This is the second in a series of seven posts sharing reasons virtual manipulatives should be the cornerstone of interactive content in the classroom including specific practical examples. (The previous post can be viewed here: Part 1-Visualizing)
Virtual manipulatives help students to explore difficult concepts in depth. They help to make abstract concepts concepts more easily understandable with visual tools. A classic example is using base ten blocks to illustrate “regrouping” in a multi-digit addition or subtraction algorithm.
Below are three manipulatives that help students explore difficult concepts.
Hopping Number Line
Explore basic addition, subtraction or skip counting by hopping an animal along a number line.
Bounded Fraction Pointer
Practice comparing and ordering fractions, simplifying fractions, or finding equivalent fractions on a number line that adjusts instantly. Create fractions visually and then watch them plotted on the number line.
Multiplication Arrays
Explore multiplication by viewing arrays paired with the traditional algorithm and with the lattice method.