Review of Math Manipulatives

Rachel Matheson
St. Thomas University
February 2016

Base Ten Blocks

Base Ten Blocks are excellent
manipulatives for elementary
math because they allow
students to visualize place
value. In the primary grades,
base ten blocks serve as a
visual representation of single
units and groups of ten, and
eventually extend to represent
one hundred as well. During
my first field placement, I
worked with Kindergarten on
Monday mornings. One of the routines these students had each morning
was to count how many days they had been in school and then visually
represent this in groups of 5, then groups of 10, and any remaining ones.
These students used straws grouped in bundles of ten to represent counting
by tens as a class, but if students were to do this exercise individually, they
could use the base ten blocks. This idea carries through to upper elementary
and middle school. When learning place value, many students prefer to have
the base ten blocks to help them visualize each grouping. For example, if a
student in grade three is asked to draw the number 462, they may use
physical base ten blocks (4 cubes, 6 rods, and 2 units) to visualize how that
number is made, then transfer their visualization onto their paper. When
learning place value, base ten blocks should be included at each group of
desks to provide the opportunity for student use. By always having the
blocks present, it reduces the stigma against using manipulatives for
mathematical aid.
Image retrieved from http://www.si-manufacturing.com/product.asp?pID=589

Snap Cubes
Snap Cubes are a manipulative
great for all elementary levels,
as they can be used in multiple
ways with many different
outcomes. Snap Cubes can be
used at lower levels for
counting and simple patterns.
At upper levels, these cubes can
be used for more complex
patterns, measurement (each
cube is a standard measure),
and for visually representing
data (stack and align cubes to
create a 3-D bar graph or
histogram).

Image retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-LER7584-Snap-Cubes/dp/B000G3LR9Y

What might be the best aspect of using snap cubes in the elementary
classroom is the excitement that arises when students gain access to the
cubes. They are bright, colourful, tactile, and fun! Using snap cubes
engages the learner and prepares them for hands-on learning.

Miras

Miras are an excellent manipulative when teaching symmetry during a

geometry unit. Using miras give students the opportunity to view exact
symmetry of an object that may otherwise difficult to view. Lines of
symmetry may be easier to find in some shapes, such as squares, or circles,
but
for

Image retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/MIRA-Math-Geometry-Tools-Set/dp/B00SVYTQDY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1456608150&sr=8-6&keywords=math+mira

more complicated, organic shapes, it can be much more difficult. This is

when a mira is most useful. Miras can be used in two different ways: a) to
find the lines of symmetry of a pre-designed shape; or, b) to complete a
shape by using the mira to reveal the reflection of the non-completed shape.
Both uses are equally beneficial to students. I can remember using miras in
elementary school and finding them useful when it came to understanding
symmetry. When teaching math to elementary students, manipulatives are
crucial to their understanding of key concepts. The use of miras is a
beneficial tool for students to have hands-on experience with symmetry and
transformations.

Pan Balance Scale

A Pan Balance Scale is a
manipulative used to visually
represent a likeness or
equivalent means between
two objects or quantities.
Many children believe that
equals sign (=) means that
the answer is on the right
hand side of the equation.
However, teachers need to
Image retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-LER0897-Pan-Balance/dp/B0006PKZ68
emphasize that this is not the
case, and emphasize the use
of the proper vocabulary:
equals. Using a pan balance scale, students can visualize this concept. For
example, if students which to show 5 + 2 = 7, they would place 5 counters in
one side of the scale, then add two more, and they would place 7 counters
on the other side of the scale. They can see the scale balance when there
are an equal number of objects on each side. This strategy would also work
for students learning addition through algebraic concepts. For example: 5 +
___ = 7. Students would place 5 counters in one side, and 7 in the other.
Students would then see how many more counters they needed to place in
the pan that holds 5 counters to have the balance even out. How many
counters they added, would be the number that belongs in the blank of the
equation. The balance is an excellent resource for elementary math because
students can visualize and practice their vocabulary relating to the concept
of equals. I look forward to using this method of manipulatives with my
students in the future.

Fraction Blocks
Fraction blocks are an excellent resource for
students learning the concept of fractions.
These manipulatives are particularly useful
for understanding the part-of-a-whole
concept for the introduction of fractions to
elementary students. These blocks allow
students to place the smaller parts on top of
the larger parts to take part in part-whole
thinking. I have experience working with
students who have difficulty understand the
part-whole relationship, but when they are
exposed to fraction blocks, they seem to
5

grasp the concept quicker and with ease. Along with fraction blocks, pattern
blocks can also be used as a form of fraction blocks to understand the partwhole relationship by expanding it with the use of multiple shapes (parts)
that can be placed together to form one whole.

Image retrieved from

https://www.enasco.com/c/math/Math+Manipulatives
/Pattern+Blocks/Sets/?&page=2