# data[].attributes.body
Use manipulatives to make mathematical concepts tangible. Use interactive math games to get students interested in what they are learning.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Math is all around us. We can see it in nature and in our homes. We use math skills every day, even if we don't realize it. And you can help your students see math in all of its forms with fun and engaging math manipulatives.

These hands-on objects and activities enhance your math lessons, giving students a concrete way to practice and play with math concepts. Sometimes it can be difficult for children to grasp the abstract concepts of adding, subtracting and multiplying numbers. But math manipulatives can help them actually see what the numbers are doing.

Common math manipulatives include blocks of all kinds, whiteboards, and interesting online materials. Even if you don't have access to these resources right now, you can easily find creative alternatives for your classroom, especially once you understand what math manipulatives are and how they're used.
This article will give you a strong grasp of what math manipulatives are, the key benefits of using them, and our top 10 favorite math manipulatives for the classroom.

What are math manipulatives?

Math manipulatives are objects, charts, and activities that engage learners while helping them develop their math skills.
They can assist in teaching lessons such as graphing, decimals, geometry, arithmetic, and more.

Using math manipulatives during a lesson brings hands-on learning to your classroom. And this can appeal to a multitude of different learners.

As you know, not every student learns in the same way. Math manipulatives allow students to work with math in the way that's best for them. By working independently with math manipulatives, a student is better able to work at their own pace and spend more time on concepts or problems that are particularly difficult for them.

Many math concepts are conceptual and hard for students to visualize on paper. By practicing math processes with math manipulatives, learners can see exactly how the process affects the numbers and how problems are solved.

There are many places to buy math manipulatives or manipulative kits, including online or in school supply stores. But you don't need to buy an expensive, specialized kit to bring manipulatives to your classroom. Especially for younger grades, any toy collection or set of blocks will work.

There are also many printable options available online. We're talking loads of variations and choices, some geared towards homeschooling families, math centers or traditional classrooms. The digital choices are endless.

With all these options, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. Here's our list of the ten most common and versatile math manipulatives to get you started.

10 Math manipulatives to implement in your classroom

1. Dominoes

Dominoes are much more than just a fun game. They're also one of the best foundational math manipulatives. Dominoes can be used to teach a variety of math skills - like addition, multiplication, division, and subtraction. And they're particularly helpful in younger grade levels.

They're easy for even the youngest students to grasp and move, and they can help math learning feel like a game.

Dominoes work well for both individual and small group problem-solving. They also allow you to take a quick trip around the room, gauging student understanding at a glance.

During your math manipulative time, encourage your students to create and solve their own math problems by arranging the dominoes in different ways. There are loads of math games you can play with dominoes. If you need some ideas, a quick Google search can pull up enough ideas for the entire school year.

2. Pattern blocks

Pattern blocks are a math manipulative perfect for geometry lessons. These blocks are made of either plastic or wood and come in a variety of shapes - like triangles, squares, rectangles, and trapezoids.

Your students can experiment with how these shapes fit together to make new shapes or images. These blocks often come with pattern cards. These can guide your student in how to make a picture, or encourage them to be creative and create their own pattern.

Pattern blocks are also great for basic math learning. Lessons in fractions, counting and patterns can all be enhanced with pattern blocks. With so many diverse applications, many educators feel these blocks are an important and necessary component of their teaching toolkit - especially in younger grade levels.

3. Online math games

Regardless of your classroom setup - traditional, virtual, homeschooling or hybrid - digital math manipulatives are a great option! They allow students to engage with math in a unique and fun way. And there's a huge variety of online math games online, targeting whichever math skills you're currently teaching.

Online math games can even support student learning over the summer months or during school breaks. The fun nature of online games keeps students excited and learning at home - because they don't feel like homework.

Looking for a math game for your class, try Prodigy Math!

A lot of my higher level students are really motivated by Prodigy, but the part that I like the best is when my students can work cooperatively. My lower level math students can play with my higher level ones and they both are engaged in their math work and having fun. It's a great supplementary tool to help keep math fun and engaging, and it works.

William Stenross

4th Grade Classroom Teacher

4. Cuisenaire rods

Cuisenaire rods are rectangular rods of various lengths. They're often made of wood, and each length corresponds to a different color. For example, all red rods are 10 units long, while all yellow rods are 5 units long.

These colorful manipulatives can help bring the otherwise boring number line to life. Students can visualize the distance between numbers, and see the relationship numbers have with each other. How many times does 5 go into 10? Grab the number rods and find out!

Cuisenaire rods are a math favorite, mostly due to their versatility. They can be used to teach everything from basic number sense to fractions and patterns. Whether you teach Pre-K or 8th grade, you can find a use for Cuisenaire rods.

5. Two color counters

Another popular manipulative in math classrooms is two-color counters. Color counters are simple plastic circles with one color on each side. You'll see them most often used to demonstrate fractions, basic addition, subtraction and counting skills.

Two color counter's simplistic nature means they're most popular in lower grade levels. And even better, two-color counters are often magnetic, making them the perfect choice for whiteboard activities and math games. Use them to demonstrate lessons when you're front of class, or divide students into small groups so they can experiment and learn.

6. Fraction tiles & fraction circles

Fraction tiles and fraction circles are two different math manipulatives with a similar purpose.

Fractions can be particularly difficult for students to understand and work with. These manipulatives can help students deepen their conceptual understanding of fractions with two different math visuals - making them a perfect pair.

Fraction tiles are often flat, rectangular pieces of plastic or cardboard made of different colors and varying lengths. They usually have the corresponding fraction printed on them so kids can quickly look and compare. The varying lengths allow students to experiment with how fractions work together to create not just whole numbers, but also different fractions within the whole.

Fraction circles are very similar, but instead of rectangles, they use parts of a circle. This is the manipulative version of the pie or pizza example. Students can use differently sized pieces to understand how fractions can add up to 1.

Bonus - both of these math manipulatives are easy to DIY with paper print outs if you're on a time or budget restraint.

See how to make your own fraction tiles below!

7. Rekenreks counting frames

Rekenreks counting frames are often one of the first math manipulatives a student will use. In fact, many use similar bead counters before they ever come to school.

These simple arithmetic frames combine the concepts of the number line, individual counters, and base-ten models to create a useful learning tool. Students move the beads from one end to the other to practice counting or assist with basic addition and subtraction problems.

Younger students, like those in Pre-K and elementary school, benefit the most from Rekenrek counting frames. Once students have mastered counting and single-digit math problems, they're ready to move on to more diverse manipulatives.

8. Bear counters

Bear counters are another great option for younger students.

These fun and colorful plastic bears will keep your little learners excited to play with math. The bears are perfect for teaching the foundational math skills of counting and sorting. They can also be paired with a scale to teach measurement and weight.

If you don't have bear counters in your classroom, look for other small toys that can serve the same purpose. It's helpful for them to be similar in type, but that's not a necessity. Students can practice counting zoo animals, cotton balls, or erasers just the same.

9. Place value blocks or base ten blocks

Place value blocks, also called base-ten blocks, are used in classrooms from Pre-K all the way to 8th grade. These little plastic blocks connect to each other, making them a fun option for teaching a variety math concepts - like addition, subtraction, fractions, measurement, counting and more.

Most sets are colorful and can help students visualize different parts of an equation. They're perfect for exploring place value as well. Once students move up to solving double-digit problems, different colors can be used to represent the tens and even hundreds place.

Bonus tip: You can also use this place value chart as another in-class supplement!

10. Geoboards

Looking for something besides blocks for your geometry activities in class? Geoboards are the answer.

Geoboards are small wooden or plastic pegboards that use string or rubber bands to create a variety of shapes. They're a great hands-on activity for practicing shape recognition and names.

Geoboards can double as a fun brain break for young students. Pre-K and elementary students are often still working on the fine motor skills needed to draw shapes and write numbers. And manipulating the rubber bands or strings can be a welcome departure from the frustration of writing.

Like pattern blocks, you can have students use these in a structured way by making specific shapes. Or give them the freedom to create whichever shapes they'd like. You're sure to end up with some fantastic, mathematical art!

See how one teacher used a geoboard to explain basic shapes to her first grade students below!

Physical vs. virtual math manipulatives

Classrooms today don't look the same as they did twenty years ago, or even 3 years ago. The number of students in virtual or hybrid classrooms has increased dramatically. So, when you can't physically hand your students math manipulatives, what are your options?

There's actually quite a few! In the last few years, many free, online programs offering virtual math manipulatives have popped up. These may not be manipulatives in the traditional sense, but online games stretch the brain using a variety of learning models. They help students nail down complicated concepts in much the same way as the manipulatives mentioned above.

And it's not just virtual classrooms that can benefit from these tools. Homeschooling rates are on the rise. But many parents may not have the budget to purchase a large variety of math manipulatives. Online options provide a budget-friendly way to teach math at home or in the classroom.

It's easy to see how virtual manipulatives are beneficial for both students and teachers. Teachers now have a wide variety of effective teaching tools at their fingertips. And learners can gain a deeper understanding of math concepts on a platform they already enjoy. That means less frustration and more opportunity. Let's dive deep into a few more benefits of math manipulatives, whether virtual or physical.

3 Key benefits of using math manipulatives in the classroom

Increase interactive learning

In a classroom of 15-30 students, no two students are alike. They all learn in unique ways. And trying to make one lesson fit all those students is impossible.

For students who are struggling with math, hands-on learning activities with manipulatives can be a huge help. Not everyone can make sense of math on paper alone. Hands-on activities give learners a deeper understanding of how numbers work. And this understanding will continue to help them as they progress through school.

Students need to have a full understanding of basic concepts. Math builds on itself, so have a strong foundation will only help them as they gain more knowledge and advanced skills.

Also, manipulatives keep math learning exciting. Students grow bored of always using the same learning method. There's little to love about lectures and equations on a whiteboard. Math manipulatives can help you diversify your teaching style. You'll reach more students by using more methods, and that means more engagement and more learning. Awesome!

Develop problem-solving skills

Math manipulatives help students develop more complex problem-solving skills. When a student fully understands a math concept, they're better able to apply that concept to real-world problems. We want to teach students how to apply math skills across all of life, not just to next week's test.

Also, math manipulatives allow for a variety of problem solving methods. Students often interpret and think about problems in different ways. And that means they'll approach the solution differently too. Math manipulatives give your students the freedom to explore multiple paths to a solution. And if it doesn't work, it's easier for them to see why.

Build confidence in each math lesson

All of this problem solving with math manipulatives can give your students a major confidence boost! Activities with math manipulatives allow students to take the reins of their learning process. And because many math manipulatives are self-correcting, they can work individually on their problems. When they reach the right answer, all on their own, they'll feel an amazing sense of pride and accomplishment.

When students are able to understand and apply mathematical concepts, they're filled with that I did it feeling. Mastering the steps of a complicated math process gives students the confidence and encouragement to keep moving forward.

Students can then translate this deeper conceptual understanding to tests, quizzes, and standardized tests. They won't need a last minute cram session to succeed. They can stress less knowing they have the knowledge to tackle a variety of math and life problems.

Whether physical or virtual, math manipulatives can create a ripple effect that helps students throughout their entire educational journey.

Develop your student's math skills in a fun and engaging way

Math manipulatives are fantastic tools for helping your students understand and engage in their math lessons. And there are so many math manipulatives to choose from - something to fit every lesson and each student's unique needs.

Even if you don't have physical math manipulatives at your disposal, you can easily find virtual and online options that are just as helpful.

And some of them come at no-cost to teachers and schools! 👇

A no-cost, virtual math manipulative that's fun!

When you're exploring virtual options for math manipulatives, be sure to check out Prodigy Math. Prodigy's online math game is a stress-free way to help students master standards-aligned math skills. It's safe, fun and engaging, keeping your students excited and ready for their next lesson.

And with a free teacher account you can:

Set up engaging math practice in just a few clicks

Easily find out any learning gaps your students may have

Track how your students are progressing through your local or national curriculum

Sign up for free

Math is all around us. We can see it in nature and in our homes. We use math skills every day, even if we don't realize it. And you can help your students see math in all of its forms with fun and engaging math manipulatives.

These hands-on objects and activities enhance your math lessons, giving students a concrete way to practice and play with math concepts. Sometimes it can be difficult for children to grasp the abstract concepts of adding, subtracting and multiplying numbers. But math manipulatives can help them actually see what the numbers are doing.

Common math manipulatives include blocks of all kinds, whiteboards, and interesting online materials. Even if you don't have access to these resources right now, you can easily find creative alternatives for your classroom, especially once you understand what math manipulatives are and how they're used.
This article will give you a strong grasp of what math manipulatives are, the key benefits of using them, and our top 10 favorite math manipulatives for the classroom.

What are math manipulatives?

Math manipulatives are objects, charts, and activities that engage learners while helping them develop their math skills.
They can assist in teaching lessons such as graphing, decimals, geometry, arithmetic, and more.

Using math manipulatives during a lesson brings hands-on learning to your classroom. And this can appeal to a multitude of different learners.

As you know, not every student learns in the same way. Math manipulatives allow students to work with math in the way that's best for them. By working independently with math manipulatives, a student is better able to work at their own pace and spend more time on concepts or problems that are particularly difficult for them.

Many math concepts are conceptual and hard for students to visualize on paper. By practicing math processes with math manipulatives, learners can see exactly how the process affects the numbers and how problems are solved.

There are many places to buy math manipulatives or manipulative kits, including online or in school supply stores. But you don't need to buy an expensive, specialized kit to bring manipulatives to your classroom. Especially for younger grades, any toy collection or set of blocks will work.

There are also many printable options available online. We're talking loads of variations and choices, some geared towards homeschooling families, math centers or traditional classrooms. The digital choices are endless.

With all these options, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. Here's our list of the ten most common and versatile math manipulatives to get you started.

10 Math manipulatives to implement in your classroom

1. Dominoes

Dominoes are much more than just a fun game. They're also one of the best foundational math manipulatives. Dominoes can be used to teach a variety of math skills - like addition, multiplication, division, and subtraction. And they're particularly helpful in younger grade levels.

They're easy for even the youngest students to grasp and move, and they can help math learning feel like a game.

Dominoes work well for both individual and small group problem-solving. They also allow you to take a quick trip around the room, gauging student understanding at a glance.

During your math manipulative time, encourage your students to create and solve their own math problems by arranging the dominoes in different ways. There are loads of math games you can play with dominoes. If you need some ideas, a quick Google search can pull up enough ideas for the entire school year.

2. Pattern blocks

Pattern blocks are a math manipulative perfect for geometry lessons. These blocks are made of either plastic or wood and come in a variety of shapes - like triangles, squares, rectangles, and trapezoids.

Your students can experiment with how these shapes fit together to make new shapes or images. These blocks often come with pattern cards. These can guide your student in how to make a picture, or encourage them to be creative and create their own pattern.

Pattern blocks are also great for basic math learning. Lessons in fractions, counting and patterns can all be enhanced with pattern blocks. With so many diverse applications, many educators feel these blocks are an important and necessary component of their teaching toolkit - especially in younger grade levels.

3. Online math games

Regardless of your classroom setup - traditional, virtual, homeschooling or hybrid - digital math manipulatives are a great option! They allow students to engage with math in a unique and fun way. And there's a huge variety of online math games online, targeting whichever math skills you're currently teaching.

Online math games can even support student learning over the summer months or during school breaks. The fun nature of online games keeps students excited and learning at home - because they don't feel like homework.

Looking for a math game for your class, try Prodigy Math!

A lot of my higher level students are really motivated by Prodigy, but the part that I like the best is when my students can work cooperatively. My lower level math students can play with my higher level ones and they both are engaged in their math work and having fun. It's a great supplementary tool to help keep math fun and engaging, and it works.

William Stenross

4th Grade Classroom Teacher

4. Cuisenaire rods

Cuisenaire rods are rectangular rods of various lengths. They're often made of wood, and each length corresponds to a different color. For example, all red rods are 10 units long, while all yellow rods are 5 units long.

These colorful manipulatives can help bring the otherwise boring number line to life. Students can visualize the distance between numbers, and see the relationship numbers have with each other. How many times does 5 go into 10? Grab the number rods and find out!

Cuisenaire rods are a math favorite, mostly due to their versatility. They can be used to teach everything from basic number sense to fractions and patterns. Whether you teach Pre-K or 8th grade, you can find a use for Cuisenaire rods.

5. Two color counters

Another popular manipulative in math classrooms is two-color counters. Color counters are simple plastic circles with one color on each side. You'll see them most often used to demonstrate fractions, basic addition, subtraction and counting skills.

Two color counter's simplistic nature means they're most popular in lower grade levels. And even better, two-color counters are often magnetic, making them the perfect choice for whiteboard activities and math games. Use them to demonstrate lessons when you're front of class, or divide students into small groups so they can experiment and learn.

6. Fraction tiles & fraction circles

Fraction tiles and fraction circles are two different math manipulatives with a similar purpose.

Fractions can be particularly difficult for students to understand and work with. These manipulatives can help students deepen their conceptual understanding of fractions with two different math visuals - making them a perfect pair.

Fraction tiles are often flat, rectangular pieces of plastic or cardboard made of different colors and varying lengths. They usually have the corresponding fraction printed on them so kids can quickly look and compare. The varying lengths allow students to experiment with how fractions work together to create not just whole numbers, but also different fractions within the whole.

Fraction circles are very similar, but instead of rectangles, they use parts of a circle. This is the manipulative version of the pie or pizza example. Students can use differently sized pieces to understand how fractions can add up to 1.

Bonus - both of these math manipulatives are easy to DIY with paper print outs if you're on a time or budget restraint.

See how to make your own fraction tiles below!

7. Rekenreks counting frames

Rekenreks counting frames are often one of the first math manipulatives a student will use. In fact, many use similar bead counters before they ever come to school.

These simple arithmetic frames combine the concepts of the number line, individual counters, and base-ten models to create a useful learning tool. Students move the beads from one end to the other to practice counting or assist with basic addition and subtraction problems.

Younger students, like those in Pre-K and elementary school, benefit the most from Rekenrek counting frames. Once students have mastered counting and single-digit math problems, they're ready to move on to more diverse manipulatives.

8. Bear counters

Bear counters are another great option for younger students.

These fun and colorful plastic bears will keep your little learners excited to play with math. The bears are perfect for teaching the foundational math skills of counting and sorting. They can also be paired with a scale to teach measurement and weight.

If you don't have bear counters in your classroom, look for other small toys that can serve the same purpose. It's helpful for them to be similar in type, but that's not a necessity. Students can practice counting zoo animals, cotton balls, or erasers just the same.

9. Place value blocks or base ten blocks

Place value blocks, also called base-ten blocks, are used in classrooms from Pre-K all the way to 8th grade. These little plastic blocks connect to each other, making them a fun option for teaching a variety math concepts - like addition, subtraction, fractions, measurement, counting and more.

Most sets are colorful and can help students visualize different parts of an equation. They're perfect for exploring place value as well. Once students move up to solving double-digit problems, different colors can be used to represent the tens and even hundreds place.

Bonus tip: You can also use this place value chart as another in-class supplement!

10. Geoboards

Looking for something besides blocks for your geometry activities in class? Geoboards are the answer.

Geoboards are small wooden or plastic pegboards that use string or rubber bands to create a variety of shapes. They're a great hands-on activity for practicing shape recognition and names.

Geoboards can double as a fun brain break for young students. Pre-K and elementary students are often still working on the fine motor skills needed to draw shapes and write numbers. And manipulating the rubber bands or strings can be a welcome departure from the frustration of writing.

Like pattern blocks, you can have students use these in a structured way by making specific shapes. Or give them the freedom to create whichever shapes they'd like. You're sure to end up with some fantastic, mathematical art!

See how one teacher used a geoboard to explain basic shapes to her first grade students below!

Physical vs. virtual math manipulatives

Classrooms today don't look the same as they did twenty years ago, or even 3 years ago. The number of students in virtual or hybrid classrooms has increased dramatically. So, when you can't physically hand your students math manipulatives, what are your options?

There's actually quite a few! In the last few years, many free, online programs offering virtual math manipulatives have popped up. These may not be manipulatives in the traditional sense, but online games stretch the brain using a variety of learning models. They help students nail down complicated concepts in much the same way as the manipulatives mentioned above.

And it's not just virtual classrooms that can benefit from these tools. Homeschooling rates are on the rise. But many parents may not have the budget to purchase a large variety of math manipulatives. Online options provide a budget-friendly way to teach math at home or in the classroom.

It's easy to see how virtual manipulatives are beneficial for both students and teachers. Teachers now have a wide variety of effective teaching tools at their fingertips. And learners can gain a deeper understanding of math concepts on a platform they already enjoy. That means less frustration and more opportunity. Let's dive deep into a few more benefits of math manipulatives, whether virtual or physical.

3 Key benefits of using math manipulatives in the classroom

Increase interactive learning

In a classroom of 15-30 students, no two students are alike. They all learn in unique ways. And trying to make one lesson fit all those students is impossible.

For students who are struggling with math, hands-on learning activities with manipulatives can be a huge help. Not everyone can make sense of math on paper alone. Hands-on activities give learners a deeper understanding of how numbers work. And this understanding will continue to help them as they progress through school.

Students need to have a full understanding of basic concepts. Math builds on itself, so have a strong foundation will only help them as they gain more knowledge and advanced skills.

Also, manipulatives keep math learning exciting. Students grow bored of always using the same learning method. There's little to love about lectures and equations on a whiteboard. Math manipulatives can help you diversify your teaching style. You'll reach more students by using more methods, and that means more engagement and more learning. Awesome!

Develop problem-solving skills

Math manipulatives help students develop more complex problem-solving skills. When a student fully understands a math concept, they're better able to apply that concept to real-world problems. We want to teach students how to apply math skills across all of life, not just to next week's test.

Also, math manipulatives allow for a variety of problem solving methods. Students often interpret and think about problems in different ways. And that means they'll approach the solution differently too. Math manipulatives give your students the freedom to explore multiple paths to a solution. And if it doesn't work, it's easier for them to see why.

Build confidence in each math lesson

All of this problem solving with math manipulatives can give your students a major confidence boost! Activities with math manipulatives allow students to take the reins of their learning process. And because many math manipulatives are self-correcting, they can work individually on their problems. When they reach the right answer, all on their own, they'll feel an amazing sense of pride and accomplishment.

When students are able to understand and apply mathematical concepts, they're filled with that I did it feeling. Mastering the steps of a complicated math process gives students the confidence and encouragement to keep moving forward.

Students can then translate this deeper conceptual understanding to tests, quizzes, and standardized tests. They won't need a last minute cram session to succeed. They can stress less knowing they have the knowledge to tackle a variety of math and life problems.

Whether physical or virtual, math manipulatives can create a ripple effect that helps students throughout their entire educational journey.

Develop your student's math skills in a fun and engaging way

Math manipulatives are fantastic tools for helping your students understand and engage in their math lessons. And there are so many math manipulatives to choose from - something to fit every lesson and each student's unique needs.

Even if you don't have physical math manipulatives at your disposal, you can easily find virtual and online options that are just as helpful.

And some of them come at no-cost to teachers and schools! 👇

A no-cost, virtual math manipulative that's fun!

When you're exploring virtual options for math manipulatives, be sure to check out Prodigy Math. Prodigy's online math game is a stress-free way to help students master standards-aligned math skills. It's safe, fun and engaging, keeping your students excited and ready for their next lesson.

And with a free teacher account you can:

Set up engaging math practice in just a few clicks

Easily find out any learning gaps your students may have

Track how your students are progressing through your local or national curriculum

Sign up for free

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Math Manipulatives: How Can They Be Used to Enhance the Classroom Experience?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Math is all around us. We can see it in nature and in our homes. We use math skills every day, even if we don't realize it. And you can help your students see math in all of its forms with fun and engaging math manipulatives.

# data[].attributes.body
Mapped Activities: Using manipulatives, I want my students to slowly move towards mastery towards automaticity in addition and subtraction facts within 20.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
3 Tips to Help Students Fluently Add and Subtract Within 20 - Teaching with Kaylee B

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Having students fluently add and subtract within 20 can be a big standard for 2nd grade students. I have found 3 helpful tips when…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
3 Tips to Help Students Fluently Add and Subtract Within 20

# data[].attributes.body
Use number lines to visualize addition, subtraction, and number relationships.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Number Line - Definition, Examples | Inequalities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A number line is a visual representation of numbers on a straight line. This line is used to compare numbers that are placed at equal intervals on an infinite line that extends on both sides, horizontally or vertically.

# data[].attributes.body
Apply mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios such as sharing or shopping. Students should be encouraged to write original math stories.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We asked our audience how they’re using the real world to teach math and compiled their most intriguing responses.

# data[].attributes.body
Invite students to share their thoughts by offering 'math talks'. Use 'Think-Pair-Share' for solving problems.

# data[].attributes.headline
Understand place value (hundreds, tens, ones)

# data[].attributes.subject
Understand place value (hundreds, tens, ones)

# data[].attributes.body
Mapped Activities: Using visual representations, I want to show students patterns in numbers to help them gain mastery towards using a place value charts and hundreds charts to help them to explain each number's value.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Of The Best 100 Chart Activities For Elementary School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
100 charts: How to make the most of this versatile resource in your classroom. Includes different activities you can use with your students.

# data[].attributes.body
To accommodate the different needs of students, offer activities that are differentiated. To track student progress and modify instruction, use formative assessments. Give advanced students enrichment activities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Whether teachers differentiate content, process, products, or the learning environment, the use of ongoing assessment and flexible grouping makes this a successful approach to instruction.

# data[].attributes.body
Mapped Activities: Using everything experiences, I want my students to be able to write solve word problems that are related to their everyday lives. I want my students to be encouraged to come up with their own word problems.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Problem-solving is vital for math success, which we can all foster in our students. For many, word problems seem intimidating. They cringe at the mere mention of story problems, feeling daunted by the challenge. But who says tackling word problems has to be mundane?

Today, I'm eager to introduce fun ways to teach word problems that will invigorate your math sessions. With these lively methods, you might turn some problem-solving skeptics into enthusiasts!

5+ Fun Ways to Teach Word Problems Your Students Will LOVE

These fun ways to teach word problems will transform the daunting realm of story problems into an engaging and delightful journey. Whether through a word problem scavenger hunt or by tapping into students' unique interests, these techniques ensure your learners grasp and excel in solving math problems.

You can easily adapt each activity to cater to the individual needs of your students, ensuring differentiation and personalization. For instance, if students grapple with a specific type of story problem, craft a game or activity that zooms in on that challenge. For those who lean towards visual learning, provide a set of illustrations for them to decipher.

1. Make a game out of it! Make word problem activities interactive.

Many students find problem-solving boring and tedious. Adding a gaming element to the mix can bring some excitement back for learners, and the great news is there are so many options for HOW you do this.
Here are two options that my students have loved:
Math Problem Solving Task Card Scavenger Hunt

Turn word problem task cards into a classroom scavenger hunt by posting them in secret locations around the room.

Add 3-4 answer choices on separate index cards under each task card. On the back of the card with the correct answer, give a clue to find the next task card.

If you're looking for a ready-made set of task cards to start with, here's a great option: Word Problem Task Cards

Word Problem Escape Challenge

It can be hard to find word problem activities that cater to differentiation. However, this is a great way to scaffold story problems for struggling learners in a way that feels FUN.

Take your problems and break down the skills students will need to have. Each of these will become one step of the escape room, leading to the final step, where they'll be asked to solve a multi-step word problem to "escape."

For example, pull all the computations students will eventually do for your problems. Use these to create a secret coded message. Students must solve the message to get to the next step. However, they won't know they've already practiced the math needed for the word problems!

Continue this progression by giving parts of problems and having them work up to problem-solving to escape.

2. Use unique manipulatives to help students visualize the story problem.

It's easy to get stuck in rote practice of the same problems. Instead, think outside the box! Use visuals and fun manipulatives that are not only engaging for students but also help them better understand the problem.

For example, when working on money problems, you can have students use money to model transactions or create a store to buy items and calculate change. However, this is just one option. I've found mini-erasers come in so many different shapes that I can often find examples to help my students better understand the problem. I recently used food-shaped mini-erasers to model a problem to find how many items could be purchased within a given budget. These manipulatives were much more fun and engaging, making it easy for my learner to see available alternatives. You can also find great holiday-themed miniatures at craft stores, like the cute mini gingerbread men you see below.

3. Bring on the drama! Role-play math word problems.

Drama in the classroom may sound like a bad thing. Yet, in this case, it can be a great way to get students excited about math problem solving. Get creative and have students act out word problems by creating characters, setting a scene, and having them act out the problem.

Role-playing has many benefits for learners, including boosting engagement, motivation, and helping students see themselves as problem solvers.

For example, have them create a store scenario where they role-play, asking for change or using coupons. This can help students better visualize the problem. It also makes story problems easier for learners who need to see a story unfold before them.

4. Utilize cooperative learning strategies during word problem activities.

Working with a partner can make math problem-solving much more enjoyable for students. This is especially true if you use cooperative learning strategies to engage learners meaningfully. A few ideas include having students take turns solving parts of the problem, having them check each other's work and offer feedback, or having students create their word problems to present to the class.

Using cooperative learning strategies allows students to practice problem-solving in a way that is more engaging and encourages collaboration. It also helps develop higher-order thinking skills, such as analyzing and critiquing, that are important for success in problem-solving.

5. Make word problems relevant to real-life.

Students often struggle with word problems because they can't connect with the scenarios. To make word problems more relevant and exciting to students, try incorporating your students' names, seasonal topics, or holidays into the problem. It will help them connect and tie the math to something real in their everyday lives.

Taking the time to craft word problems around what is happening in their lives makes mathematical mastery easier, more exciting, and enjoyable for everyone involved. It can also make them more willing to engage in the productive struggle required to become master problem solvers.

My Problem of the Day: Daily Problem Solving resources are designed with this engagement strategy in mind! Each month's problems incorporate seasonal themes and holidays, and weekly problems center around a fun fact and single theme to engage learners.

Available for grades 2-8, click your grade level below to grab a free week to try it out with your learners and learn more.

Problem Solving doesn't have to be boring!

Math problem solving is a critical skill for students to acquire. Incorporating fun and interactive strategies such as making a game out of it, using manipulatives, role-playing, cooperative learning, and making it relevant to real life can make all the difference in ensuring your students are confident problem solvers and further developing their love of math.

By applying these fun ways to teach word problems, you can make math problem-solving practice more enjoyable for your students. Not only will they be engaged in the word problem activities, but it will also help them develop a deeper understanding of the concepts. Give it a try and see how your students respond! Good luck!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Fun Ways to Teach Word Problems & Engage Students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Problem-solving is vital for math success, which we can all foster in our students. For many, word problems seem intimidating. They cringe at the mere mention of story problems, feeling daunted by the challenge. But who says tackling word problems has to be mundane?

# data[].attributes.headline
Recognize and work with shapes and their attributes

# data[].attributes.subject
Recognize and work with shapes and their attributes

# data[].attributes.body
Mapped Activities: Using math talks, I want my students to the gain mastery with using precise mathematical vocabulary to communicate their understanding of shape attributes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Math discussions boost students' math skills-and also help them see themselves as valued math thinkers.

Kristopher Skinner / Tribune Content Agency LLC / Alamy Stock Photo

Whether math class is happening online or in person, when kids are encouraged to talk about their math thinking, it can help teachers assess progress, improve students' math proficiency, and be a "powerful equity strategy" that allows kids to see themselves as "valued math thinkers," writes Catherine Gewertz for Education Week.

"A well-designed math conversation can make it easier for all students-even those who rarely talk in class-to participate," writes Gewertz. There are also academic benefits. At Robbins Elementary School in Robbins, California, for example, district superintendent Dawn Carl says that when teachers began focusing on math conversations, the proficiency rates of the school's English language learners improved by 5 percentage points and proficiency rates for native English speakers grew by 7 points.

The benefits of math talks are well-known-Gewertz points to research and publications from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics dating back 40 years-but the new Common Core State Standards brought the practice back into focus. "Mastery of the common core's standards for mathematical practice means students must know how to do things like construct viable arguments and critique others' reasoning."

Math talk also translates well to online learning. The author highlights four ways teachers can help students improve their math-talk skills.

Encourage rough-draft math thinking

When students share their initial efforts at solving a math problem with their peers, it helps "deepen students' understanding of math ideas and practices," says Amanda Jansen, a mathematics education professor at the University of Delaware.

In the classroom, have your students share and comment on each other's rough-draft solutions to a problem, revise their work based on peer feedback, and then explain how and why their thinking evolved.

Highlight the value of each student's work

When students have the opportunity to think about how and why their thinking changed, it allows teachers "to call attention to the value each student's draft brought to the progression of the class' thinking. ... This can really elevate the thinking of their peers. They realize their ideas can help their classmates grow their thinking," Jansen explains.

Ask your students to examine a math problem together, work on solutions, then agree upon one solution to share with the entire class. Then have a collective discussion about "what's powerful and what could be improved" about each draft, says Jansen.

It's a technique that also functions as an equalizer for students-especially those who might not feel comfortable sharing their thinking-once they realize how their individual math thinking contributes to the whole group's problem-solving abilities.

Set up small-group conversations

Especially for English language learners who might shy away from speaking in front of the entire class, small-group settings can be helpful for tackling word problems. Teachers at Robbins Elementary first model problem-solving to the class, says Carl, the superintendent, then break kids up to work in pairs or small groups.

Teachers observe and ask open-ended questions like "tell me why you believe that, or, let's think about this," says Carl. When teachers gently guide the discussion like this without supplying correct answers, kids can start deepening their math thinking.

Model math talk

Kids need help learning how to engage in productive math conversations so teachers at Robbins Elementary use sentence starters-for example, writes Gewertz: "When Robert uses this strategy, it makes me think of..." or, "This makes sense to me because..."-to help get math talks started.

Teachers can also use cartoon-inspired thought bubbles, says Robert Q. Berry, past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, to help spur math conversations-he suggests modeling a solution, then circling a specific section of it and drawing in a thought bubble. "What do you think I'm thinking here?" a teacher might ask students, indicating the thought bubble. On paper, students can fill in the thought bubble; online this can be done using a text box.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Math discussions boost students' math skills-and also help them see themselves as valued math thinkers. Kristopher Skinner / Tribune Content Agency LLC / Alamy Stock Photo Whether math class is happening online or in person, when kids are encouraged to talk about their math thinking, it can help teachers assess progress, improve students' math proficiency, and be a "powerful equity strategy" that allows kids to see themselves as "valued math thinkers," writes Catherine Gewertz for Education Week.

# data[].attributes.body
I want my students to be involved in learning activities that are tailored to their needs and learning preferences through differentiated instruction and assessments. My students will get prompts, targeted feedback to help them to recognize their areas of strength and growth.  Also, I want them to be inspired to advance and gain a sense of ownership over their education. Students will also be able to evaluate their own learning and know when they need support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
No two students are the same and no two students learn exactly the same way. That's why a one-size-fits all approach to teaching is likely to leave some students bored and unengaged. Thankfully there are educational approaches, like differentiated instruction, that help ensure the best learning experience for all of your students.

Differentiated instruction, also known as differentiated assessment or differentiated learning, is when educators tailor their teaching to meet individual needs of all their students. This helps create the best possible learning outcomes by adapting your lesson plans to help meet the needs of all your students, no matter their starting point.

In this post we'll learn more about differentiated instruction strategies, how to implement this in your classroom, and common challenges to this approach. Let's get started!

Understanding Your Students

Importance of knowing your students' needs

Differentiated instruction happens in the classroom but starts well before then. It's important to know where your students are starting from so you can prepare beforehand to adjust to everyone's needs. The more you know about your students, the better you can help them and adjust your content, process, and classroom setup to suit their needs.

How to gather information about your students

If you are teaching any grade other than kindergarten, you have the opportunity to connect with the previous grade level teacher to understand the specific needs of individual students and learn what works best for whom.

But sometimes there isn't a chance to get good information on students before you get them in your classroom. In these cases, you can observe classroom behavior and communicate with parents to form your own baseline for student needs.

Creating a Differentiated Classroom

Now that we've covered student prep, let's talk about classroom prep. Since your class is going to spend the majority of their time in your classroom, it makes sense to think about how it's arranged to best engage them.

Below are three great examples of how your classroom setup can help you use differentiated instruction.

Creating a learning center

Learning centers are designated areas of the classroom where pairs or groups of students work on a specific task. You can set up a larger learning space with multiple stations of the same activity or stations with different activities so students rotate through at a specific time.

To prepare your learning centers, gather materials needed, write clear instructions, set expectations, and be sure to leave time in the schedule for cleanup.

Splitting up your class into learning centers and other activities gives you the opportunity to engage individual students, pairs, or groups who may need additional or specialized support in your lesson plan. These centers also enable you to provide different types of activities around the same subject lesson to help students who learn differently have an opportunity to engage with materials in a way that best suits their needs.

Differentiated instruction with technology in the classroom

Your learning centers can also include technology to help give students another engaging way to learn. Not only do students love using technology, but it also helps prepare them for the role technology will play in their life.

Kodable's programming games for kids is one great example of this. Our self-paced learning allows students to learn on their own while getting helpful hints from fuzzBuzz when needed. Kodable also comes with 80+ classroom activities for teachers that can be used in learning centers, groups, or teacher-led activities. Interested in bringing Kodable into your classroom? Try our free educator plan today.

Creating flexible groups

Flexible grouping allows you to cluster students together based on their readiness, interest level, or learning style. This is important to differentiated instruction because grouping students with similar capabilities allows you to give each group dedicated time depending on their needs.

For example, a high achieving group may need less instruction than another classroom group. With flexible grouping you spend more time addressing specific skills needs of one group versus another.

For differentiated instruction these groups work best when they are created by a teacher but they can also be created by students. Groups can last for a day, a week, or for a longer period of time. However if groups are created based on student readiness levels it's important to be tactful when creating them so as to not hurt classroom morale.

Differentiated Instruction Strategies

Tiered Assignments

Tiered assignments, also known as tiered instruction, are parallel tasks given to student groups depending on their readiness level. This learning strategy allows you to give students the right level of activity that engages them and helps them learn without being too challenging to frustrate them. Walking this fine line of tasks that are not too easy or difficult helps promote success and instill more confidence and motivation for students going forward.

Learning Contracts

Learning contracts are documents created between you and your students that detail what students are responsible for at the beginning of a project or course. These contracts often include behavior expectations, learning objectives, and student reflections to be done once the activity is over. These contracts give ownership over learning to the students and can help motivate students to be more involved in their learning.

For differentiated instruction, learning contracts allow you to help students create goals that are best for their individual needs. Depending on student readiness the same activity can have different contracts for different students to help them all feel empowered and motivated to engage and learn.

Choice Boards

Choice boards give students the freedom to decide what learning activities they want to do. By giving students the opportunity to choose from a number of activities, they can pick the activity that they are most interested in and therefore be more motivated to participate in. You can see more choice board examples here.

For different learning you can use choice boards to give students different methods of exploring the same material. This way students can select the learning activity that they are most interested in while still learning the overall lesson objective.

Curriculum Compacting

Curriculum compacting is a differentiated instructional method that involves providing additional materials or opportunities to students who have already mastered the majority of the outcomes or objectives of an upcoming lesson. Using a pre-assessment, you can identify these students and replace or amend their resources appropriately.

Compacting is also ideal for students who may not go into an activity knowing all the skills but who are quick learners and will need additional material to continue being engaged. These activities can be self-directed learning or can involve mentoring other students who are still working on the main activity.

Differentiated Classroom Activities

Strategies for managing a differentiated classroom

Start small, then grow - Trying to introduce differentiated learning for every subject all at once is a recipe for frustration for you and your students. Instead, envision your dream differentiated classroom and then work backwards to slowly incorporate small changes on a regular basis so students can become accustomed to them over time.

Use an anchor activity - Having a primary activity to engage a large group of students can help give you time to help smaller groups of students. Depending on your differentiated strategy this anchor activity can also be what you base your lesson plan on.

Keep a routine - As an elementary teacher you know how important routines are. The same holds true for differentiated learning. Have a similar routine so how activities start, groups are announced, work is turned in, and every other step that's a repeatable process.

For more tips and tricks when it comes to managing your classroom, check out our full guide on classroom management strategies.

Collaborating with colleagues and parents

Colleagues who also use differentiated instruction can be a great source of support and inspiration when it comes to best practices. They can also be a great resource to leverage when you need a shoulder to lean on after a tough day in the classroom.

Clear communication with parents about differentiated instruction can help avoid misunderstandings and help align at home and in class instruction.

Assessment in Differentiated Instruction

Assessment techniques

Pre-assessments, in activity assessments, and after assessments can all be used to help you better use differentiated instruction in your classroom. Pre-assessment helps identify students that may be ready for curriculum compacting or students that may need additional support during a lesson plan. Assessments during an activity can help gauge how well students are picking up the objective of your lesson. Meanwhile post-activity assessments help you see how well students retain information and how much you need to adjust future lesson plans.

Grading in a differentiated classroom

Differentiated assessment involves determining a rigorous, but comparably appropriate expectation, for student achievement based on the type of support a student needs. For students who did not require any accommodations to accomplish the activity, assessment is normal. But for students who needed accommodations, report that grades reflect performance on a modified expectation.

Providing feedback to students

Just like differentiated instruction adjusting to the needs of every student, differentiated feedback helps students depending on what feedback will be most effective for them. This feedback can take place before, during, or after an activity and can be verbal or written.

Check out our full guide on assessment tools for elementary teachers to understand how effective assessments fit into your cirriculum.

Common Challenges of Differentiated Instruction

Challenges in implementing differentiated instruction

It can be frustrating when you put a lot of effort into a new classroom activity and it doesn't go well. Keep that in mind when you start implementing these new strategies in your classroom! Don't let a bad day or start discourage you from keeping your plan to slowly make your classroom a differentiated learning center.

How to overcome challenges

Clearly communicate with students, parents, and your colleagues. This can help prevent challenges but also work through any that come up during your implementation. When in doubt, or if questions continue, getting support from your administration and other teachers who use differentiated learning can help provide a roadmap to follow.

Common misconceptions about differentiated instruction

Differentiated learning does not mean adjusting your teaching to only support students who are high achievers or students who are struggling. It is a teaching approach that empowers you to build your learning plans around the needs of all your students, regardless of their starting point. This doesn't mean that particular groups of students will get more or less attention, but that you will craft your teaching around helping all students regardless of how they best learn.

The importance of differentiated instruction

Your classroom is a tapestry of diverse learners, each with their own abilities, backgrounds, and ways of processing information. This presents you with the challenge of catering to a wide variety of learning needs. Differentiated instruction is important because it gives you the ability to meet students where they are, keep them engaged, and provide support where it's most needed. By differentiating instruction, you can help keep students curious and learning instead of disinterested in material.

Differentiated instruction is also important because it's not just a teaching strategy for you but a mindset that helps you recognize the unique strengths and needs of all your students.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) vs Differentiated Instruction

Both UDL and differentiated learning are rooted in the idea of recognizing meeting the needs of all of your students. However there are some slight differences between the approaches that we'll dive into.

UDL is a broader framework and philosophy for teaching, while differentiated instruction is a method that falls within that framework. UDL focuses on designing curriculum, materials, and assessments from the get-go in a way that addresses the diverse needs of all learners, right from the planning stage. For instance your classroom might provide options for accessing information: visual aids, audio explanations, and hands-on materials. This caters to different learning preferences and needs, making the learning environment inclusive from the start.

On the other hand, differentiated instruction is the practice of tailoring your teaching methods and content to meet the individual needs of students who are already in your classroom. It's about adjusting your teaching strategies based on ongoing assessments and observations. For example, during a reading lesson, you might assign different books to different groups of students based on their reading levels, ensuring that each group is appropriately challenged.

Review

On the surface differentiated instruction sounds simple enough: adapt your teaching to best meet the needs of all of your students. But now you see that a lot of preparation goes into putting this plan in action.

Here are a few of the key differentiated instruction ideas we talked about today:

Start by understanding your students to know who can benefit from this approach

Use your classroom setup to help create a differentiated learning environment

Manage your classroom by keeping a consistent routine and clear communication

Use different differentiated assessment techniques to track progress

Communicate your vision to avoid major hiccups and to overcome common challenges

‍

By reading this article you are already on your way to using differentiated learning to help your students achieve great things. Be sure to ask for help from your colleagues and administrators when you need it and don't let bumps in the road stop you from creating your ideal classroom.

Innovative teachers who use differentiated instruction also tend to try new classroom technology to help prepare their students for the future. Kodable helps teach K-5 students the basics of computer programming in a fun and engaging way. Create your free account today to see if Kodable makes sense to add to your classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Strategies for Differentiated Instruction in Elementary Classrooms: A Beginners Guide | Kodable

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
No two students are the same and no two students learn exactly the same way. That's why a one-size-fits all approach to teaching is likely to leave some students bored and unengaged. But that's where differentiated instruction comes in.