What Is a MathRack
The original arithmetic rack, also known as a Rekenrek, was developed by Adrian Treffers, a mathematic curriculum researcher, at the Freudenthal Institute in Holland. It was designed to support the natural mathematical development of children’s addition and subtraction strategies as well as encourage and enhance children’s strategic mathematical thinking.

Benefits of MathRack
Helping Your Child be Successful
Mathematics education in the schools today often looks quite different to parents than what they remember from their past schooling. Emphasis has shifted away from pencil/paper arithmetic and drill, to mental arithmetic and a deep understanding of number and operation as a foundation for algebra. As a result of new standards, children today are expected to write mathematical arguments, choose appropriate models, analyze patterns, and solve problems.
Catherine Twomey Fosnot
CEO of New Perspectives on Learning, LLC and the founding Director of Mathematics in the City, a nationally recognized center for professional development at the City College of New York. She has authored and co-authored over 40 books and articles on mathematics education.