Using Math Manipulatives and Representations

Abstract

The Educators in Focus series features more than 50 instructional videos made by Ontario educators for Ontario educators as a way to inform their professional development, discover new strategies and implement innovative pedagogical practices.

In this video, Ontario educator Milica Westbrook discusses the value of introducing and exposing students to a variety of mathematical tools and representations. She explains how base ten blocks, linking cubes, relational rods and other tools can support student engagement, abstract thinking and problem solving skills. Number lines are emphasized as underused tools which can effectively develop students’ mental flexibility, calculations and their understanding of number relationships.

The Educators in Focus series features more than 50 instructional videos made by Ontario educators for Ontario educators as a way to inform their professional development, discover new strategies and implement innovative pedagogical practices.