Have you used manipulatives in math? What have you found to be the most successful?

Here’s a FREE simple addition activity that makes use of 3 different types of math manipulatives: dominoes, ten frames, and an abacus.

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Help students develop NUMBER SENSE as they learn basic addition skills.

Using dominoes, ten frames, and an abacus, (or DIY versions, or just printed pictures from Google images 😉 ), you can help kids learn what it means to combine numbers together in a way that will build a solid foundation for higher levels of math.

A little background on the benefits of these math tools

Here’s a little background explanation on how each of these types of manipulatives helps reinforce fundamental number sense skills:

• Dominoes help kids with “counting on” – they can say the first number, then count up from there as they add on the dots from the other side of the domino.
• Ten frames help kids visualize numbers in groups of 5’s and 10’s, which helps them compose and decompose numbers mentally – this will benefit them greatly as they learn to subtract, multiply, divide, understand place value, practice rounding, and do quick mental math computations. (You can get a free sample chapter of my ebook on teaching math using ten frames here – no email required – or read my blog post about ten frame math here.)
• An abacus helps kids see large numbers in groups of 10 – since our number system is based on 10’s, this visualization and understanding will serve them well as they advance to larger numbers.
• and of course … Equations help kids learn the language of math. Even though the equal sign seems like a simple concept, if students truly understand that it represents an equal amount on either side of the sign, this will help them confidently manipulate algebraic equations in higher stages of math.

Instructions:

Print out this simple 2 page activity sheet, laminate it (or put it in a plastic page protector or report cover, or just print several copies), and provide any or all of the manipulatives mentioned above. Walk your kids through the example page, then let them use the blank addition template page to create as many addition equations as they can.

Reuse as often as needed until students have mastered this skill.

You can test “mastery” by asking them to teach someone else how to do this activity or explain thoroughly to you what they are doing at each step using each different type of manipulative.

You can’t test for mastery on the concept of addition in a deep way by simply relying on rote memorization.

I hope that you’ll find it simple and fun to use manipulatives in math. Enjoy doing math with your students and children today! 🙂

FREE PRINTABLE

You can get your own free version of this activity in my store here: 1 equation; 4 representations. 

You may also be interested in these hands-on, interactive learning activities:

• Make a Number Banner (PreK-K)
• Math with Dice (PreK – 1)
• 8 Math Game Boards for Addition through Division (PreK – 3)
• Coding Activities, Books, and Resources (K – 12)

… Or in these other products for more practice with developing number sense.

Math Curriculum Recommendation

Are you looking for a Math curriculum that is built around hands-on activities designed to make Math fun for kids and help your children or students discover the Why behind Math?

We use, love, and highly recommend RightStart Mathematics! You can read more about our experience with the RightStart Math curriculum here:

• Developing Number Sense
• Eliminate Math Anxiety

… or check out their site directly here (by clicking on the image below):

More Free Stuff?

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