How to use virtual manipulatives to teach mathematical concepts
When introducing new math concepts to children, it can be very useful for students to try and translate these mathematical concepts into concrete representations. Typically, students would be given a set of hand-ons manipulatives, which can be any sort of tangible materials such as cubes or colored tiles, and instructed to do activities as they are introduced to new concepts. Thankfully, there are many great resources that allow the use of virtual manipulatives to support online learning programs such as Study Buddies Connect!
What are manipulatives?
Manipulatives are physical objects used as teaching tools to help students engage in a more concrete way with mathematical concepts. You may remember them as colored cubes or dual-sides disks handed in early school years, but they can also include shape cutouts and number lines. With the rise in online learning, manipulatives have now also moved to the virtual world.
While using physical manipulatives is the more classic approach, virtual manipulatives get rid of some of the concerns of having to purchase materials, having to store them, or even being limited by quantity. The upside of virtual manipulatives is that they can be accessed for free and from any location while still remaining fun and interactive for students!
2. How to use virtual manipulatives
Online virtual manipulatives can be found for free through different educational websites, or even as part of certain online curriculums. We suggest using the free online Didax Virtual Manipulative tool to begin introducing virtual manipulatives during your sessions with your buddies! You can click on the embedded link above or go to https://www.didax.com/math/virtual-manipulatives.html.
Once on the webpage, you will have the option to choose from a variety of virtual manipulatives from unifix cubes, to numbers lines, and even fraction tiles. Once you click on the type of manipulative you want to use, you will be directed to a new screen where you will be able to move your pieces in all kinds of ways! Here, you or your buddy will be able to arrange them any way you like, as well as choosing between different colors and using the pencil tool to make annotations.
3. When should I use virtual manipulatives?
Virtual manipulatives can be a great resource for many different circumstances. If you are introducing a new mathematical concept such as fractions, negative numbers, adding/subtracting integers to your buddy, then using virtual manipulatives could be a very helpful tool! Not only can you demonstrate these concepts visually for the students, but you can also ask students to show their knowledge of the concepts through different activities.
Manipulatives can also be used to reinforce some of the math fundamentals and help students build upon previously learned concepts. For example, if your student is already familiar with fractions, using virtual manipulatives can be a great way to begin talking about equivalent fractions or improper fractions.
Lastly, using the Didax Virtual Manipulatives site can be a great way to do fun activities with your buddy to refocus during a session! While manipulatives are mathematical tools, you can incorporate them in more recreational ways. You can ask students to build their favorite structures with cubes or make a representation of their room/classroom using ten-frames and the annotation tool. This will allow them some creativity while still reinforcing their mathematical knowledge.