Teachers should always have a variety of measuring tools on hand, including rulers, measuring tapes and yardsticks. Have students measure a variety of objects around the classroom to gain experience and grow comfortable with taking measurements. Help them determine the best measuring tool to use for objects of different sizes. Measuring tools are also useful for counting and sorting based on size or color.
A balance scale teaches children how to determine the weight of an object, but it can also teach them to estimate weights and add and subtract weights. To help the children relate the activity to everyday tasks, set the scale up as part of a fruit stand and have the kids determine the weight of various real or toy fruits.
Paper money and plastic coins help young children learn the values of each coin and bill. Addition and subtraction of money is demonstrated more clearly using toy money than attempting to explain only on paper. Setting up a grocery store allows children to learn addition by requiring the clerk to add up the cost of each item. The shopper then needs to provide the clerk with the correct amount of money. If necessary, the clerk will need to practice subtraction to make the right amount of change. Combining toy money and a balance also reinforces addition and subtraction while introducing multiplication. Attach a price per pound to the fruit and have students weigh the fruit and determine the total cost.
Learning tools that help teach counting and fractions are also essential tools to any elementary math classroom. Counting cubes, such as Unifix cubes, enable students to visualize what the numbers mean, as well as learn addition, subtraction and multiplication. These tools also help students learn to compare values to see which is greater. Fractions are difficult for some students to comprehend. Using Unifix cubes or a pie with various sized wedges helps students visualize and understand fractions.