Determine how many manipulatives you will need in your classroom. A typical preschool classroom usually has about 20 students. While you do not want to display 20 different types of manipulatives, you do want to make sure you have enough toys available to interest a number of students at a time. It is also important to present a wide variety of manipulatives, rather than just an entire shelf full of puzzles or only LEGO blocks.
Decide where to position the manipulatives center. Typically, this is one of the largest learning centers in a preschool classroom. Use shelving and tables to partition a corner of your classroom dedicated to manipulatives. Be sure there is enough space on the floor for children to use the toys, as well as at least one table for children to use.
Label your manipulative buckets. Display the toys in baskets and colorful buckets before placing them on the shelves. Use a digital camera to take pictures of the manipulatives before putting them in the baskets. Attach the pictures to the baskets using heavy duty tape and label them with a permanent marker. This will help children know where to place the toys when they are cleaning up the center.
Decide how many children will be allowed in the center at one time. Since manipulative toys often contain several small pieces and you will be offering a number of them to children at one time, it is a good idea to only allow a small group of children into the manipulative area at one time. Come up with a system of rotating children through the learning centers so that all children have a chance to play in the manipulative area each day.