Math manipulatives can help students interact with and make sense of mathematical concepts before moving toward abstract representations. However, using manipulatives effectively requires more than simply having the materials available. Teachers also need to consider how materials will be prepared, how they will be managed during instruction, and how their use will support the purpose of the lesson.

This self-paced module will build on the classroom management and lesson-planning skills you already use and apply them specifically to manipulatives. You will work through a simple three-part process: Prepare, Manage, and Plan.

 Training Goal:

After completing the training module, elementary teachers will be able to efficiently prepare and manage math manipulatives and intentionally plan for their purposeful use during instruction.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Prepare: Select appropriate strategies for efficiently preparing math manipulatives before instruction.

2. Manage: Develop a system for distributing, using, and collecting math manipulatives during instruction.

3. Plan: Develop a plan for intentionally incorporating a math manipulative into a lesson based on the instructional purpose.

How to Complete This Module

Begin with Prepare and work through each section in order. Each section includes information, examples, and an opportunity to apply what you learned. After completing Prepare, Manage, and Plan, you will apply the entire process to one of your own upcoming math lessons in the Final Application.