As a parent or educator, you may often wonder how to use math manipulatives to make math more engaging for our youngest learners. Preschoolers are naturally curious, full of energy, and ready to explore the world around them. But abstract math concepts? Those can be a little tricky for their developing minds. Additionally, the majority of young children are visual and kinesthetic learners. In other words, toddlers and preschoolers learn best by seeing AND doing. Enter: math manipulatives. These hands-on tools simplify math for our little ones and make it fun and interactive.
Seeing Math Everywhere
When a kid looks at a butterfly, they might just see colors and movement. But there’s math there too – like the patterns on the wings and how it flies. Basically, math is all around us, and we should help kids see it.
In the early years, learning about numbers might seem easy. Most people think it’s just about counting from 1 to 10. But there’s more to it. Counting is the first step, but understanding what those numbers really mean is the next big thing. It’s the foundation for learning other math topics, like adding and subtracting. So, how do we help kids really get counting?
The Big Five: Counting Concepts That Your Little One Can Grasp
Experts Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff found that by age three, many kids pick up counting skills all by themselves1. When kids are left to their own devices and really like a toy or object, they often start figuring out numbers using it. It’s like they’re learning while playing!
During playtime, I discovered that by age three, most kids, including mine, began to grasp these vital counting principles:
- One-to-one principle: Each toy or object is unique when counting.
- Stable order principle: The fun sequence we all know – 1, 2, 3, and so on.
- Cardinal principle: The magic of realizing that the last counted toy tells us the total number.
- Abstract principle: Today we count toys, tomorrow – maybe the clouds or stars!
- Order-irrelevance principle: Sometimes, it’s okay to mix things up.
Understanding Math Manipulatives
Think of math manipulatives as toys with a purpose. They’re tangible objects that preschoolers can touch, move, and play with, making abstract math concepts more concrete. These tools allow our preschoolers to visualize math problems and work them out in a hands-on manner. Remember those colorful counting bears or the stacking rings? Yep, they are manipulatives too!
The Beauty of Hands-on Learning
Every child is unique. While some are auditory learners, others are visual or kinesthetic. Math manipulatives cater to these diverse learning styles, especially for those who learn best by doing. For preschoolers, these tools simplify complex ideas and infuse play into learning.
What are Math Manipulatives and Why Are They Essential?
Have you ever noticed how kids naturally learn by touching and playing? Math manipulatives are real, tangible tools that transform math from an abstract concept into a hands-on experience. These tools aren’t just fun; they breathe life into math, making complex ideas simpler and more relatable for kids.
While many parents instinctively reach for flashcards to teach counting, they might be missing the first step. Flashcards are handy for recognizing numbers, but the foundational skill of understanding counting principles requires something more tactile: the act of counting actual objects.
Still skeptical? Studies stretching back from the 1930s to 1989 have shown that using manipulatives in math lessons not only boosts students’ performance but also elevates their attitude toward math. This isn’t some newfound teaching method; it’s a tried-and-true approach that has stood the test of time.
What are some examples of math manipulatives?
When my little one was engrossed in play, I introduced some fun, hands-on tools. Trust me, these aren’t complex teaching aids. They are simple objects that turn numbers into a playful adventure. Before we jump into number recognition, let’s first uncover what objects can be used as math manipulatives before we discover the magic of counting together.
Examples of math manipulatives can include:
- Counting bears
- Stones or rocks
- Sticks
- Pom poms
- Cheerios
- Blocks
- Lego
- Magnetic tiles
- Math link cubes
Popular Manipulatives for Preschoolers
While there’s a vast array of manipulatives out there, here are a few favorites tailored for early childhood education:
- Counting Bears: Perfect for teaching counting, patterns, and basic operations.
- Pattern Blocks: These can help with shape recognition and spatial understanding.
- Number Rods: Great for number recognition and introductory arithmetic.
But the world is your oyster! Everyday objects like buttons, beans, or even pasta can be turned into manipulatives with a little creativity.
Why Choose Math Manipulatives?
For our preschoolers, manipulatives:
- Encourage Active Learning: They’re not just passively listening; they’re doing.
- Boost Problem-Solving Skills: These tools help them approach problems from different angles.
- Build Confidence: Success with manipulatives can translate to a love for math.
How to teach math using manipulatives
You’ve likely got math manipulatives lying around at home without even realizing it! Let’s explore how you can effectively teach your child math concepts using these tools.
Take bear counters, for instance, which can be instrumental in gauging your child’s grasp of the one-to-one counting principle (each item gets counted once, and only once).
Here’s a simple activity to try:
- Gather a random set of bears, varying in size and color. Count them out loud together.
- Next, choose a set of bears all of the same color, say green. If your child points out, “There’s one bear,” you can playfully correct, “All the bears are green, but how many are there?” Then count together: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5! So, we have 5 green bears in total!”
At first glance, this exercise seems straightforward. But beneath the surface, it’s a treasure trove of learning. The manipulatives serve as common ground between you and your child, allowing you to gauge and guide their understanding. The activity reveals if your child is focusing more on attributes (like color) than the number of items, which offers an opportunity to direct their attention appropriately.
Can you pinpoint the math principles at work in this activity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Tools to Enhance Math Manipulative Learning
The “Number Sense” learning mat, showcased in the video above, offers children diverse methods to visualize numbers. For toddlers struggling with finger counting, they can color in the fingers on the mat. Introduce the one-to-one principle by positioning a counter in a single space, utilizing the ten frames method. The number line featured on the mat reinforces the stable order principle, making it an excellent tool for older preschoolers to grasp the concepts of addition and subtraction.
Number Sense Learning Mat
Introduce your child to the fascinating world of numbers! The Number Sense Learning Mat offers a multi-strategy approach to master counting, addition, and subtraction. Ideal for preschoolers and beyond.
Embracing Diverse Learners
Inclusivity is the future of education. Math manipulatives are essential for students with special needs, offering them a tangible way to grasp concepts that might otherwise be elusive. From children with dyscalculia to those with attention disorders, these tools cater to a broad spectrum of learners.
Tips for Parents and Educators
- Adaptability is Key: Not every manipulative will resonate with every child. Observe and adapt.
- Mix and Match: Use a variety of traditional manipulatives for a well-rounded learning experience.
- Safety First: Ensure the manipulatives are age-appropriate and free from small parts that might be swallowed.
Conclusion: The Math-filled Adventures Await!
With the right tools, math can be an exciting adventure for our preschoolers. As we integrate these fun and intuitive manipulatives into their learning journey, we’re setting the stage for a lifelong love of math. So, let’s embrace these tools and watch our little mathematicians grow!
Sheryll is the proud mom to 3 boys (3, 7, and 14-years-old) and wife to her better half. She is the founder and CEO of TigerKubz and is on a mission to empower parents with tools to easily engage their little learners. When Sheryll is not thinking of creative ways to make learning experiences of everyday life, changing diapers, or chasing after her kids, you may find her in the kitchen trying out new recipes, attempting to fish on a nice day, or jamming out to Disney singalongs with Alexa.
