I want to make counting the omer a very big deal in my preschool class. Therefore we are making a giant omer abacus. A regular abacus is in base 10. For the omer it will be base seven.
pool noodles (ideally 7 different colors)
serrated knife (& cutting board)
permanent marker
strings and pushpins
OR
pvc pipe
wood
screws
First we sliced the noodles into rings. This was surprisingly easy and fun. I cut them approximately 3 inches thick.
Tova was very excited about the mounting pile of pool noodle beads. She quickly began collected them and stringing them onto the PVC pipes. The holes in the noodles were a little stiff on the pipes and I asked her to stretch the hole so it could slide more freely. She began making patterns (STEM!). Ruti quickly joined in the action, making a more complex pattern.
We weren't ready for adding the numbers yet, but learning and fun were definitely happening.
When all the beads were cut (fifty plus a handful of extras in case we made a mistake adding numbers) there was still more noodle.
These I cut into small rings and gave the girls a box of toothpicks.
They loved building, using the toothpicks to fasten the noodles.
This alone was wonderfully engaging. Then they began testing the ability to float their structures."We should use these for Noach!" Gabi exclaimed. Or bathtime.
Back to the abacus.
At school, a teacher patterned the bead onto the tubes. The students loved helping, announcing which color would appear next.
Finally everything was lined up and the teacher labeled each number.
Meanwhile, the students painted the wood planks.
Finally, when everything was dry, the students assisted with using a power screwdriver and assembling the frame. This power is always empowering.
Everyone is excited about the results.
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