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
Get a Free Printable Copy of this List
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!