'll be doing these soon. I'm sure the kids will love it!
F is For First Grade
Love this idea! Thanks for sharing.
I made these last year for my first es. They loved using them. One of our goals has been number composition and decomposition so these were cheap and easy tools to make.
Thanks for sharing! I tried this with my kids and they LOVE it! It's so concrete and visual for my low kids.
[email protected]
This is a fantastic idea! I love that it is so simple, yet so effective, and what a perfect job for parent volunteers. Thanks!
Teaching in the Early Years by Shelley Gray
i love this idea
This is a great idea! Love that the manipulatives all stay in once place. We are your newest follower…and would love it if you would come check out our blog. We are just getting started with this. :o)
Carrie
C&C Teach First
Do you have your book bin and supply bin labels somewhere to print? I looked on TBT and couldn't find it either. I love your organized room!
You never seize to inspire me.. at the end of a hard day, I look to you and look at some of your old posts (because your new ones I know by heart haha) and I feel like, okay, this woman is amazing and I can do this.. one day at a time.. you are an AMAZING teacher! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and life with us! You don't know how much you've helped me grow into the teacher I always wanted to be..
Thanks,
what a fantastic blog! Keep Updating. You can Discover more Bracelets at
Ejohri