The longer I teach, the more I am trying to make math more hands-on. Now, I know there is a time and place for algorithms and many of my math partner games are made for skills that are focused more on practicing the algorithm than discovering mathematics concepts. But, I’m on a journey to use more math manipulatives in the classroom. These are some of my favorite math tools to use and the skills I use them for!
What are math manipulatives?
What are math manipulatives? Great question! Simply put, math manipulatives in the classroom are tools that are used to help students explore or solve math problems. They can vary in purpose and size. Some sets of manipulatives are great visuals during whole group instruction. Some are better suited to individual or small-group use. There are even online math manipulatives that you can use on projectors or digital learning.
If you are looking for an actual math manipulative definition or want more research on the impact of math manipulatives in the classroom be sure to check out this book that really changed my mind about math!
Types of Math Manipulatives: Volume of Prisms Models
I chatted about this set of volume manipulatives in this blog post but these are essential for 5th grade volume of prisms! Teaching 6th-grade math now, I use these same models for surface area of prisms and pyramids. The clear sides make everything visual and the different colored base is a great reminder to remember to find the area of the base.
Fraction Bars/Tiles
Oh fractions, how I love thee! But in all seriousness, fractions need to be visual. If you are just looking for 1 topic to turn more hands-on, fractions would be my advice. Maybe because I started math more visually with my adding and subtracting fractions unit, but these math manipulatives make such a difference.
Fraction Bars are also great for 3rd grade fraction introduction and then to add and subtract fractions in 4th and 5th grade. I always allow students to use math manipulatives on any worksheet or assessment because it helps them show what they know.
Math Manipulatives in the Classroom: Counters
These 2 sided counters are very versatile math tools. They can be used in so many different topics, I probably am pulling these out to use at least once a month.
I have used these counters for:
- Making arrays in multiplication for 3rd grade
- Showing fractions with the different colors
- Ratios in 6th grade
- Positive and negative integers in 7th grade
- Game pieces for my how to solve math word problems games
Algebra Tiles
Teaching middle school math, these algebra tiles are a must-have! I only teach 6th grade, but having these tiles have been so helpful for teaching one-step equations. They are also helpful for factoring and foiling, and solving 2-step equations in 7th and 8th grade.
Math Manipulatives for Elementary: Snap Cubes
Another volume of prisms math manipulative, but snap cubes are perfect for showing what volume actually is. Students can build the figures and determine how many cubes they used. It is also easy to see the volume formula for different prisms if you color code each layer in the figure. Highly recommend it for 5th and 6th grade geometry.
Base Ten Blocks
Would a list of math manipulatives in the classroom list be complete without base ten blocks?! This is such a staple of math manipulatives and for good reason! Whether you are teaching 3rd grade place value, adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers in 3rd and 4th grade, showing division in 5th grade, or decimal in place value chart, these math manipulatives are a must-have. I leave a class set of base ten blocks out all year long for students to use.
Laminated Number Lines
This is one of those math manipulatives in the classroom that I made myself. But this math manipulative is so helpful for struggling students. I had pre-made number lines for my 3rd graders to show the addition and subtraction of large numbers. I also use number lines with 6th graders with positive and negative numbers. And they work with 7th grade students to show addition and subtraction of positive and negative numbers. So versatile and easy to print and laminate. I made a class set a couple of years ago and they are still holding up!
More Math Manipulatives in the Classroom
Looking for more math manipulatives in the classroom? Want inspiration for the best math manipulatives for a specific grade level? These blog posts are chocked full of so many more tips and tricks when it comes to using math manipulatives in the classroom.
- How to Use Manipulatives in Math for Elementary Students
- 5 Effective Math Manipulatives and How To Use Them
- Using Manipulatives
- How to Encourage Parents to Use Math Manipulatives at Home
- 10 Math Manipulatives to Enhance Student Learning
- How Using Manipulatives to Teach Math Concepts Aligns with Research
- 24 Creative Ways To Use Math Manipulatives
- Virtual Math Manipulatives
I’d love to know your favorite math manipulatives in the classroom! Drop your faves in the comments!
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