The abacus was one of the first mathematical manipulatives, though it was not called this term. Mathematical manipulatives were not widely used in public school classrooms until 1989, when a study conducted by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics confirmed their usefulness in helping children understand mathematical concepts. An additional benefit of this study was that math teachers of all grade levels were encouraged to allow interaction and creativity among students to help them understand mathematical concepts.
Due to their increasing popularity, commercially manufactured mathematical manipulatives are available to parents and educators. These include pattern blocks, interlocking cubes, tiles and number lines. Pattern blocks introduce basic concepts of counting and simple addition and subtraction to students. Interlocking cubes, as well as colorful tiles, help students learn about patterns and methods of problem solving. Number lines help teach more advanced mathematical concepts involving integers. For instance, a number line can be set up from the integers -20 to 20, and students must find spaces between them.
Mathematical manipulatives, however, can be created at home. The benefits of making your own mathematical manipulatives include being able to tailor them to your lesson plan or your child's homework problems. They also can be made out of something your child has an interest in since practically anything can be used as a mathematical manipulative. Sugar cubes dyed with food coloring can help children study geometry. Rolling two dice and finding the product can help your child learn multiplication tables.
Due to the proliferation of computers and technology within the public school system, educators and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics have made virtual math manipulatives that allow children to work at their own pace while at home and in school. Free online programs allow children of all grade levels to work with algebra, numbers and operations, geometry, measurement and data analysis. In addition there are a number of software programs that can be purchased by parents and educators that work with specialized lesson plans to teach math to children of all grade levels.