Keep Manipulatives Simple

 I love manipulatives! I find them to be the most underused teaching tool. But, they can also be the most overthought teaching tool. With an overwhelming myriad of choices, the best can become the enemy of the good. 

I try to keep my manipulatives simple, especially for younger children. Look to use toys and items already on hand. When learning grouping and counting some easy manipulatives include Lego, blocks, sunflower seeds, and yarn (this is an often overlooked math manipulative, but it works well for multiplication and division when folded back on itself).  Using measuring cups and spoons for fractions works well if you have a set to show how they build to a complete unit. I’ll let the children practice with water, sand, or flour. Science manipulatives can also be kept simple, so don’t go overboard on Pinterest.

Using manipulatives for writing seems obvious for younger grades, but tends to be overlooked as children get old. I encourage the use of objects to help develop the writing skills of description and varied vocabulary for older children. Providing an object gives them ways to be specific without having to hold previous details they imagined in their heads. I will also only allow the use of each descriptor once, so they have to incorporate new words. 

Finally using manipulatives in social studies can become challenging. Again I return to the use of toys on hand for them to try to layout old technologies, like irrigation in a sandbox or the layering of Roman roads. I’ve even made an Asian medicinal herb garden out of five pots once, so they could add taste to their understanding of another culture. While I encourage moderation in searching for math and science ideas, I find there to be a dearth of ideas for social studies and encourage Pinterest exploration here.  

While not easy, mixing in manipulatives for all subjects will help children engage all senses and parts of their brain in processing information. It will provide a natural break from using the screen for learning and help make lessons a positive experience for kids.