28 Manipulatives
Definition
Physical or virtual objects that students can use to represent and explore abstract concepts in class, at home, or in any other learning environment.
In action
Provide students with access to a range of different objects (e.g., blocks, shapes, puzzle pieces, game pieces, playdough, etc.) to illustrate a new concept or when students are completing work independently and may need support. Manipulatives should always be available to students, and they should know where to find them in the classroom to support their learning.
Support Strategies
- Model how to use manipulatives when teaching a new concept, making it part of the lesson.
- Encourage the use of manipulatives for specific concepts (e.g., using base ten concrete or virtual blocks for place value during math).
- Have a wide variety of objects available that students may use at any time in a designated area in the classroom.
- Use computer programs and apps that allow students to manipulate materials (e.g., dragging and dropping objects to different areas of the screen).
- Ask students what manipulatives they might use to help them with a task before sending students to work independently.
Case Study
Student: Grade 1 student in a math class
Content: The class has been given a worksheet with addition and subtraction problems with numbers between 1-10.
Problem: The student is relying on the “counting on” strategy using their fingers. They sometimes forget whether or not they have already counted a finger, and write down some answers incorrectly as a result.
Solution: The teacher provides the student with base-ten blocks so they can visualize the problem. The counters are a more permanent visual than counting on their fingers, so the student doesn’t have to remember to keep their fingers up when solving the problem.
Additional Resources
- Link to multiple virtual manipulatives for math from K to grade 12 from the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
- Explanation of manipulative use in language comprehension and phonological awareness from Reading Rockets
- Definitions, tip sheets, and practice videos of commonly used manipulatives from EduGAINS
- Video from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics on using Cuisenaire rods, a versatile collection of rectangular rods that can be used to teach students the four operations
