Spatial reasoning and number sense are fundamental to development of mathematical reasoning and academic success in mathematics. This workshop will provide teachers with an opportunity to experience working with Cuisenaire rods, a powerful mathematical tool that support students in developing connections between spatial reasoning and number sense. The activities designed for K-6 classroom will be focused around our current outcomes and will span multiple strands within the curriculum. Our objective is for teachers to understand this simple tool’s relevance, inclusive nature, and power in developing a deep understanding of mathematical relationships within their classroom.
Georges Cuisenaire invented these now famous rods as a means of helping his students understand and visualize the relationships within different aspects of mathematics. He found that by engaging children’s natural inclination to play and giving them an appealing physical material that highlights mathematical relationships, it was possible to provide a solid foundation of mathematical understanding for all his students.
The work started by Cuisenaire remained relatively unknown for more than twenty years until he was introduced to a visiting lecturer from the University of London, Dr. Caleb Gattegno. Gattegno was a mathematician and educator, who immediately recognized this tool’s power and educational value.
Through his work developing the application of the rods, Gattegno gained profound insight into the ability of children, which led him to the realization that they are far more capable than was being revealed in the typical classrooms at the time. This realization has been firmly established over the years by children from all over the world who have startled teachers with their remarkable grasp of mathematics concepts through the use of these rods.
