Manipulatives

With tools like the Internet, I have found a plethora of manipulatives online that would be useful in my classroom. In many cases, classrooms are short on supplies, manipulatives and the like. Fortunately, we are blessed to have sources like the Internet, computers, tablets, etc. which provide us with virtual manipulatives. Sometimes these manipulatives may be less "hands on" and don't work as well for certain children. In other cases, for children who are more technologically advanced, these may be more beneficial.

In my recent searching for new ideas besides using just the same old unifix cubes and base ten squares, I thought I'd find something fun and different for my students. I came across this wonderful math Pinterest board by Ruthie Sheppard and it was exactly what I was looking for. She has a variety of websites pinned as well as games, activities or projects the are perfect for the elementary classroom. One board that I found particularly interesting was linked to the website Kids Count 1234
more specifically the Math Centers and Games link which is full of manipulate games and worksheets that you can print off and use in your classroom. I LOVE free printables and this site is full of them. Clear 10 is probably my favorite one on this site (I tried so hard to display this printable but no matter what I tried I couldn't figure it out).

I know that with manipulatives, comes eager children and anxious bodies tend to create problems that can be prevented with high expectations and proper planning. I found this video helpful in the preparation aspect of organizing a classroom for manipulatives and setting expectations with the students from the start.

 

 



One final website I'd like to share with you is K-12 Manipulatives which is full of a activities that have kept my second grade daughter busy for the last week. This site is run by Utah State University and is loaded with math manipulative activities for all ages. These activities would be incredible to use on a Smart Board or other interactive white board device. Some would be perfect for an entire classroom while others would be best for individuals or small groups.