Teaching Math with ManipulativesWe all know students learn better by doing. Here are a few tips for
teaching math with manipulatives. First off, always remember that is
easier for the students to actually handle and manipulate objects than to
imagine a situation. We know it takes more effort and more planning for these types of lessons, but we also know it is worth
it. To cut down your planning time, we have some materials ready for you. Substitution arises very often in mathematics. Here is a trick for
teaching it right the first time. Your students will better understand
"plugging in." Example: Given y = 4x + 2, find y = ? when x
= 3. This is a very basic example for using substitution. Instead of just substituting 3 for x and solving, we want the students to physically plug in 3 for x. Remember, we are teaching math with manipulatives here.
At the board (preferably white, but chalk works fine) write...
y = 4x + 2 y = ? when x = 3
Now, the only manipulatives you will need for this activity is some colored index cards (red or pink show up very well), a few markers, and some magnets. Tip: you can cut up kitchen magnets into small squares.
Give a student an index card (already cut in half), a magnet, and a black marker. Have that student write the value of x on the card. In this case the card should have a 3 written on it.
The student should then go to the board and put the pink card on top of the x, where you have x = 3 written. The board should look like...
Placing the 3 on top of the x physically shows that the x is "worth 3." By doing this, you are also reiterating that an equal sign establish balance in an equation, and doesn't necessary mean "an answer." View our page on the math property of equality for more details.
Now have the student take the 3 and plug it into the equation. This is where we are really teaching math with manipulatives. They physically plug in the 3, with an understanding that it is "worth" that amount.
Notice that I also put in a multiplication dot. Now would be a good time to remind the students that 4x really means four times x. Now, all the student must do is simplify the right side of the equation.
This activity is great for engaging students, and of course teaching math with
manipulatives. It really helps the students to learn substitution.
Want more free math teaching tools to help improve your teaching skills?
How would you like to incorporate math jeopardy! into teaching math with manipulatives? Check out GRADE-A's cool math games! The GradeA homepage.
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