At the time I’m writing this, it is 11:45 pm and my night owl is more than an hour into tomorrow’s school day.
I don’t know how she does it.
My brain moved to sludge somewhere around 10:00 pm, and I’m thankful I’ve done most of the legwork for this post already.
Soon, Meredith will start her Algebra assignment. She seems to hit it about midnight.
And if I’m still up, which I will be tonight, she’ll have a question for me, even though she knows I can’t/won’t do Algebra at night.
In fact, my trek with her through a bit of Algebra review this morning is what put this post in my mind in the first place.
While we were graphing linear equations, Meredith said, “Remember when we used to play with little teddy bears for Math? I wish we could still do that.”
And I agreed.
Then, because we lost focus for a while, we started thinking of all of our favorite elementary math manipulatives.
Kenny chimed in that he liked pattern blocks. I liked them too.
Elementary-level math was fun, and we had no shortage of math manipulatives and activities to ensure it stayed that way.
Here are our 7 favorite Elementary Math Manipulatives
1. Plastic Teddy Bear Counters
We used our teddy bear counters for counting, sorting by color, simple visual graphing activities, replicating and building patterns, and eventually, teaching how to count-up to 10 using two colors.
Of course, they were used for many more things than that; some even educational.
For instance, coupled with letter tiles, the teddy bear counters played a pivotal part in the Whoever Spellt-it, Dealt-it game Emelie created for Kenny to practice his spelling words.
2. Plastic Pattern Blocks
When we first purchased our pattern blocks, we also bought a corresponding pattern book with images of boats, ships, cars, and animals. The kids filled in the photo patterns on the book’s pages with the blocks.
The simpler picture images detailed the individual outlines of each block shape making it easy for the kids to know how to put the different shapes together to create the desired image. The more complex images did not provide the outlines, so the kids discovered which blocks to use on their own through trial and error.
The plastic blocks come in six geometric shapes (equilateral triangle, a large and small rhombus, trapezoid, hexagon, and square) in alternating colors.
We used them primarily for patterning purposes, but kids can use them for counting, sorting, symmetry exploration and, of course, recognition of early geometric shapes.
As I skim back through images of our early homeschool days, it seems as if we always had our pattern blocks out and about.
3. Magnetic Fraction Circles
I wish I could find an image of the magnetic fraction circles that lived on our refrigerator for several years. They were right next to the magnetic letters.
Those were the days when we couldn’t open the fridge without something falling off.
Fractions did not come easily to me as a child, so as soon as I saw these in a local teacher supplies store, I scooped them up.
I was certain they would keep my kids from struggling with some of the same concepts I did.
Circular fraction magnets like these are visual, which makes them easier for parents to use when teaching. The pieces represent fractions from one whole to one-twelfth.
We built and solved simple math problems using our magnets; adding and subtracting fractions and parts of a whole and comparing equivalents.
Unlike ours, these circles are double-sided magnets, meaning the fraction equivalents appear on one side while the percentages appear on the reverse side.
4. Fraction Towers
Fraction Towers function the same as the magnetic fraction circles, but instead of circles they snap together.
I found these at the same time I found the circular fraction magnets and purchased them both. I knew both visual aids would serve my kids well as they began understanding fractions as numbers.
The Fraction Towers also show decimal notations for each fraction, which builds a beginner recognition in the earlier years, until it becomes part of their math studies later on.
These manipulatives have so many uses; for instance, writing equal fractions when given both numerators or denominators.
Combined with the Fraction Circles, kids cement their understanding as they can see equal parts represented differently (slices of “pie” vs. stacked blocks) when adding and subtracting fractions.
There are multiple free online sources (like this one) for ways to practice with Fraction Towers.
5. Geoboards
Until we began using Geoboards, I had no idea what to do with them.
As in, NO IDEA.
They reminded me of those potholder looms I played with as a child. And they are still around!
From friends and the internet, I learned “Geoboards teach basic geometric concepts; problem-solving, exploring shapes, designs, spatial relationships, angles, fractions, area, perimeter, and symmetry.”
I used them to entertain Kenny while his sisters were doing school.
I used them to teach shapes.
I used them to show congruent line segments and map perimeters.
I used them for geometric constructions, like angles, properties of various shapes, similarity and congruency, etc.
In other words, Geoboards are just as handy as potholder looms.
6. Base Ten Blocks
Anything I could use to make more visual and hands-on, I did. Base Ten Blocks do this beautifully.
When we purchased our set, the cubes, longs and flats were all blue. Now, there are multi-colored blocks that more visually distinguish the different numbers (for counting) and place value (one’s, ten’s, hundred’s and thousand’s place).
They even have interlocking sets now, which would have been even better.
The blocks are 3-dimensional and helped us seal in the basics, like comparing, adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing.
While I was digging around, I found this online Base Ten Blocks program. Students can cut and paste the different Base Ten sets from the left sidebar and watch them add up A drop down menu challenges students with more mathematical concepts.
7. Geometric Solids
I did not have any of these View-Thru Geometric Solids.
I did not even have the wooden Geometric Solids.
WHAT WAS I THINKING?
They are the perfect visual. In the early years, I would have used them to learn names of, and recognize, shapes. The kids could select toys or household items and see which shape they most resemble.
The View-Thru Geometric Solids also allow for liquid or dry-fill, so we could have used them to measure volume too.
From what I can see, most Geometric Solid sets come with a set number of shapes; a triangular pyramid, square pyramid, hemisphere, sphere, cone, pentagonal prism, small and large cube rectangular prism triangular prism, and a cylinder.
There are activity guides available with most sets as well as multiple online resources and ideas for how to extend their use as a manipulative tool.
I don’t NEED these, but since we never HAD these, I have to admit to WANTING them.
Why use math manipulatives?
Using math manipulatives eases kids into math concepts that otherwise might not make sense to them. I like how the Scholastic website explains it:
Math has many areas — patterns, measurement, geometry, statistics, probability, and more — and they’re often unfamiliar, abstract, and confusing to students. We need to help children develop the ability and confidence to find their way around in each of these areas, see how they connect, and know what to do should they forget a fact or procedure.
So, go and make Math FUN for your kids now, during their primary years.
Give your kids an opportunity to comprehend and ENJOY Math and all it offers them.
Heather Sanders helps moms pursue their passions and earn an income while staying home with their kids. If you want to raise your children while contributing to your family financially and following your dreams, subscribe to her blog now.