Teaching math to firsties requires a lot of hands-on manipulatives. Kids at this age are learning concepts that I didn't learn till much later. Therefore they need concrete learning experiences to understand the concepts full. Here are the things I have found useful when teaching math.
Unifix Cubes have so many uses!
Base 10 Blocks are essential for teaching ones, tens, and hundreds and how to regroup.
I glued magnets on these to demonstrate on my whiteboard.
100s Chart is essential for counting and teaching adding and subtracting tens. Also great for teaching about odd and even numbers.
For the kids desks:
Pocket Chart:
Purchase the Chart Here: Hundreds Chart
Get the cards in my store: 100s Chart Cards
Dominoes are a great math tool. I stick with those that add up to 12. Here are just a few ways they can be used.
2-sided counters are great for teaching probability and for when you are adding.
These are giant magnetic ones in 10 frames for modeling.
Find them here: Jumbo Magnetic Foam Ten Frames with Counters
Popsicle Sticks & hair tie rubberbands are great for teaching about bundling a group of ten.
and some homemade ones.
Mini-Erasers are fun counting manipulatives.
Also in the picture above is a whiteboard paddle. These are great for the carpet for students to hold up so I can quickly check their answers. We use the larger white boards too.
Playing Cards:
What other math manipulatives do you use?
The activities you see above can be found in my Headfirst math curriculum. Click below to see it in my store.
