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Teachers today use a variety of learning tools to add fun to teaching Math. They take advantage of physical objects or manipulatives to help children develop a positive attitude towards Mathematics. As always, teachers are right: Incorporating effective classroom supplies for math teachers has been very effective!
What seems challenging about teaching math is that it deals with a lot of numbers. Unlike subjects where students are taught to simply read or create a work of art through drawing or sketching, math is frequently about solving problems.
Have you also searched all this to find classroom supplies for math teachers? Well, you are fortunate. We have reviewed 18 math supplies that can engage young minds in the world of numbers.
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Check Out Our 5 Editor Picks for 2022
| Product | Image | Reasons to get it | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa & Doug Abacus | |
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| Catiga Home Style Calculator | |
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| Arteza Dry-Erase Markers | |
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| Star Right Math Flash Cards | |
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| Lakeshore Multiplication Machine | |
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Our No. 1 Math Teacher’s Tool for 2022
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Star Right Education Addition Flash Cards
- The cards are printed with large bold text so even students sitting at the back can see.
- Each are hole-punched for easy sorting, with safe edges and comes in a perfectly hand-held size.
- Includes 2 rings that you can use to separate the examples that need practice from those that don’t.
- The flashcard can be separated into groups, adding zero, adding one, skip counting by two and more.
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How Do I Find the Right Supplies for My Math Class?
Classroom supplies for math teachers should be interesting and enjoyable. The materials should serve as concrete models for students to use in solving problems. This is the main purpose why there are math tools – to consider the value of putting importance on what seems a difficult subject to deal with.
Give your students the best of what you believe can intrigue and motivate their yearning minds. Being tricky leads you to get just the right math supplies or manipulatives for your class. But with all the different classroom supplies in the market today, it can be misleading. Here are some tips before buying:
1) RESEARCH THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATH SUPPLIES
Mathematics is about logic. It requires research to determine the exact benefits of different mathematical tools. It is ideal to study which of these many tools can analyze and enhance a child’s weak areas. What supplies can simplify problems or give easy real-life examples to which children can relate? Most of all, what math supplies can help you eliminate the fear of math and math teachers.
The most used tools are traditional or physical objects like manipulatives – these are most ideal for assisting students to learn basic math skills. Visualization tools are those that come in the form of diagrams and charts. Third, are the technological tools like calculators and computers which facilitate an understanding of complex concepts and principles.
2) CONSIDER THE QUALITY OF MATERIALS
The rule of thumb is that if it passes your strict scrutiny then trust your instinct. Consider the best features and the long-term value. Good quality school supplies last longer because of better materials and well-planned construction. Don’t be afraid to ask about every detail of an item you are planning to purchase.
Making a commitment to buy fewer but high-quality things for your class opens up the opportunity of owning high-grade materials. You are using your own money so consider these supplies as your investment. This serves as a motivation to get the best ones in the hopes of saving and using the tools in the succeeding school years.
3) DURABILITY IS AN ASSURANCE OF LONG LASTINGNESS
Just as the name suggests, math school supplies are basic items that students can manipulate by themselves. In other words, these are things they can touch, hold, move, and experiment with during the class. There is a big chance that children can damage their school materials. Therefore, it only pays if you settle for math supplies that you are sure can stand the test of time.
Ask yourself. “Will this tool remain functional even with everyday use?” “Can it last at least one school year? Double-check before deciding to buy. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you find products that offer life warranties, they can be from a reputable brand you can trust.
4) LOOK FOR 100% SAFE FOR CHILDREN USE
As a second parent in school, it is your responsibility to ensure everything inside your classroom is safe for your students. Remember that kids do socialize even during classes and the things they will be using will connect to their freedom to grow and develop independence while enjoying a safe environment.
Spend time to find school supplies that are certified “Low- or No- Toxicity” by the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Board markers, for example. There are brands that smell powerful, so chances are the products may contain chemicals that can cause headaches and possibly nausea. In general, water-based markers are safe.
It can take extra time looking for 100% safe for children to use school supplies, but there are a lot available that you can find from a local or online store.
5) STYLE IS ATTRACTIVE AND VERY ENGAGING
Have you ever wondered why kids love coloring books? The first reason has to do with this is because colors are very attractive to children. In fact, almost all math manipulative comes in bright and enticing shades of color. You too would love to consider math tools that look lively and unique.
The Magnetic Rainbow Fraction Tiles (among the math tools in this review) have color-coded tiles. The tool’s concept works in two ways: First, it demonstrates mathematical solutions in an easier way, and second, it makes the learning process light and easy with the added fun of colors.
Another product we have is the CATIGA Calculator. It is a green-colored calculator and another example of a stylish tool. Do you think kids will not anticipate their turn to use a lovely-looking calculator? The more curious children become the higher chances of learning they get.
Why not get something nice, too? Doing what makes your young learners happy inspires them to do their best work. So get the good ideas rolling.
6) LOOK FOR MATH TOOLS THAT ARE AFFORDABLE
Find time to visit bookstores. Look for 50% off price tags and other deals the store offers. Buy-One-Get-One-Free (BOGOF) deals are a great way to buy in bulk. But remember, to buy only the items that are on your list. Shop in stores that offer price matching. It saves you time and gas from the need to go around town to collect deals from each store. Get everything in one place, and get the best price, too.
Don’t ignore checking out some school materials that are on sale even if they are not on your list. Often, you discover new ideas for math supplies that can be useful. This will also help you make the most out of your budget.
Here is a video from a school in Ontario explaining how manipulatives promote a better understanding of a variety of mathematical concepts.
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18 Classroom Supplies That Will Help Children Gain a Better Understanding of this Dreaded Subject
1) Melissa & Doug Abacus for Children
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Abacus has always been the old classic way of mastering numbers. It remained a consistent math tool of all ages. From basic counting, addition, and subtraction, it also teaches more complex procedures like multiplication and division.
The Melissa & Doug Abacus is a classic wooden manipulative toy with a wooden bead counting frame. You will love the 100 brightly-colored wooden beads.
Abacus is an old-fashioned math tool that children today can adapt to get a better grasp of Math concepts. This bead counter for children comes with eight additional extension activities to encourage kids from 3 to 5 years old to develop early arithmetic, counting, solutions, and logical thinking skills.
You will love using the Melissa & Doug Abacus for its quality construction. The counting beads math tool is made from a solid hardwood base and frame. It holds 10 thick-coated wires with 10 bright and colorful wooden beads on each wire. All in all, you are getting a hundred pieces of attractive beads.
This abacus is designed as a wooden toy and educational tool in one intended to spark the imagination and encourage movement. In fact, adults who do not know how to use Abacus can also play along and learn, too. Helping children get familiar with Abacus will expand upon their ability to think and better incorporate different math concepts.
Your classroom will take pride in this ancient world math tool. If merchants of long ago used Abacus as a manual calculator, then bring it back through your class. You will be happy to allow them to add and subtract large numbers that they could not do in their head.
Melissa & Doug Abacus is trusted by over 60 million families. It is a parent-recommended material for activity learning. With 30 years of commitment to the highest quality standards, this math tool should enter your classroom.
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2) Learning Resources Giant Magnetic Ten-Frame Set, Classroom Math Set, Magnetic Whiteboard Set, Set of 4, Ages 5+
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Bring the fun of numbers and base ten skills to your classroom in a big way. Let colorful disks do it for you and your schoolers.
The Giant Magnetic Ten-Frame Set is a demonstration and hands-on math activity tool that can be used on any magnetic surface – perfect for your whiteboard or chalkboard. All the 4 frames included can be separated and make an excellent resource to practice ten frames with even first graders.
The circles have a little square frame around them. It works great when given a kinaesthetic approach or active participation from the students. This then allows children to discover their individual capabilities. Many teachers said magnetic sets like this have aided them in enabling their pre-schoolers to be able to “see” equations, which is a good thing.
What is very nice about this Giant Magnetic 10-Frame Set is that each frame has 10 large enough structures that an entire class can see clearly. Both you and the children will enjoy that the dots come in two different colors. This feature will distinguish between addition and subtraction. Plus, kids always love using attractive and unique objects so they will have fun moving the dots during your class.
Provide more packs of these if you want to give more problem-solving activities. Use them daily. Here is a take-out: In case you lose some of the circles, no worries! The frames are large enough to hold any type of magnetic circles from the dollar store so you can use them instead.
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3) CATIGA CD-8185 Office and Home Style Calculator – 8-Digit LCD Display – Suitable for Desk and On The Move use. (Green)
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The color itself is life-giving, right? Let this calculator serve as learning support for higher elementary grades. This digital device will help advance a child’s ability to understand the use of a gadget when it comes to calculation.
CATIGA is a home-style calculator appropriate for higher elementary to high school students. You just want the basic arithmetic functions with large, easy-to-see numbers and easy-to-hit buttons. The “clear” button turns it on, and it turns itself off with a time-out feature. It can also add and subtract numbers without using Equal. So it works perfectly for simple calculating needs.
CATIGA 8185 has a robust build with a high plastic body. The buttons are made from firm plastic material, as well. They are durable, very easy to use, and easy to see. Overall, the calculator was created with ease of use in mind. Its 6×4 size also ensures comfort in the hand.
The calculator has a dual-power source. Meaning, it comes with both battery and solar power. This supports constant use throughout your day in the classroom. With an LCD 8-digit display, it presents the numbers more clearly. The solar/battery dual power system will make it work perfectly in almost every lit environment.
We recommend this calculator because of its green life-giving look. Growing up children and learners needed this tweak to at least trick the mind from the “boredom” thing. Standing out in a crowd like a star, this green Catiga 8185 will attract your eyes in an instant. Because green promotes nature and energy – your class will also feel invigorated.
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4) Learning Resources Magnetic Rainbow Fraction Tiles
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When children begin to think about rational numbers, oftentimes it marks the beginning of a difficult experience. You can guide them through the process with the help of this fraction math tool.
Fraction tiles are similar to tiles except that they are magnets. From these lodestones alone that look exciting, children would race to learn the lesson so they could use these magnetic fraction tiles. The playful trick will make learning fractions a time to look forward to.
The visual and tactile learning tool offers great visualization for a better understanding of numerical quantities. A highly visual way to learn about equivalence and fractions, you can simply stick the fraction pieces to any flat surface if you don’t wish to use a magnetic whiteboard.
This is definitely helpful to you as the tiles look more interesting for children to understand fractions right away. Since the fraction tiles are slightly larger you can place them on the whiteboard for a wider view. A portable flipchart whiteboard easel will help you position yourself in the middle of the class. and use it as a creative visual aid to catch the attention of the playful class.
I have found and reviewed an easy-to-use easel for this purpose. You might want to take a look at my list of the most essential classroom supplies.
In this Magnetic Rainbow Set, playful moves are all you need for your class to start seeing the numerical tabs. The rectangular magnetic fractions will introduce fraction concepts, show lengths as parts of a whole, equivalents, and comparisons. Plus, the tiles are color-coded so they can be used to show equivalence. Use it on a whiteboard with dry-erase markers. Ideal for grades 2, 3, and 4 very successfully.
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5) School Zone – Math War Multiplication Game Cards
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Is there any way multiplication can be fun for kids? Of course. If you are a teacher who agrees on this, you should do your class a favor with these cards.
Multiplication game cards are specially designed learning cards that can pass through a child’s eyes while integrating parent and teacher standards. Math can be fun when children can master the facts. Multiplication would be great even for a child in second or third grade up.
The cards come in a size suitable for any size hands your children have. Big numbers and cute fish on them. They are as thick as traditional playing cards, have nearly the same width, and are probably an inch or so longer. Non-intimidating to use at school, at home, as a travel game, or during a summer activity.
Many children and teenagers struggle with their multiplication facts. But after playing with these multiplication card games several times they quickly improved and learned to multiply. If you own several sets, then you can enjoy math wars that include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The Math War Multiplication Game Cards is a fun game. Students learn multiplication facts as they play. The game-inclined idea is beneficial for them in a way that allows each child to move through the game quickly. So they learn while having fun. For all you know they have started to memorize their multiplication tables.
These math supplies are ideal for ages 8+, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, Math Games, beginning Algebra, multiplication facts and tables, and more. A great twist on flashcards. The amount of games you can play is unlimited and you are part of the fun with your class.
Works well as a station during small group time. Also, it would be good at home if the student has someone to play it with.
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6) Learning Resources Write & Wipe Fact Family Boards
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For over 30 years, Learning Resources has always been known as a company that produces unique, high-quality toys as tools for education. They also took it upon themselves to help children develop a love for learning. This time, they are introducing a new item which holds a huge potential in that aspect.
With just one look, the wipe boards are so life-giving. Their sunny and sustainable colors have a fun and simple fact family format that makes it easy to use and understand. Highly recommendable for elementary children as well as learners with difficulties.
You are getting 5 boards, all of which are double-sided with one side that shows both addition and subtraction signs; while the other side shows both multiplication and division signs. With its size and weight suitable for children’s use, the boards are reusable, too. So everybody can enjoy its write and wipe surface. This is a nice feature that allows students to use the boards on both sides over and over.
You might be thinking that these are merely triangle-shaped boards, but, they help students analyze the connections between numbers. Aids in the development of cognitive thinking without them even realizing it.
Consider Write & Wipe Fact Family boards as your class’ stepping stone to equation building and problem-solving to the next level. Imagine how you are helping children improve their number fact fluency in just a small amount of time.
You would like to use this set either for individual practice or group learning. With this tool, learning math can be lively and counting sessions will be worth waiting for. Like the company’s mission, you too can encourage millions of children in learning the art of numbers!
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7) 180 Days of Math: Grade 4 – Daily Math Practice Workbook for Classroom and Home
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180 Days of Math is a daily practice workbook for 4th-grade students who are struggling in Math. Help them succeed!
It provides math problems and activities reserved for each day of the academic year which makes up a consistent routine every day for the students. It does not put pressure on the students who are quite slow in learning but rather gives them time to apply it.
With educational activities that are correlated to College and Career Readiness and other state standards, 180 Days of Math helps to prepare students for the future. Daily activities will cover essential homework or as additional support for math concepts outside of class.
It is inspiring for a teacher to see the class gradually mastering their mathematical skills at their own pace. This workbook also includes data-driven tips, effective worksheets, and credible suggestions on which digital resources parents and teachers should make use of as well.
Each of the daily activities and problems this workbook contains prepares the students for the next level of learning. It also helps improve comprehension and analysis in subjects other than Math. With different types of problems every day, the children will get new items without getting bored. This makes this workbook ideal for homeschooling.
You desire to keep track of both your lessons and your students’ progress so you will know which math problems they are struggling with. Let this workbook help you modify their lessons based on your observations.
What is impressive about this tool is that it meets all the requirements for standardized math tests. Each page assesses math fluency so it makes parents and teachers’ work so much easier. You will find different specific mathematical concepts for daily activities and worksheets to work on.
If the students can do all 180 days of this workbook’s problems and activities, then they can pass their 4th grade Math without a hitch. Isn’t that worth expecting?
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8) Learning Resources Fraction Tower Activity Set, Math accessories, Teaching Aids
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This is another tool from Learning Resources for you to teach decimal, percentage, and fraction concepts a lot better and with colors.
Fractions and decimals are fundamental math concepts when it comes to learning percentages and other advanced topics. This hands-on and enjoyable manipulative is a great way for kids to understand the real function of these concepts.
The cubes are switchable, so you can make a whole one with two ¼ cubes and one ½ cube whichever works best for you. These are also interlocking cubes so the children can build simple mathematical models. It creates activities that show the interrelationships of the concepts in a more detailed way.
This will also be of help for tactile and visual learners who are having difficulties making sense of the written problems. When adding and subtracting mixed numbers, and when converting mixed numbers and improper fractions, it is really helpful to have 2 sets of these, so you can show numbers.
This is an essential learning tool for any 4th or 5th grader, and for some 3rd and 6th graders. These cubes are designed durable so they can withstand children’s usage. A thorough understanding of fractions and decimals is very critical to learning percentages and other harder concepts in 6th grade, and these cubes are perfect for securing these foundational topics.
The set includes 51 sturdy, color-coded cubes that represent fractions from one whole up to twelfth. All the cubes are labeled on all 3 sides. Each is also labeled with math concepts decimals, percentages, and fractions.
You and your class will like this Fraction Tower Activity Set because regardless of whether you just allow them to play with them, they are already learning.
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9) Arteza Dry Erase Markers
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If you are a Math teacher, you know how this subject requires a little detailed explanation. ARTEZA dry markers can help you elaborate arithmetic solutions. Hand each child a dry eraser marker and let him/her write the answers right on board. The color trick will make learning Math more interesting.
Use these dry-erase markers to write bold marks on your board. It highlights everything you need to write on the board for the whole class to see. Therefore, it helps you present or show a solution more clearly. Colors are also a mood-booster so it can positively affect everybody more than they realize.
You want to be able to erase it easily with one swipe of your finger. Then ARTEZA can make it quick and easy for the children to keep trying figures and solutions. If this is not right, erase it, then try again. Dry-erase markers are completely clean with any dry-erasable surface, too. With vivid eye-catching colors, you can see the marking from across the room.
It is fun and easy to practice numbers with this quick to erase feature. Also, using dry erase boards makes a cheaper alternative to paper. This way, learning everything about Arithmetic is not just a mere class session but an exciting subject kids can look forward to. If you do it in teams, the children will be very alert. Give each child in the team different colors of dry-erase markers and let them participate.
Buying pads for scratch these days can be costly. But you can improvise scratchpads by covering them with a heavy-duty sheet protector and then letting your pupils use dry erase markers on them. You are saving a lot of paper and you can use the same scratchpads the whole year-round.
I suggest that you buy a lot of black ones for the children and keep the colored ones when you needed to provide more excitement. These markers are 100% non-toxic and safe to use with elementary children.
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10) Rekenrek Dry Erase Answer Paddle Whiteboard With Rekenrek 20 Bead Counter
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Why not let your class participate with this Individual Dry-Erase Answer Paddle Whiteboard?
You already have dry-erase markers to write an Arithmetic solution on the board for the class to see. This time, let us talk about an individual dry-erase board that comes with a paddle so students can write their answers on it and show it to you and the whole class. How about that?
Rekenrek is a color-coded, hands-on, easy-to-use math tool for building number sense and modeling additive strategies. Color-coded beads help students identify numbers without counting. It allows for composing and decomposing numbers, make-and-break values to five and ten. You can introduce addition and subtraction strategies – near five, near ten, counting on.
Because kids have their boards, they will be motivated to practice with their solutions right from their seats. Kids love to show what they have in mind, so with this trick, they can easily share their work on the answer paddle answer. Chances are they will ask for more practice solutions because they can do the solutions themselves. The result is – it deepens their understanding of numbers.
While the beads can be stiff to move and the abacus rings very tight and take some time to slide back and forth; it will get loosened with use. Frequent sliding the rings across can also help to get them to work. Some apply a little oil to the rings to help facilitate.
For over 50 years hand2mind has encouraged hands-on learning and discovery, driving deeper understanding and helping students unlock their full potential. Join the advocacy and teach Math with joy.
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11) Learning Resources School Play Money
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If your class will learn to count and to manage money, you will be happy that they enjoyed learning that in school with you. Perhaps you should prepare an awesome reward for those who can do it right!
Here is a coin set of 30 pennies, 20 each of nickles, dimes, and quarters, 4 half-dollars, and 2 Sacagawea. These are small real-looking plastic coins. They do not sound or feel like real coins but they make perfect props for children to familiarize money with. This set is a great value and large enough to distribute coins to the whole class for group discussions.
Learning money value not only helps elementary children recognize the different types of coins, but they learn how to count money as well. Since these are the denominations used around the house for buying stuff, food, and toys; how much to pay and change to expect, the experience will connect them to real life. They can even anticipate how much to save up.
Do a role-play. Children will love to act as vendors and buyers. They will love acting like shopping on their own, paying, receiving money, and giving the correct change. The real-looking coins can help them adapt to their nature the moment they finally are holding real and authentic coins.
Learning Resources Play Money is 3D school money. They replicate real money well and fit in every elementary classroom. Great resource. True to size, lightweight, and the realistic educational coins you will find. It’s also great for play pretend at home. Because they very much resemble the dollar coins used in real life, I highly recommend this set.
Young minds are inquisitive. Set a healthy example of how to use money at their disposal and they will be much more likely to follow it when they get older.
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12) Learning Resources Dive into Shapes! A Sea and Build Geometry Set, 129 Pieces
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When you start to explain different shapes, using easy to understand terms helps you present your lesson so much better. Grade 1 pupils begin to understand model position and size while using shape vocabulary. In grades 2 and beyond, the children are already exposed to the concept.
Geoboards support academic state standards in geometry and these early recognition skills. The boards will also prepare higher elementary children for higher geometry.
Introduce geoboards to teach area and perimeter as well as the characteristics of triangles and other polygons. This math tool is a discovery activity. Students can compare a triangle from a rectangle and show them the exact number of parts for each shape. For example: in a rectangle, the area is equal to the length times the width. In this case, 3 x 4 = 12. So they can compare shapes through the difference in the number of areas in each shape.
What is great about using Geoboards is the opportunity to create different sizes of the same shape. They are also used to present fractions of square units. Area and perimeter may be challenging to understand, but by using geoboards, you can explain how the lines in each peg on the geoboard will help them find the lengths. You can use geoboards to explain how to find the area of a triangle.
As with other classroom supplies for math, geoboards look and feel like a toy in a child’s mind but perform as powerful manipulatives to understand this area of arithmetic. Give your class time and a chance to explore with the geoboard with lots of rubber bands.
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13) Star Right Education Addition Flash Cards, 0-12 (All Facts, 169 Cards) With 2 Rings
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Categorizing is an essential part of problem-solving in the early years of learning. Since a flashcard bears information or is marked on both sides of the card, it provides the perfect opportunity to develop this skill.
These Addition Flashcards will create the perfect strategy for reinforcing math facts for young math learners. The written numbers are large. Plus, the cards have a “turn-around” feature that makes it easy to use and read. One example of this is 3+4= 7 and 4+3=7. These cards are also durable and made of quality cards that can be used over and over.
You need a collection of flashcards from a language area that the children have seen before. As opposed to all square edges, Star Right Education Flashcards have 3 rounded edges with 1 square edge and hole-punched for easy sorting. Each card is printed with large bold text so that even students sitting in the back of the class will be able to see them.
To ensure that you have enough flashcards for every child, Star Right Addition Flash Cards have 169 cards, enough for classroom use. The flashcards are good for anyone who needs or would like supplemental material to practice and learn multiplication.
What you will like with this set is it allows you to separate the cards into groups, adding zero, adding one, skip counting by two, adding doubles, adding doubles plus one, adding ten, and adding nine. So teaching children to add using these strategies will also allow them to add quickly.
You can separate them into groups, add zero, add one, add 10, or skip counting by two, adding doubles plus one – it is all up to you. Teaching children to add using these strategies will allow them to master quick addition as well.
Whether you are a Math teacher or a parent, let Star Right Cards provide you with high-quality education products that make teaching Math exciting.
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14) Painless Learning Fractions Placemat
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This is a great placemat for elementary children who are just learning the elements in school.
When it comes to fractions, the top number is called the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator. This math tool has a fraction chart that describes all the basics of fractions from one whole one half, one third, to one-twelfth. The placemat also demonstrates shapes and their corresponding fraction part.
All of the placemats are collaborative so it encourages children’s participation. Plus, it comes with a write-on/wipe-off surface so it is quick to clean. They provide learning exercises on the back for quick reference and drills. Measuring the 12 x 17 1/ inch, I am sure you will like the placemat idea of simply laying down the entire chart on the table. That way, children will be able to quickly see and read it.
Also, this Learning Fractions Placemat has a thick cover to ensure that it lasts in the classroom use setting. To make sure the placemats will last, they are designed stiff yet bendable. The printing is clear and readable. The colors are vibrant. Everything is well-laid down consistently clear. When it gets wet and dirty, simply wipe with a clean damp cloth.
You will agree that size, durability, and waterproof-ness make it user-friendly. Now that you have an informative fraction tool that makes teaching a fun way for children, be prepared for common core, smarter balance, and teach fractions using this math tool.
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15) Learning Resources Plastic Pattern Blocks, Homeschool, Shape Recognition, Early Math Skills, Set of 250, Ages 4+
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This bucket of Patten Blocks is another motivational tool to get young students to learn geometry and pattern design.
As their name implies, the pattern blocks or tiles are used to build, identify, and extend patterns. Students use pieces of patterned tiles to explore forms, shapes, angles, fractions, symmetry, and measurements. You can use large pattern cards to go with this set.
This set of pattern blocks features 6 different shapes and colors. It contains the shapes of square, triangle, hexagon, trapezoid, parallelogram, and rhombus. Let the beautiful vivid colors stimulate brains and make the learning time fun and exciting. The pattern blocks also come inside a storage container so cleaning up after the class is easy.
You will be confident that the pieces are made of plastic. So they are not only durable but the tiles will easily stay in place. They are easy to hold and maneuver for little hands, too. Plus, the patterns are tough and are not easy to tear up. The children will certainly love to lay the tiles on top and match them like a puzzle. They also encourage creating various patterns and pictures. Overall, this math tool will develop creativity in your class.
Another perk of this math tool is that you can clean the patterned blocks with water. Some teachers laminate the cards to ensure longevity and cleanability. If you believe in Pattern Blocks, you cannot praise this product enough. Coming in 250 lovely patterned blocks in six shapes and six colors, with a Teaching Guide and storage bucket included, this is one of my top picks in this list.
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16) Math Art and Drawing Games for Kids: 40+ Fun Art Projects to Build Amazing Math Skills
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Create fine art-inspired projects using math. Try making pixel art using grids, dots, or graphing paper!
It is time that you try something unique. Why not explore symmetry with mandala drawings, the art of stained glass windows, and more? This book is geared towards elementary students ages 8 to 12. It will make you smile to see how much fun they will have.
You will love to get a lot of good information about different artists and their work. The mix of creativity, math, art, and artist information will motivate some interest in math regardless of the children’s age. In fact, the ideas are recommended both for elementary and middle school kids.
What you will love in this book is the diversity of the projects and the challenging course. This book is appealing to all ages, most of the art projects are fairly simple for kids – they would only need a little help. With easy-to-understand directions and great pictures to mimic – you will not regret getting this tool for your classroom.
The most important thing you want to understand from this book is that math really and truly can be enjoyable. So get ready to have fun and create some math art and drawing games for kids. The projects may come a bit messy with all the cutting and creations, but it sure is a ton of fun for the entire class.
Every project in the book has a materials list. But don’t worry as the majority of the things you need are probably already in your house. Do you have plenty of paper, colored pencils, markers, yarns, or straws? What about pipe cleaners or suction cups?
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17) CHILHOLYD Preschool Learning Educational Counting Game Numbers and Symbols Math Skills
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Carefully designed for learning and retention, this counting game numbers and symbols aid in developing stages of math skills and proficiency. Ideal for early childhood classrooms and home school.
The Preschool Educational Counting Game is a math tool kit that includes numbers (0-9) and five math symbols +, -, ×, ÷, =. This will give you enough numbers and symbols for working multiple problems at once.
Allow this tool to help you develop the coordination ability to grow children by improving their intelligence and exercising their brain’s ability. Designed to add up skills quickly, the set includes 12 magnetic pieces in 6 entertaining colors, plus math operations signs for building and solving equation drills.
You and your class will love the rainbow colors, magnet feature, lightweight, and portability that make it ideal and fun for children. The numbers can be clearly seen. Also perfectly sized to fit small hands, the cylinders are specially intended to fit children’s hands for easy grasp, control, and snap movements. This basic mathematics tool encourages them to learn with fun as they develop fine motor skills.
Among the features you will love is that this toy tool has ferromagnetic components or safe magnets for a strong full magnetic backing that holds properly. You can be sure that the magnets can withstand years of children’s use in your busy classroom. These math toys are great to practice counting with 3-year-old children and above.
These arithmetic learning toy tools are non-toxic and safe for children’s use. Not only that, but they are also made up of first-class quality materials.
Note: Since these items cater to young learners, it is highly recommended that children under 4-year old should be used with close supervision by teachers or under the care of parents.
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18) Lakeshore Multiplication Machine
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The only way to master multiplication facts is through memorization. However, repetition can be daunting for children. Now you can practice the children’s multiplication tables anywhere – inside and outside the classroom. Here is a handy math keyboard machine that puts fun math practice right at kids’ fingertips.
The Multiplication Machine will help answer the multiplication problems in the workbook. Once the children get familiar and used to each number, it will slowly come to a point where they will not need the machine anymore.
You will find it convenient to use. Children just need to press the equation buttons of the practice machine and the answer automatically will pop up for instant support. This simple and practical methodology to the multiplication table helps reinforce essential skills through constant practice. The more practice the more the child will learn to memorize the multiplication table.
This multiplying tool is a self-directing machine that is totally self-checking. Great for independent and skill-building drills. Great for teaching and reinforcing multiplication with numbers 1-9 where the first equation number starts with 1×1 and ends with 9×9.
Measuring 8 1/2″ x 9 1/2″, the multiplication practice machine is made of sturdy plastic. Eighty-one buttons are sheltered in place and only pop up when pressed. The buttons and numbers are also designed large enough for a child’s fingers.
Children enjoy exploring their ideas and they will love just pushing the buttons. So even if they don’t memorize it right away, it creates a concrete and sound response with the skill they are interested in learning.
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Conclusion
The most effective math tools for learning are those that encourage interaction. My list of classroom supplies for math teachers is designed to inspire both engagement and connection with children. The tools are closely associated with objects and reasoning they see on a daily basis.
Many children are pressured when it comes to math. It pays when you teach math not according to the speed of the fast learners but in favor of those who need more time and attention. Your concern will help children cope up with fear.
On the other hand, it is important to remember that even though classroom supplies for math are tangible objects, understanding how these tools represent concepts requires intangible thinking, or the ability to think about things that are not seen.
Math tools or manipulatives still remain a physical representation of the math concept and not the concept itself. So it still requires explaining, justifying, analyzing, and generalizing to understand the procedures in detail.
I hope this collection of classroom supplies for math will help make all your teaching easy and fun. If you have questions, ideas, or math tools you think I have missed in this list, please don’t hesitate to comment below.
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FAQs
1) How do math supplies help my students?
Children believe in what they see. When learning to add and subtract, they automatically use their fingers to represent abstract numbers. This proves how they associate numbers with physical things that can be seen, held and moved. Knowing that this is constant in every child, math tools help adjust to their language accordingly.
2) In what way do math supplies improve my teaching skills?
Math is easy to teach when children understand how counting is related to the things they do every day. You already have everything you need that connects to mathematics – the books, pencils, juices, trees, cars, the clock, and the number of people in and outside of the classroom — are things that have numbers.
Caddying elementary children using physical objects to count, add, subtract, and multiply means you are already supporting them in this learning. When you engage with them it encourages peer interaction and help you discover where they needed help with problems in their comprehension. When you enjoy the process, it increases your ability to teach well.
3) Should Students Be Allowed to Use Calculators in Elementary School?
The calculator in itself is just a tool. In general, calculators are a part of today’s calculation approach. There is importance in incorporating the tool into the learning of math even at a young age. It is also evident that calculators can help pupils become better at problem-solving and can improve their attitude towards math.
Elementary math teachers know how to teach and restrict calculator use in the lower grades. The idea of introducing a calculator is to enhance a child’s ability to comprehend a problem using their natural calculation skills and how it connects when using a digital tool.
Calculators in the elementary grades aid in advancing the child’s understanding of the higher-order thinking for problem-solving in today’s technology-based society.
4) Calculators are digital. How can we explain to kids the connection of a digital tool in their learning?
Once elementary children have mastered basic math or arithmetic, they have the right to be introduced to a calculator. A digital tool inside a grader’s classroom does not necessarily mean replacing the basic calculation methods that children should learn. It is obvious that children already know their basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts, even with large numbers with pencil and paper.
The calculator is among today’s tools that had created a strong impact on the world. It makes computations quicker and more exact. In the classroom, calculators have helped many students the ability to put complex procedures into practice more easily.
Calculators figure distance. It can determine how much gas is needed on a road trip. If you buy a long list of grocery items, calculators can give you the exact amount to pay. Even when taking out food, calculators can figure that out as well. When children are educated about calculators, they will understand how it works for them in real life.
You can read research findings on the positive and negative effects of calculator use in the elementary classroom here.
5) What is the most popularly-used math tool or manipulative?
Snap Cubes are one of the most widely-used math manipulatives. These tools exhibit several numbers of concepts like counting, adding, grouping, and taking away. Children enjoy breaking or snapping the cubes and enjoin them to from number “trains.
Snap cubes also are a multipurpose collection of small interlocking cubes that come in different colors. The cubes can connect on all sides, can be arranged in a single layer, can be formed to naturally fit into a square grid, or can be used to make any other shape the children can think of.
6) Some people say math tools promote learning, whereas others find that they hinder it?
The general use of math tools is to support elementary (or high school) students in understanding math methods by demonstrating how a certain problem arrives at a certain solution, using physical objects. Because math tools or manipulatives open up, connect, and integrate ideas, it promotes a more detailed course of making exact calculations. In short, they help sharpen a child’s mathematical thinking skills.
The thing that others consider math tools as a hindrance to learning is in the context that one cannot actually see the numbers on the physical objects which can lead the child to miss the real concept. Some even consider using extra tools as forcing the children to think abstractly.
7) What do you consider the best math tools you have on your list?
Other than the Multiplication Cards (our no.1 choice) you will like the Pattern Blocks. This tool helps develop dimensional reasoning. The blocks typically consist of 4 shapes that teach children familiarity with the composition and decomposition of shapes. Recognizing patterns, as we know, is the most important standard of mathematical training.
Write & Wipe Fact Boards also make a great tool. Each board has a reversible design that focuses on both addition and subtraction on the front side and multiplication and division on the reverse side. So you can write and wipe surfaces on both sides of the board.
An Abacus is an old-fashioned tool that teaches basic counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and even fractions. The abacus lets children keep track of digits which allows them to perform difficult calculations.
8) Are math drills effective?
Certainly. It will help your class a lot if you do. This is where you needed math supplies for – to provide a bridge between the concrete and abstract levels of different mathematical concepts. They provide a representation in your drills. When students use tools in learning math, these representations can establish, record, and communicate their mathematical ideas that they begin to feel confident about the subject.
You want to engage the children to participate in the drills? Math tools will help them understand numbers in detail and encourage the entire class to be more participative.
9) Why should I buy the math tools you are recommending?
I reviewed each of the classroom supplies on this list to provide the features of how each tool works. Aside from giving fun to your math classes, children of all ages will enjoy using these actual tools to make sense of the problems that are given to them. I also picked products that are of quality but friendly to your pocket. They also are from trusted manufacturers who cater to school children’s needs.
10) How can we make mathematics more interesting?
Children are concrete thinkers and teachers have their unique teaching strategies.
- Work together with your class to develop an air of mathematics.
- Incorporate problem-solving drills every day to make number solutions a part of their day.
- Explore every math supplies or manipulatives to add fun and excitement.
- Encourage individualized learning through games and fun activites.
- Put a positive spin on math and help students to be confident.
Do you think I missed something on the list? Share them in the comments below.
