The Power and Versatility of Cuisenaire Rods K-2

In my consulting work, one of the biggest frustrations is surrounding students' lack of number sense and basic fact fluency. Too often, our students are caught in the counting phase of reasoning even within the contexts of multi-digit calculations and work with fractions and decimals. However, there are ways we can explore mathematics with students that will unlock a positive math journey for all!

This workshop will focus on how Cuisenaire Rods have the power to help all our students progress on the development of mathematical reasoning from the counting phase of reasoning into additive thinking throughout the K-2 grade span. Together we can foster the development of curious, risk-taking, confident, and flexible mathematicians!

Here's what you can expect from my two hour on-demand workshop:

• Closed Captioning for all videos
• Customized workshop notebook to keep track of ideas that resonate, reflections, and record your action items
• Discussion of the foundations of elementary mathematics: fluency, problem solving, and grade level content standards.
• Introduction to Cuisenaire Rods including the organization of the colors of the rods, managing them in the classroom, and introducing them to the students.
• Separate videos for K, 1, and 2 showing ways in which the Cuisenaire rods can help you explore the content standards of your grade level.
• Online resources that will enable students to continue to explore Cuisenaire rods virtually during remote instruction.
• An access code to a 6-month classroom membership at https://www.brainingcamp.com/ and their amazing suite of online manipulatives including Cuisenaire rods!
• Print resources such as an ocean-animal-themed decomposition mats, an anchor chart for your classroom, a mat for students to "build it, draw it, and model it" and recommended additional online and print resources.

"During the Summer of 2020, Ann Elise Record provided twenty-six hours of professional learning via Zoom to teachers from our Educational Service Unit.  As the facilitator of the sessions, I had the opportunity to not only listen to Ann Elise as she shared information, but also was able to hear the feedback from the participating teachers.  The teachers overwhelmingly rated Ann Elise’s sessions at the top of our rating scale in content, delivery, and usability in the classroom.  Many of them commented that Ann Elise’s Zoom facilitation was the best they had ever experienced.  We have already scheduled Ann Elise for more sessions to support teachers and are looking forward to a continued relationship.”

— Marci Ostmeyer, Professional Development Director for ESU#7

“Ann Elise Record’s professional development workshops have transformed everything about how I teach math! She taught me how to assess students, teach in a way that all students understand numbers, make growth, and develop a true love for math.  I was fearful to put it all into practice, but Ann Elise was always there to share her knowledge, ideas, resources, and encouragement. This year was a huge success!  Now I only have a love relationship with math and so do all my students thanks to Ann Elise Record!”

— Cathy Palkovic, Grade 3 Teacher, Technology Coach