Math Tools In Action - Manipulatives

Powerful tools for mathematics instruction can make a good lesson great. Math Tools in Action, an exciting new video series, explores Anchor Charts, Journals, and Manipulatives, three of the most effective tools for helping students understand the Common Core Standards while encouraging them to become critical thinkers.

During the past two decades, Chris Confer and Marco Ramirez have worked to deepen and improve math instruction at schools around the country. Now you can watch as they teach and comment on a complete lesson using each of these essential math tools-tools that will help you deepen and improve your own math instruction.

Manipulatives make mathematics visible; they allow students to see math. Manipulatives also enrich mathematics discussions and make learning accessible and understandable for students at all levels. In this video, Chris and a third-grade class learn about comparative size by exploring the dimensions of a variety of insects, animals, and birds using tape measures, linking cubes, and number charts.