Manipulatives are concrete materials that children use to learn a skill, fully understanding a concept before being able to perform the operation in their head. For example, kindergartners may use plastic teddy bears to count when learning their numbers. They can also use these same counters to illustrate basic computations such as "some came" and "some went away" in learning addition and subtraction. Tangrams, pentominoes, flash cards, base ten blocks and rods and pattern blocks can all be used to demonstrate math concepts and skills.
A simple deck of playing cards can become a great math tool. Younger grades can use them to match and identify numbers. The cards can be sorted into suits for classification activities. Older kids can use them to play games in which they compare two cards for the higher number. This can be changed again as children get older to lay down two cards to be added together or multiplied to find the sum. The person with the highest sum keeps all the cards until the players run out of extra cards.
Computer games teach math skills in many ways and forms. Basic programs teach number recognition and counting, while programs for older children can review algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. Games also teach everyday life situations in which math is used, such as shopping, measuring and classifying information. Since games are fun, children tend to want to work at them for longer periods of time than paper-and-pencil tasks.
Videos allow children to do what they like best: watch TV. Schoolhouse Rock videos add visual and musical concepts to learn multiplication tables. Rock 'N Learn programs (see Resources) use the same concepts to teach time, money, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Good music and catchy lyrics have been used by generations of teachers to teach many types of math concepts. Music is a good aid in teaching math because it engages the brain and helps the memory retain information. The Rock 'N Learn company also has many different musical math lessons available in various music styles. Whether your students enjoy country music, rap or rock 'n roll, this company has math CDs available.
Young children can earn and use play money to shop at a classroom store. Children can count and share snacks to begin the basics of adding, subtracting and dividing. Older students can earn money, budget and shop for a party or groceries and help purchase new piece of classroom equipment. Stock market software can teach students how to invest and grow their money.
Specialty board games for learning math are available at teacher supply stores, but don't forget the math involved in everyday board games. Think of the money changing hands in Life or Monopoly. Battleship is an excellent lesson in graphing. Ho-Ho Cherry-O practices counting, addition and subtraction.