Math manipulatives that are made from inexpensive, common items help students understand basic mathematics concepts. Learning activities using Cheerios, jellybeans, and clay as teaching materials are suggested. (DF)

Eleven activities with a puzzle consisting of 12 five-square shapes are presented, with some solutions illustrated. (MNS)

Discusses students' inability to make the connection between manipulative materials and pencil-and-paper calculations in mathematics instruction. Outlines the development of mathematical ideas through the concrete, representational, and abstract phases of instruction. An annotated bibliography listing teacher resources for representational-level…

Lists three guidelines for the sound use of manipulatives in teaching geometry. Also describes activities that use manipulatives to teach topics in geometry and measurement and which illustrate the application of the three guidelines. (JN)

Six algebra activities which use manipulative aids are described. The aids can be motivating, multipurpose, and individually manipulated by students. Some of the activities involve students in problem-solving practice and some can be revised to provide for students of differing ability levels. (JN)

Activities involving spinners and dice are presented. Making the materials is noted, followed by activities on counting, computation, probability, fractions, and other ideas. (MNS)

Four worksheets are presented, each using cubes to develop students' spatial visualization abilities. Directions and answer keys are both included. (MNS)

Various types of computerized sorting techniques are demonstrated with cardboard materials children can manipulate. Bubble, ripple, and binary sorting are each illustrated. (MNS)

This article discusses the use of concrete materials as conceptual models which serve as references for later learning of algorithms. (DT)

Directions are given for making a cheap, safe, durable geoboard. (DT)

This curriculum guide for preschool teachers was designed for use with wooden unit and hollow blocks to foster a variety of math, science, language, and social skills. Following an introduction to the curriculum and a discussion of cooperative learning and stages of block building, the guide is divided into three parts. Part 1 of the guide,…

This study attempted to determine which teaching method, mainly manipulatives or the standard curriculum, best allowed the students to learn first grade math concepts. The manipulatives consisted of objects such as unifix cubes, personal chalkboards, work mats, and various other articles, which allowed the students to see the math that they were…