Manipulatives
Manipulatives are materials provided to learners that increase engagement and provide a concrete way for students to experience math concepts in a visual and hands-on way. Read more info and research on why using manipulatives is considered best practice in math instruction here. A visual glossary of the manipulatives can be accessed here.
“In order to develop every student’s mathematical proficiency, leaders and teachers must systematically integrate the use of concrete and virtual manipulatives into classroom instruction at all grade levels.” (NCSM, 2013)
Recommended Manipulatives for K-3
Dice Ten Frames Playing Cards
Two-Sided Counters Pattern Blocks Loose Parts
Unifix Cubes Cuisenaire Rods Geo Boards
Rekenreks Base Ten Blocks 3D solids and shapes
Scales
Recommended Manipulatives for 4-8
Colour Tiles Tangrams Two-Sided Counters
Dice Algebra Tiles Playing Cards
Base Ten Blocks Pattern Blocks Cuisenaire Rods
Class set of white board sleeves Geo Boards (10x10) Loose Parts
Linking cubes Pentominoes
Recommended Manipulatives for 9-12
Playing Cards
Dice
Algebra Tiles
Individual Whiteboards
Fraction Strips
Unit Circle Models
Measuring Instruments (tape measures, clinometers and protractors)
Virtual Manipulatives
Virtual Manipulatives are great for demonstrating for group of students on a digital display:
Toy Theatre Manipulative Library