Discover the best math manipulatives for your classroom and homeschool. Learn how you can use them to help your children learn math in fun ways!
Looking to up your math game? Learn about the best math manipulatives for classrooms and homeschoolers!
Not only will we provide you with a list of math manipulatives for elementary students, we’ll also explain how these tools can help students understand mathematical concepts and how they can be used to enhance learning. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Overall Best Math Manipulatives for Elementary
- Unifix Cubes
- Base Ten Blocks
- Pattern Blocks
- Clocks
- Fraction Circles or tiles
- Geoboards
- Number Lines
- Scales
- Dominoes
- Math Games
- Dice
- Math Manipulatives Kits
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Table of Contents
Types of Manipulatives by Age
Best Math Manipulatives for Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and 3rd Grade
Math manipulatives are a great way to introduce foundational math concepts to young learners. From counting blocks to puzzles, there are plenty of great math manipulatives that can help young learners understand and practice math concepts.
Unifix Cubes: Gives children opportunities to learn to count and identify numbers, add, and subtract.
Counting Bears: Counting bears are a classic math manipulative and can be used to help preschoolers learn to count, recognize colors, sort, compare, add and subtract.
Pattern Blocks: A fun way to integrate math and art to learn how to recognize shapes, colors, and even fractions.
Base Ten Blocks: Base ten blocks give concrete thinkers a physical way to learn to count, add, and subtract by moving and handling the different place values.
Building Blocks: Building blocks are a great way to help preschoolers learn to recognize shapes, sizes, and colors as well as practice problem-solving.
Clocks: Help children learn how to tell time with a hands on clock they can manipulate and use to problem solve.
Fraction Circles: Fraction tiles can help students visualize fractions on a foundational level. These can be useful for imagination and story problems when they relate the fraction circles to items like pizza or cake.
Dominoes: Dominoes help preschoolers practice counting, matching, and even addition and subtraction.
Number Lines: Number lines give preschoolers a unique way to learn and recognize numbers, count, and understand the concept of less and more.
Puzzles: Puzzles prepare preschoolers for problem solving, recognize shapes, colors, and sizes.
Play Money (or real): Money is a great way to help preschoolers learn to recognize coins and paper value, as well as learn the basics of making change.
Best Math Manipulatives for 4th Grade, 5th Grade, and 6th Grade
In addition to using many of the manipulatives mentioned above, here are a few more math manipulative ideas for upper elementary age students.
Fraction Tiles: Perfect for helping students visualize and understand fractions and equivalent fractions. These circles can be used to create a variety of fraction activities.
Geoboards: A classic manipulative, these can be used to help students understand angles, shapes, and even fractions.
Cuisenaire Rods: These colorful rods are great for teaching a variety of topics such as fractions, number sense, and operations.
Place Value Mats: These mats help students understand the value of numbers by visually breaking down large numbers into their place value components.
Geometric Solids: These 3D shapes are a great way to help students visualize and explore volume, shape, and area.
Measuring Tools: Rulers, protractors, and compasses are all great tools to help students understand measurement, angles, and shapes.
Math Games: Games such as 24®, Poof, and SET are excellent tools for developing number sense and problem-solving skills.
Math Manipulatives Kits: For those who want a little bit of everything, these all-in-one kits include a variety of math manipulatives to help students explore a range of math concepts.
Best math manipulatives for middle school
To add to the list above, we’ve gathered some tools that you’ll find useful for your middle school-aged kids.
Math War Cards: A great way for middle schoolers to practice basic math skills and keep track of their progress.
Spinners: A fun way to practice math facts with a simple spin!
Math Dice: Roll the dice and practice basic math facts with the help of randomness!
Math Dice Games: From Yahtzee to Farkle, there are tons of math dice games that offer a fun twist on practicing math.
Math Scale: Perfect for practicing weight, volume, and measurement, children can learn to balance using comparison skills.
Math Flashcards: A great way for middle schoolers to practice their math facts with flashcards.
Virtual Math Manipulatives: If you’re looking for a way to practice math online, virtual manipulatives are a great way to do just that.
Math Journals: Perfect for writing down equations and solving problems, math journals are a great way for middle schoolers to practice their math skills. Interactive notebooks are a hands-on way to use a math journal!
Manipulatives in Math: Benefits
- Enhances Understanding
- Improves Visualization
- Encourages Problem Solving
- Age appropriate learning
- Makes Learning Fun
Math manipulatives are powerful tools that can help students of all ages learn and solidify math concepts. Through the use of tangible objects such as blocks, counters, or dice, math manipulatives can provide an essential hands-on approach to mathematics for children who are learning in the sensorimotor, preoperational, and concrete operational stages of development (ages 2-11).
By engaging a student’s visual and kinesthetic senses, manipulatives can help to strengthen understanding of math concepts in fun ways.
What’s Next?
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Hi, I’m Courtney! I’m the founder of homeschoolnewbie.com. I’m a former elementary school teacher turned homeschool mama who has a passion for home education! I have 10+ years of experience working with children in all kinds of educational settings. As a new homeschooling parent, my mission is to navigate the world of homeschooling and share with you the best home education practices. If you want to learn more about me, check out my about page. See you there!