DIY: Easy Math Manipulatives for Addition
Years ago, I needed to find a simple contraption that would turn into an addition machine. I was a special education resource teacher and all my teaching supplies had to fit on a cart or a rolling suitcase. I hit the hardware store. Apparently, I chose a P trap with a cleanout spout.
After we all examine the manipulatives and count how many there are in all, a student will write the sum on the lower container. Then, we are able to recite the whole addition sentence: 2+4-6.
I also linked up with The Preschool and Kindergarten Community. Be sure to check there for tons of great ideas!
Hi Laura, I love this idea, even for my first graders who are having difficulties with adding on their fingers still. I now have Home Depot on my "to do " list. I enjoy your blog so much and miss kindergarten bunches.
Deb at Fabulously First
Deb, You always make me smile! Thanks for your supportive presence 🙂 I am dangerous in Home Depot! There are just so many possibilities!!!
You are a genius! What a great way to teach addition.
Mrs. Brown Loves Bookworms
You made my day! Hope that it makes addition easier 🙂
Laura
I got so excited when I saw this on pinterest yesterday. I told my EA, we HAVE to make this! That looks like so much fun!
I think you will love it! I feel like the kids really think there is a little bit of magic in there 🙂 I love it and feel like I am really a kid at heart 🙂
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This looks great! I love the hands on aspect of this. I hope you don't mind, I shared it on my Facebook page with a link back to your blog post here.
I love finding new ideas to use in the classroom, will be following to see more 🙂
BTW I love the bright colours on your blog design!
Tania
Mrs Poultney's Ponderings
I love that you shared it! Thanks so much 🙂
I would love for you to share anything that you find helpful from my blog. That makes me so happy!!!
This is such a brilliant idea! I shared with a kindergarten teacher at my school.
Thanks so much! Thanks for sharing with me 🙂
Laura
This is such a clever idea! I know my students would be so excited to use this which probably means I need to visit Home Depot soon 🙂
Thanks, Diana! I hope your kids love it 🙂
thanks so much for this awesome idea. I have one student who is having a difficult time with addition , I think he will love this.
I'm so glad! I hope that it works for him. I love teaching with it, because kids seem to become SO engaged from a little piece of hardware 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! It really makes my day brighter!
Laura
What a great, hands-on way to teach addition! I love your simple, yet genius ideas!
Krista
Teaching Momster
This is genius. That is seriously one of the most creative ways to teach math! I love it! Who would have thought that the hardware store could be such a good source to so many fun and creative materials. Thanks for sharing!
Tim | Hardware Store Goer
Thanks so much for your feedback! It made my day 🙂
Laura
Thanks so much, Krista! Your comment made me smile 🙂
Laura