Math Tools

By Julie Julian, Instructional Coach
Guided Math & Running Record, CRC Session with Dr.Nicki Newton

Math tools help students scaffold their thinking. All learners should be able to access them at any given moment, regardless of grade level.

“Good problem solvers usually construct a representation of the problems to help them comprehend it “(van Gardener & Montague, 2003), but representing mathematical information visually does not come naturally to most students. Visual representation should be explicitly taught and then practiced using a variety of tools.

Both hands-on manipulatives and virtual tools:

·        Help convey concepts

·        Help visualize mathematical ideas

·        Model number relationships

Classroom Manipulatives

Manipulatives Tip Sheets http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/math/manipulative_use.html
The tip sheets for each of the listed manipulatives include a description of what they are, how they can help students, how many are recommended and sample activities. Unfortunately, many of the weblinks at the bottom of these PDF files aren’t active, but the tip sheets themselves are very helpful.

Algebra Tiles (pdf)

Base 10 Blocks (pdf)

Coloured Tiles (pdf)

Connecting Cubes (pdf)

Connecting Cubes (pdf)

Five and Ten Frames (pdf)

Fraction Circles (pdf)

Fraction Strips and Towers (pdf)

Geoboards (pdf)

Pattern Blocks (pdf)

Rekenreks (pdf)

Relational Rods (pdf)

Tangrams (pdf)

Beaded Number Line

https://guidedmath.wordpress.com/2016/09/01/the-beaded-number-line/

Have each student created a 100-bead beaded number line alternating colours every 10 beads This can be used for counting, skip counting, place value, rounding, adding, subtracting, number patterns, multiplication, division, and decimals.

Virtual Manipulatives

There are lots of fantastic interactive virtual math tools and apps for Smartboards, computers, tablets, and phones.

Graph Paper:

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/als0wdo8d4

Number Frames:

https://apps.mathlearningcenter.org/number-frames/

Cuisenaire Rods:

https://www.mathplayground.com/mathbars.html

Fractions:

https://apps.mathlearningcenter.org/fractions/

Geoboards:

https://apps.mathlearningcenter.org/geoboard/

Number Line:

https://apps.mathlearningcenter.org/number-line/

Rekenrek (number rack):

https://apps.mathlearningcenter.org/number-rack/

Pattern Shapes:

https://apps.mathlearningcenter.org/pattern-shapes/