Math manipulatives are beneficial for elementary students because they help students who are kinesthetic learners and understand information best when it is presented through hands-on activities. Since math manipulatives can be touched, moved and manipulated in a variety of math activities, they are ideal for the kinesthetic learner. For example, instead of adding or subtracting numbers on a piece of paper, math manipulatives give students an opportunity to actually physically add or subtract physical objects.
Visual learners learn best when information is presented visually. Math manipulatives give students a visual representation of mathematical concepts that may seem abstract, particularly for the visual learner. For example, students who have difficulty understanding the concept of fractions can use math manipulatives to break down an object into smaller, equal parts. For example, give each student a circle cut out of white card stock, with dotted lines dividing the circle into equal pieces and have them decorate the circle as a pie or pizza using crayons or markers and then to cut along the dotted lines. Laminate the pieces so that they last.
Math manipulatives give students a hands-on and concrete understanding of mathematical concepts, making it easier for them to talk about those concepts with their teacher, parents or peers. Instead of struggling to discuss abstract concepts, students have concrete physical objects to refer to when asking questions or providing explanations. The ability to communicate means that students who are struggling will have a way of letting the teacher know what they do not understand.
Using math manipulatives in the elementary school classroom is more fun than memorizing mathematical facts, so students are more likely to enjoy what they are learning and retain that new information. Since any object can become a math manipulative -- including small toys, colorful marbles or blocks -- it becomes easier to engage reluctant students in classroom activities. Help kindergarten students practice counting by building block towers or setting up dominoes; engage older students in math activities through group projects using dice or base ten blocks.