Quick Answer:The Cuisenaire Strips Model is a set of colour-coded strips of different lengths, each standing for a number, used to teach number relationships, addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions and ratios hands-on.
Last updated: 19 October 2026
Key Features
Colour-coded rods of varying lengths.
Each length represents a different numerical value.
Strips can be compared and combined side by side.
Covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions and ratios.
Pupils lay strips side by side to compare their values and join them end to end to model addition or repeated addition. Matching strips of different lengths shows fractions and ratios, and pupils are encouraged to make up their own combinations to explore number patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the Cuisenaire Strips Model strips used to show fractions?
Strips of different lengths are compared against each other, so a shorter strip can be seen as a fraction of a longer one; the same method shows ratios.