While some middle schoolers might tell you manipulatives are “babyish,” this couldn’t be farther from the truth. However, changing that perception can be challenging.
The reality is that manipulatives are valuable tools that can significantly enhance the learning experience for all students, especially visual learners. They also make math accessible and engaging for everyone.
Here are some ideas for how to add math manipulatives to your instruction to appeal to the middle school mindset.
Treat Young Mathematicians Like Scientists
Students don’t view scientific tools like test tubes, microscopes, and Bunsen burners as babyish—they see them as tools that help bring scientific concepts to life. Remind your middle schoolers that manipulatives like algebra tiles, fraction strips, and pattern blocks are valuable tools that help mathematical concepts unfold. Mathematics is much more than numbers on a page—it’s about seeing and believing, and manipulatives make abstract ideas tangible. If you want your students to understand the foundational thinking and not just memorize the procedures, you must make the math relatable and believable.
Tap into the Appeal of Hands-On Activities
Students who need support with fractions, ratios, and proportions can more easily grasp their practical applications with manipulatives by engaging multiple senses. Seeing equivalent fractions through fraction circles or understanding the balance of equations with algebra tiles can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. And because manipulatives are tactile, they can be especially beneficial for middle schoolers who may otherwise find math dry or intimidating. Engaging with physical objects keeps their minds active and supports their learning.
Create a Noisy Classroom
Middle schoolers love to talk. When we foster a classroom environment that encourages open discussion, manipulatives become invaluable. They help stimulate classroom discourse and collaboration, which pulls reluctant learners into the conversation. Having tools like pattern blocks or two-color counters available during Turn and Talk activities can support students in articulating their thoughts and exploring mathematical concepts together.
Embrace Technology
Don’t shy away from digital resources. Digital manipulative tools can be as effective as hands-on manipulatives, especially for tech-savvy students. Use online fraction models or interactive algebra tiles to support your teaching and engage students in a familiar medium.
Stamp Out Stress
Many students experience math anxiety, and manipulatives can help alleviate some of that stress with hands-on learning that allows students to refocus their energy. By making the learning process more interactive and less abstract, students may become more confident in their abilities.
Tips for Using Manipulatives Successfully
Set Expectations at the Start of the Year
Set expectations early. Establishing procedures and guidelines for manipulatives can prevent chaos and ensure a productive learning environment. Explain to your students that manipulatives are sophisticated tools intended to help them understand complex mathematical concepts. Just as scientists have their equipment, mathematicians have theirs. This sets a respectful tone and underscores the importance of these resources.
Promote Classroom Collaboration
Create a culture of collaboration in which students feel comfortable using manipulatives in group settings, eager to speak up, and safe to make mistakes. Encourage them to share their strategies and findings, making math a collective learning experience.
Building a Culture of Acceptance
To debunk the myth that manipulatives are only for younger students, you want to foster a classroom culture that values these tools. Some of your students may thrive with pen and paper, while others may need visual aids to understand and internalize complex concepts and become mathematical thinkers.
In the journey to making math fun and engaging, manipulatives can create a joy of learning and discovery and develop problem-solving skills that will serve your students for their entire lives.
Want to hear more from Naneka? Tune in to the Extraordinary Educators™ Podcast.
