Must-Have Math Tools for your math instruction

Here’s a list of the top 14 math tools and manipulatives for teaching number sense in kindergarten. Math concepts are best taught using hands-on manipulatives. Students use them to model addition and subtraction, compare numbers, and count. Math manipulatives are a great way to visually show math concepts before they use more abstract concepts.

 Here’s a list of my favorite math tools and manipulatives. 

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Sheet Protectors

This may not seem like a math tool or manipulative, but sheet protectors serves an important purpose during your math block! Sheet protectors are much better than lamination. It’s easier to wipe off and doesn’t leave dry-erase marker residue. You can also easily switch out worksheets. They are a staple in my classroom and reduce the stress of feeling like you have to laminate your math centers. 

Spinners

I use spinners for all my spinner games. It’s a huge upgrade from using a pencil and a paperclip.

Snapping Cubes

I use snapping cubes for a variety of reasons. One way I use them is for counting. You can also use them when decomposing numbers. We also use them as tokens for math center games like Roll and Cover or Spin and Cover.

Base 10 Blocks

Base 10 blocks are the perfect tools for representing numbers, tens, and ones. They are incredibly handy when you are teaching place value concepts. 

Dice

Dice is another math game staple. They are helpful when teaching students how to subitize, count from a number that is not one, and addition.

Pattern Blocks

Pattern blocks are always a huge hit in my classroom. When we learn about 2D shapes, we use them to compose larger shapes.

2D and 3D Attribute Blocks

One of the most important concepts we teach about shapes is shape attributes. They learn how many sides, and corners shapes have and sort them by their attributes. Students analyze and compare shapes by what they look like.

Two-Colored Counters

We two-colored counters to model decomposing numbers. One classic game that comes to mind is Shake and Spill. 

Timers

Timers are a great tool for teachers! It helps you keep track of the time you spend with each group. It also can be used for students to complete one minute math sprints.

Dominoes

Dominoes are a great math center tool. You can use them to subitize, sort numbers and practice addition.

Dry-Erase Boards, Markers, and Erasers

Dry-erase boards are not a traditional math tool but integral to your math instruction. It’s a sheet of paper that you don’t have to recycle. Students can use them to show their math work quickly. They are more engaged and excited to do math with a dry-erase board than the traditional paper and pencil.

Index Cards

The possibilities with index cards are endless. You can have students to jot down a math problem as a quick exit ticket or to quickly assign a math problem to a student to complete. You can use them to play matching games, sorting activities, etc.

Counting Bears

Counting bears are my go-to math manipulatives. You can use them for counting, addition, subtraction, decomposing, and pretty much anything. You can use them in word problems! Students can act out their math stories with them. 

What are your go-to math tools and manipulatives? Let me know in the comments section below. 

Happy Teaching, 

Tee