Math Tools

Math Tools

One of the most important ways for students to learn about math and ways that we can be flexible with our thinking is by manipulating objects to make the math happen. There are a variety of tools or manipulatives we use to give students this experience and to help them be able to see and be flexible with their math exploration. By watching kids as they use manipulatives we can see the process they undertake to solve a problem. Using these concrete objects helps build a solid foundation for more abstract math ideas.

Virtual Math Tools

Virtual Manipulatives can be found by clicking on the image below (Please note that the dice will not work)

Math Tools Sent In Brain Bags

Below are links to the paper tools that we sent home in the Brain Bags.

Math Manipulatives Around the House

  • Manipulatives are often used when counting, measuring, making patterns, sorting, and more. So what can you use as math manipulatives? Well, a lot of things! Be creative and take a look around your house. You’d be surprised what you’ll find. Here’s a list of a few possible items.

Kitchen

  • Silverware

  • Plastic Cups

  • Paper Cups

  • Toothpicks

  • Lids

  • Small snack foods (bite size crackers, marshmallows, candies, pieces of fruit, etc)

  • Beans

  • Straws

  • Cupcake Liners

  • Egg cartons

  • Muffin Tins-regular and mini

Bathroom

  • Cotton Swabs

  • Cotton Balls

  • Hairbows

Craft Closet

  • Pom poms

  • Clothespins

  • Chenille stems

  • Stickers

  • Pony Beads

  • Craft Sticks

  • Glass Beads

  • Rubber Bands

  • Buttons

  • Crayons

  • Googly Eyes

  • Feathers

Playroom

  • Small toys-action figures, mini dolls

  • Cars

  • Blocks

  • Legos

  • Game pieces-checkers, dominoes, playing cards

Outdoors

  • Rocks

  • Leaves

  • Twigs

  • Flower Petals

Tool Area

  • Screws

  • Nuts and Bolts

  • Ping pong balls

  • Packing peanuts (save these as you get them in shipping boxes)

Piggy Bank

  • Coins

    • Pennies

    • Nickels

    • Dimes

    • Quarters

(students only learn coin values and names in 2nd grade, as much experience as students can get counting coins by the values is very helpful). This is a great way to practice counting by 1's, 5's 10's and 25's once students know the value of each coin.