Has your child always loved math but is finding it challenging?
In this new digital age, virtual manipulatives for math are being overlooked. Virtual manipulatives for math are concepts that are used to solve math problems. They are similar to the ones taught for ages in the classrooms. It helps students to understand the concepts and skills better. Through hands-on learning experiences, the students can tackle complex concepts. It is important for developing a logical understanding of math in students.
The math manipulatives online provide innumerable benefits. These apps can be downloaded and used. They are available for all ages and grades. Most of the tools are available free of cost. These apps are fun and easy to use. Some websites encourage practice through games and activities. The students can use them at home or school.
Children learn about number functions and how they relate to one another. Also, the child will be excited to learn, increasing their enthusiasm. It helps make the abstract real. By incorporating fun math manipulatives, they will discover how interesting math is. These virtual tools enable students to see, understand and learn math better. Moreover, they make learning more focused.
Thus, teachers can incorporate virtual manipulatives for math to create engaging and interactive sessions. First, however, it is important to know what tools work best for a particular student. As a class teacher, it might be hard to figure out the best ones for the child.
Here we have a comprehensive list of math manipulatives. Starting from Elementary, Middle school to High school. Teachers can either print the printable versions or download them.
Let us explore them.
List of virtual math manipulatives for students:
Virtual math manipulatives for kindergarten
Do you recall how you learned math when starting young?
My earliest recollections of learning math seem hazy. Although, I remember using coins, legos, and blocks to play. Math manipulative is great for at-home learning for kids. It is an essential part of our children’s education today. Virtual math tools increase their brainpower. It helps kids make sense of math ideas and skills. Today, kids lose interest quickly sitting for long hours behind a computer. Fortunately, there are some best virtual math manipulatives to assist kids. Let us explore some below:
Didax: (https://www.didax.com/)
Didax provides dozens of free virtual manipulative tools for kids. It is trusted by millions and is used for teaching counting and operations. Some are for K-2 children, while others are for older students, but they are all well-made and simple to use. You can start by looking at their website if you are having difficulty.
1)Unifix cubes:
Unifix cubes were developed as an alternative to poppet beads. Using three-dimensional objects, construct objects and shapes. Unifix cubes come in ten different colors. They are useful for generating patterns or solving problems.
How to use:
You can either build a cube stack or bring all the cubes together if you wish to model six; stack six cubes. You can stack different colors and as many cubes as you want. Turn the cube in any direction you like. You can erase it by using the eraser tool. To reset everything, you can click the Reset button.
2)Number lines:
The number lines tool from Didax offers students to choose numbers. Numbers are starting from -20 to 120. You can use positive and negative numbers.
How to use:
Click on a number to choose the starting and ending point. You can use positive and negative numbers. Model additional problem, subtraction, and multiplication problems.
3)Base-ten blocks:
Base ten blocks help kids with place value concepts. It helps them with multiplication, addition/subtraction. The kids get a better understanding of numbers with the blocks. It helps them to visualize the numbers before giving out the right answer.
How to use:
Move the blocks onto the screen. You can move one or more blocks together. Place the blocks in the respective boxes of tens, hundreds, and thousands.
Toy Theatre: (https://toytheater.com/)
The website Toy Theatre provides free online resources for young kids. It has a variety of digital manipulatives. It is used by teachers and students worldwide. A wide array of games and tools can be accessed on any device.
1)Rekenrek:
Rekenrek tool means “calculation rack” in Dutch. There are 20 beads and 100 bead rekenrek. This helps children develop a better sense of numbers. They can also learn how to count.
How to use:
Place the beads on the left side of the screen. You can move one or more simultaneously to add or subtract numbers.
2)Spinner:
Teachers and students use spinners for random class activities. It is a great tool for teaching probability. You can use them for playing games or other class activities too.
How to use:
Select the number of sections you want for the spinner. Choose the number display and color display if you wish. Then spin the tool, and you are good to go.
3)Ten-frames:
This free interactive tool introduces kids to practice counting numbers. The kids can keep track of counting numbers up to 10. They can learn numbers up to 10. They can learn place value and understand number relationships better.
How to use:
Drag the frames onto the screen. You can show one or more frames at the same time. Use the frames horizontally or vertically. Then drag the red and the yellow counters in the frame to count. The counters can be inside the frame or outside.
4)Tangram:
Tangram helps kids to build several pictures using the shapes. There are seven shapes. The kids explore the relationship between different shapes and colors. It also helps them to practice spatial rotation.
How to use:
Move the shapes over the picture to complete different shapes. You can rotate them, move them to complete ten different pictures given.
Room Recess: (https://www.roomrecess.com/)
1)Dice:
Dice tools help students with math activities and probability. It encourages kids to build on numbers formation. It can be used both outside and inside the classroom.
How to use:
Pick from 8 dice and press the roll button to start.
Virtual math manipulatives for preschool
Does Preschool pay much attention to math aside from rote learning?
Teaching or learning math for preschoolers is extremely important. The crux of any learning is reading, writing, and math. As parents, maths can be terrifying to teach for preschoolers. It has now become easy with the manipulative math tools for preschoolers. However, the young kids take time to understand the math concepts. We should know what preschoolers need to know and how to teach them the best. For that, we should devote a good number of teaching hours to them. Let us begin with some online math manipulative for preschoolers.
abcya.com: (https://www.abcya.com/)
1)Connect the dots:
Kids learn the alphabetical order of numbers while connecting the dots. Moreover, the dots reveal the picture of the alphabet. Kids understand the upper and lower case letters. The results are shown after three consecutive incorrect attempts. It is calculated as a percentage and shown after each puzzle.
How to use:
Connect the dots as you go to reveal the picture.
2)Number Bingo:
Are you looking for an entertaining way to learn numbers? ABCya’s Number Bingo is a fun game to play. This game teaches children about numbers up to 100. They have different grids to choose from. Do you think you’ll be able to collect all 20 Bingo Bugs?
How to use:
Look up your number range on the Bingo board and get started.
duckduckmoose: (https://www.duckduckmoose.com/)
1)Park Math:
Park math has 7 fun educational activities to keep the kids hooked. Park math teaches preschoolers and kindergarteners how to do basic math. Join us while we learn counting, adding, subtracting, sorting, and much more
How to use:
Learn swing from numbers, addition from slides, greater than and lesser than signs. Also, learn subtraction from the apple tree, sandbox for patterns, bench for sorting and picnic for counting things.
lolapanda:(https://lolapanda.com/)
1) Lola’s math train:
Lola’s Math Train is a game for kids aged 3–7 years old. It enables kids to learn important math concepts like adding, subtracting, and solving puzzles. It is a fun way for kids to learn.
How to use:
Join Lola on her quest to get all of her friends to a party. It is full of brilliant colors, interactive characters, and innovative problem-solving.
Toy Theater: (https://toytheater.com/)
1)Feed Freddy matching game:
Feed Freddy is a free online math manipulative for preschoolers and Kindergarten. It is an apt game for early learners. It helps kids learn numbers, shapes, patterns, and counting.
How to use:
Feed Freddy cookies and watch him grow big.
Virtual math manipulatives for elementary
But how do students use it to make math worthwhile for Elementary?
There are multiple math tools available for elementary kids today. These include tools for Kindergarten through college. Although they have been around for a while, more and more teachers are interested in using them today. With a shift to virtual learning, there seem to be grade-level tools for all ages. Let us figure out what suits your child and their needs.
Grades k-2:
abcya.com: (https://www.abcya.com/)
Abcya is a website that offers educational games that are fun to use. They have over 300 games that teachers and parents have created. Grades and topics segregate them. These games are for students from grade 1 to grade 6.
1)Counting Fish:
This cool math tool for kids is great for preschoolers. This game reinforces the child to understand the number value better. It teaches them the greater value and lesser value of the number.
How to use:
The children count the number of fish they see swimming. They can then click on the exact number below. It has three difficulty levels to cross.
2)Balloon pop subtraction:
With this elementary activity, you’ll learn how to subtract using balloons. This is a lot of fun for kids who have just started learning subtraction. They are given balloons to pop using the problems.
How to use:
Count the number of balloons displayed. Click on the balloons to pop them and remove them. Finally, count the number of balloons left and select the correct cloud.
3)Interactive number chart:
This interactive number chart is a fun way to learn multiplication tables. It helps students learn about the numbers that exist between 1-100. The students can color the interactive number chart to create patterns in numbers. They can even use them for counting exercises. Children can even print their charts for further use.
How to use:
The children will be asked to place numbers on the correct spots within the chart to use the game.
Math Learning Center: (https://www.mathlearningcenter.org/)
The Math Learning Center is an organization that offers math tools and resources for students. It helps students to develop their understanding of math through abstract concepts.
1)Number frames:
Number frames are an amazing tool for creating numbers. It helps them use the frames for counting, subitizing, addition, and subtraction. Students can use premade 5,10,20, and 100 frames to organize numbers. These frames help them with efficient counting and computing. They can even custom-size them to use it. New frames can be built to learn fractions, products, and many more as they progress.
How to use:
The children use the frames to do addition or subtraction. Place the frames on the screen by dragging them there. One or more frames can be displayed at the same time. You can use the frames in a horizontal or vertical position. Then count by dragging the red and blue counters inside the frame.
2)Geoboard app:
The Geoboard app helps students easily practice geometry. They can design figures and create shapes. It is an excellent way for kids to remember what they have learned in class.
How to use:
The students can use the numbered grids, drawing tools, and flip and rotate.
Nctm.org: (National council of teachers of mathematics. (https://www.nctm.org/)
The NCTM website provides great opportunities for students to learn maths. It provides high-quality teaching that promotes students’ learning. It ensures every student learns successfully. It is the world’s largest organization that supports math learning.
1)Pattern block shapes:
This math tool allows students to move, rotate and connect using patterns and shapes. This makes it look like real blocks. A variety of shapes are contained in these blocks, including blue, yellow, beige, red, and green. They start to understand the shapes and patterns. Thereby helping them develop critical thinking.
How to use:
By connecting blocks, students can make larger patterns.
Visnos.com:(https://www.visnos.com/)
Visnos offers digital classroom activities to software tools. These tools are fun to use and make learning easy. They are free to use.
1)Interactive clock:
Teach your child to tell time with this interactive clock. They learn about hours and minutes by moving their hands on the analog clock. For early learners, we have included a digital clock. They can hide or show digital time under the analog clock.
How to use:
Kids can move either the hands-on or interactive clock to showtime.
Grade 3-5:
Mathplayground.com:(https://www.mathplayground.com/)
Math Playground has a wide range of math resources. Starting from problem-solving to real-world math problems. It brings great math content to students and teachers. It is free to use.
1)Factor trees:
Factor trees are about finding the prime factorization of numbers. This app is ideally suitable for 3, 4, and 5 graders.
How to use:
Write two numbers greater than one in the circle and multiply them together. It will end up in a prime number.
2)Math Monster division:
Dividing numbers is possible with the Math Monster app. The students can either divide by memory or other effective methods. Students should apply strategies when multiplying or dividing. These strategies can be divided using numbers up to 100. It is ideal for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-grade students.
3)Function Machine:
The fun Machine helps in accessing a mathematical operation on the input value. There are three levels. When the input value is entered, it produces an output value. Either you enter the number, or the computer generates it. The machine will accept five pairs of values. You are required to guess the value after the 2nd pair is presented. You can check the answer using the number pad.
phET.colorado.edu-(Physics education technology):
They offer a good collection of math and science resources for students. These resources can be downloaded or used on the run online. They are interactive and free-to-use tools.
1)Fraction matcher:
Find fractions with the help of numbers and shapes. The students learn to match numbers and shapes to get stars. There are many levels and challenges to improving your fraction. You can challenge yourself to any level you want. Collect as many stars as you can. It is great for finding mixed numbers, fractions, and equivalent fractions.
Desmos:(https://www.desmos.com/)
1)Fraction, Decimal, and Percent grid:
Students can use this tool to convert to fractions, decimals, and percents. It uses either a square or a circle divided into equal parts. The tool has a 100 square grid. Students can create a grid of different colours. Because there are 100 squares in the basic setup, it’s perfect for showing percentages. This may be changed by using the division’s selection. You can switch from a square to a circle by clicking the shape toggle control.
Amathdictionaryforkids:(http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/)
Math Dictionary is an online math dictionary designed for young kids. They help students with over 955 popular math terms and math words. The usage of math words is done with simple language. Visuals are also used extensively to keep students engaged. They explain square root, area, numbers, measurements, probability, and many more.
Math is Visuals:(https://mathisvisual.com/)
Math Visuals is a website for Elementary students to learn to uncover patterns. They use short animations to present difficult math concepts. People who use the website post ideas, animations, and visuals. It is a great place to share your visuals with others. You can create your visuals, take printouts and even share links.
Virtual math manipulatives for middle school
Middle school can be a crucial time for students. A time when their brains go from concrete, tangible math concepts to abstract ones. Finding good tools to motivate your child is important. These high-quality math websites help in engaging students. They also help teachers to track the progress and address individual needs. Selecting the right apps for middle school students can be difficult.
Below, we have compiled a list for your child to help them in their Middle school.
Learnzillion:(https://learnzillion.com/p/)
Learnzillion is an education software company that empowers students to learn. Learn zillion is for those thousands of students who constantly need help with maths. They have a high-quality curriculum. They also empower teachers to spend less time creating resources. And spend more time brainstorming how to meet their needs best.
1)Linear relationships:
Students learn about slopes and deepen their understanding of slopes. They recognize the connection between the rate of change, slope, and constant of proportionality. They also learn about linear and proportional relationships. This helps them to develop an understanding of slopes. They use tables, equations, and graphs to describe linear connections. This includes lines with negative slopes or vertical intercepts and horizontal and vertical lines.
Nctm.org-(National council of teachers of mathematics)
1)Algebra tiles:
Algebra tiles help students have a clear understanding of Algebra and its concepts. Students use variables and change the numbers into algebraic expressions. The students will learn about variables and constants. Students learn to subtract, add and learn about integers and squares. The answer through decimals, percentages, and fractions, which are in their simplest forms.
Commonsense.org:(https://www.commonsense.org/education/)
1)Canfigureit Geometry:
Canfigureit Geometry is a tool for students for using different types of geometric proofs. Starting from simple line proofs to more complicated proofs. It helps them with lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles. This tool solves specific sums. It encourages students to find answers quickly and through their understanding. Yet, it reinforces the understanding to solve a problem in different ways.
phET.colorado.edu-(Physics education technology):
1)Area builder:
Area builder covers the area, perimeter, fractional areas, and factors. You can find the area of shapes by counting square units. Students will find the relation between area and perimeter using shapes. The students will find the area of an irregular shape using regular shapes. The irregular shapes are triangle, square, and rectangle.
Visual Patterns:(https://www.visualpatterns.org/)
Visual patterns help middle school students to engage in deep mathematical study. The several boxes in a grid help them identify and solve the equation. The students learn to match the pattern at the starting of a pattern. The students can solve problems in a natural and visual form.
Fraction talks:(http://fractiontalks.com/)
Fraction talks is a website displaying images of shapes. There are triangles within triangles which fosters math discussions. The students notice different shapes and help them to comprehend fractions. It is useful for seventh and eighth-grade students to visualize adding and multiplying fractions. You can download a pdf that helps keep track of students’ fraction talk reasoning.
Mathisfun:(https://www.mathsisfun.com/)
Math is fun, has online tools, games, and activities for middle school students. Students can have access to unlimited resources and materials. They include geometry, algebra, numbers, and measurement. They can solve a range of equations. It has topics covering middle school like introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. Some questions vary in difficulty in ‘Rates and unit pricing.’ The students can register to watch offline videos too.
Mathchase:(https://www.mathschase.com/)
Mathchase is a website where kids learn about math in a fun way. The variety of math skills enhances student learning. Math Chase has games to make learning more engaging. The students learn by making mistakes and increase gradually as they progress. The middle school students learn about timetables, addition, subtraction, and more.
AAA Math:(https://www.aaamath.com/)
AAA Math is a free website that has hundreds of online math resources. These resources are for students from Kindergarten up to grade 8. There is no cost or registration required for students to enrol or pay. Students can easily practise their math questions. This site gives immediate feedback to students to help them know their mistakes.
Open Middle:(https://www.openmiddle.com/)
Open Middle is a website that helps students uniquely solve problems. It solves half the equation and leaves half of an equation blank. This way, the students learn and pick up concepts faster. The problems require creativity, a higher depth of knowledge, and inquiry thinking.
Virtual math manipulatives for high school
High school students face difficulties because of the pressure to perform well. They have to prepare for college and a career. They need to monitor their work and be assisted by teachers constantly. They work through test preparation, advanced mathematical concepts, and real-world problems.
These websites and tools provide the right personalization needed for learning. They are also convenient for the teacher to track the high school students. These tools help them to learn beyond high school. They also assist teachers in helping with student collaboration. Today, many websites assist in math learning for high school students. Let us explore some below:
MathTV:(https://mathtv.com/)
Matthew is a website that offers thousands of free math videos to students. The videos are backed up by 34 great teachers who assist students. They help them to solve problems using different methods. They cover topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Geometry. You can download the application on your devices too.
YummyMath:(https://www.yummymath.com/)
Yummy math is an online free website for teachers to incorporate math in real life. It has a simple blog-like feel to it. It has Algebra, numbers, functions, statistics, and probability for high school students. Students will become more engaged when math becomes more interesting to them. This will help them to use reasoning, critical thinking, and questioning.
Cymath:(https://www.cymath.com/)
Cymath is a user-friendly problem-solver on the web. Millions of students worldwide use the application every day. The students type in a problem, and it shows the step-by-step solution. It ranks #1 on google for math solver searches. It is also one of the most popular downloadable apps in google play and the app store.
Teachertube:(https://www.teachertube.com/)
Teachertube is a website for sharing instructional videos. It shares core school subjects. They have educational videos for students, teachers, and home-learners. The teachers can also share videos for students to watch and learn. You can search for a particular subject or a topic. For example, when you search for high school algebra, you will find guides, lessons, and reviews.
MathWorld:(https://mathworld.wolfram.com/)
Wolfram MathWorld has over 13,000 resource entries. They have new entries uploaded every day. These resources are intended for high school students who require a study guide. The website has worked out problems. They have given examples and definitions to make it simple. The students can download the resources and store them for future use.
Wolfram Alpha:(https://www.wolframalpha.com/)
Wolfram Alpha math tool is very helpful for students in higher grades. It acts like a scientific calculator and helps solve sums step-by-step. It has amazing computational knowledge to assist students. The students can use this tool to learn more about math subjects and topics. Starting with arithmetic, algebra, calculus, and more. It will provide us with answers using images, graphs, or simply written text. Use this to get homework help and solve specific math problems.
Mathplanet:(https://www.mathplanet.com/)
Math Planet is a free online math learning resource. They offer some math courses for high school students. High school students learn about Pre-algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry. They have some practice tests to help students prepare for the SAT and ACT. The curriculum focuses on US high school math students. On the other hand, math is always required for everyone, and anyone can learn it. So, we welcome anyone to study math with us for free.
1)Integers and rational numbers:
This tool from Mathplanet is great for Integers and Rational numbers. When a real number is given, it can be either a rational or an irrational number. A rational number is an output ratio of two integers. Understanding Rational numbers in depth allows students with thorough math knowledge. It also helps them to relate the concepts to one another. The students get to solve problems in a fun way. It also broadens their math skills by adopting new skills.
Symbolab:(https://www.symbolab.com/)
Symbolab is a great education tool to help students learn math. It helps students to learn, practice, and find math topics. From middle school to college, this tool helps in a step-by-step solution. It helps them to learn about algebraic, trigonometric, and calculus topics. Students also learn about Equations, inequalities, integrals, derivatives, limits, and more. Symbolab tool makes it accessible to everyone to join and learn. Symbolab is a program that simplifies math.
Aplusclick:(https://aplusclick.org/)
Aplusclick helps students to solve math problems. It is free to use. It has no ads and no pop-ups. The website offers over 12,000 problems starting from grade 1 to grade 12. It has some easy and some simple to highly difficult questions to solve. The students focus on comprehension and problem solving rather than applying math principles. The problems can be solved without the help of a calculator. And it can be done in under a minute.
Shelley Gray Teaching:(https://shelleygrayteaching.com/)
Shelley Gray’s teaching is a website that focuses on multi-digit multiplication.It is a challenging concept to grasp. Students can learn different methods to do multiplication during the same problem. The website offers multiplication and division in learning in multiple ways. This ensures students succeed in some way.
Conclusion:
Academically, each child has their abilities and interests. However, they must have a strong mathematical foundation that will serve them well throughout their lives. These online math resources are useful to them from Kindergarten to high school. They might use them to learn new tools or refresh old ones. Students can learn at their own pace or at a quicker pace. These tools make math more enjoyable and help them learn it more effectively.
These math tools will also help your child develop a love for numbers. They will eventually build a strong number sense. As children grow up, learning can become tedious when the emphasis shifts from play to hard work. Nevertheless, in addition to having fun, your child will discover and learn various mathematical concepts. Regardless of how you choose to start, it is a must in a virtual learning world. Choose a tool, and you are good to go.
I hope that these tools prove a great starting point for you!
