Any time we can make learning more concrete and hands-on for kids they are more likely to make meaningful connections with and remember the concept. In teaching this is often done through the use of manipulatives. If you look around classroom or educational supply stores, you will see a ton of options for colorful, unique math manipulatives. There are many to choose from. However, if you’ve got a limited budget for home preschool, there are many DIY math manipulatives sitting around your home. Save money by gathering some of them these materials, or add them to your collection of store bought manipulatives.

What are Math Manipulatives?

Math manipulatives are objects kids can move to demonstrate more abstract concepts they are learning. They are often used when counting, measuring, making patterns, sorting, and more. They are generally small enough for children to easily move, and they can often be used for a wide variety of tasks.

Why Do We Use Math Manipulatives?

Math manipulatives are a way for students to visually show their thinking. By watching kids as they use manipulatives we can see the process they undertake to solve a problem.

They also provide a concrete way to show abstract ideas. When we tell a child that 2+2=4, they often can’t visualize this or truly understand what the concept means. But when we take 2 objects and add two more objects to the set, they can now see what is happening in a more concrete way.

Using math manipulatives can be beneficial for all students but they are especially helpful for tactile learners who learn best through touch.

By using math manipulatives kids can also test and prove ideas on their own. They may wonder how far it is from one side of the room to the other and then test it out by measuring the distance using straws or long blocks. This is great for building self-confidence and problem solving skills.

And-they’re fun! Using objects for schoolwork is just more fun than doing a worksheet, plain and simple.

DIY Math Manipulatives

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 what we thought of as we toured our homes.

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

Coins (not really in kitchen, but we didn’t know where else to put them)

Bathroom

Cotton Swabs

Cotton Balls

Hairbows

Playroom

Small toys-action figures, mini dolls, Safari Ltd Toobs

Cars

Blocks

Legos

Game pieces-checkers, dominoes, playing cards

Craft Closet

Pom poms

Clothespins

Chenille stems

Stickers

Pony Beads

Craft Sticks

Glass Beads

Rubber Bands

Buttons

Crayons

Googly Eyes

Feathers

Garage

Screws

Nuts and Bolts

Ping pong balls

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

Outdoors

Rocks

Leaves

Twigs

Flower Petals

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What did we miss? What other things do you have around your home that you use as math manipulatives? Let us know in the comments.

And if you have any questions or want to know more about using any of the individual recommendations, pop over to our Home Preschool Help Facebook group and ask us!