Cuisinaire Strips
Introduction
Numbers are most often introduced by counting. But the use of "Cuisinaire strips" (and K. Stern's rods) introduces addition of numbers as addition of length, emphasizing a geometric interpretation of numbers. This approach tends to postpone naming the numbers and often serves as a preparation to a more formal approach. We use Cuisinaire Strips in a similar way, but with some differences.

  • The standard terminology for addition of numbers is used from the very beginning.
  • The length of the strips is measured and expressed in standard units.
  • Making a kit is an essential introduction to other activities.
    1. Making a set of Cuisinaire Strips

    The teacher shows the students the pattern, and explains what they have to do. The students draw the pattern; write the numbers; and cut out the strips. They should write their names on the envelope and close it with the paper clip. It is best if children sitting next to each other use different colors of poster board (or construction paper), so their strips don't get mixed up.

    The illustrations below are rather large if viewed at full resolution; click on the links to see each full-sized. There is one figure for use with posterboard and one for use with standard construction paper. You may also print the illustrations by using the Print Button on your web browser.

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    Figure 1 : Posterboard
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    Figure 2 : Standard Construction Paper

    Remark The strips must not be divided into one inch squares.  The numbers describe the length of each strip measured in inches.  Students should confirm this by measuring each strip with a ruler.

    Remark If this task is too difficult, at least part of it must be done by the students (cutting and measuring the strips and writing the numbers on them).

    2. Puzzle problems

  • Arrange the nineteen strips you have into a square.

  • Make other rectangles.

  • What other shapes can you make?

    • 3. Basic addition problems

  • The total length of two strips may be equal to the length of a third one.

  • In how many ways can you make a length of 10 inches from two strips? Here the order does not count, so we have 5 ways, 1 + 9,..., and 5 + 5.

  • How many ways can we make a length of 9, 8,... inches?

  • How to make a length of 10, 9, 8,... from three strips?

    • 4. More addition problems

  • Which combination of strips give the same length, for example, 14 inches?

  • What is the total length of the strips, 3 inches, 5 inches and 7 inches?  If you are not sure, measure it with a ruler.

  • Can you solve some of these problems in you head, with your eyes closed?

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