- Rekenreks, rods, counters and cubes,
- Straws, small toys, pegs and paper tubes,
- Bead strings, building blocks, dice and dienes,
- Numicon, number lines, buttons and dried beans.
There is a multitude of mathematical manipulatives available for children and practitioners to interact with and these manipulatives can be used in many ways to develop children’s mathematical understanding.
1. Support fluency and flexibility
Not only can they help reveal the mathematical structure when used effectively, but they can also be used to support children in making connections with their learning which can build flexibility and fluency.
Emma Barker, Deputy Headteacher, Amberley Primary School
2. Provide a talking tool
They can act as a talking tool – a way to encourage mathematical discussion.
Rob Cox, Maths leader, Ashfield Park Primary School
3. Support problem-solving
Children can work in pairs and small groups using manipulatives to solve problems. They can encourage questions about other children’s strategies and reasoning. This can prompt the sharing and comparison of different approaches.
A task from NRICH.
Lisa Heatherington, School Improvement Advisor, North Tyneside
4. Reveal misconceptions
Manipulatives can also be used by children to communicate what they know. They can reveal any misconceptions children may have and helps teachers to adapt their teaching to build on children’s prior knowledge.
Michelle Cobbs, Evidence Lead in Education, Aspirer Research School
5. Provide meaningful contexts
They can also provide meaningful contexts for children to develop their mathematical understanding, making it a more engaging experience.
Claire Williams, Deputy headteacher, Alexandra Park Primary School
Look out for upcoming blogs which delve into each purpose more deeply.
Mathematical manipulatives – can be used in many a way,
Objects you can move around, interact with, and play,
They can help pupils to engage in mathematical chatter
They’re powerful tools – that really do matter.
Further reading:
Education Endowment Foundation. (2020). Improving mathematics in Early Years and Key Stage 1, pp. 16 – 17. Available at: EEF_Maths_EY_KS1_Guidance_Report.pdf
Education Endowment Foundation. (2017). Improving mathematics in Key Stages 2 and 3, pp. 10 – 13. Available at: EEF-Improving-Mathematics-in-Key-Stages-2-and‑3 – 2022-Update.pdf
Myth-busting mathematical manipulatives | EEF