Best Math Manipulatives for Middle Schoolers

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We know that math can be challenging for many middle schoolers. This is at least in part a result of the limited nature of textbooks; no matter how good the textbook, it can be hard to represent some math concepts in a 2-dimensional, text-focused way. Good manipulatives can make all the difference, however! Manipulatives allow for hands-on, 3-dimensional, sensory experiences with math concepts. Visual, tactile, and hands-on learners who struggle with understanding math through textbooks will really thrive when using the right manipulatives. Many of these manipulatives can also be useful in teaching
younger kids as well as high schoolers.

Here are our picks for the best math manipulatives for middle school:


At the end of this article, we’ve also listed some our favorite math books and games that can be great supplements to your middle school student’s homeschool math instruction. Also, see our article Best Homeschool Math Curriculum for Middle School for our top picks for math curriculums.

Best Manipulatives for Fractions

Learning Resources Double-Sided Magnetic Demonstration Rainbow Fraction Circles (Also consider: EAI Education Fraction Model Multipliers Activity Set)

Because of their very nature, fractions are difficult to teach without the use of
manipulatives. Luckily, there are many great fraction manipulatives to choose from. While some students have mastered fractions before they begin middle school, there are many who are still working to understand this important concept. If your student is one of them, consider investing in a set of Learning Resources Double-Sided Magnetic Demonstration Rainbow Fraction Circles. Perfect for whiteboard instruction, these fraction circles can also be used by students on their own to visualize fractions as they work through a problem. We love that these are double-sided, with the fraction printed on one side and the corresponding percentage listed on the other; this is great for helping students quickly grasp the relationship between fractions and percentages. The color-
coded pieces also help students quickly identify the different fraction values when using these in their math studies.

If your middle schooler has already mastered the basic concept of fractions but needs help with multiplying fractions, consider investing in the EAI Education Fraction Model Multipliers Activity Set. These dry-erase cards with transparent overlays allow students to model different fraction multiplication problems and easily visualize the answers.

Best Manipulatives for Geometry

Learning Resources Folding Geometric Shapes
(Also consider: Learning Advantage X-Y Coordinate Pegboard)

Spatial geometric concepts are crucial for middle school students to grasp, but it can be very hard to do so with only the limited descriptions and images in textbooks. Because of their very nature, geometry concepts are best taught in a hands-on, 3-dimensional manner. Our favorite manipulative for this task is the Learning Resources Folding Geometric Shapes set. The set consists of 16 pieces – 8 transparent plastic shapes and 8 folding shapes that can be taken out of the transparent ones and unfolded. The shapes included are a cylinder, square pyramid, cube, rectangular prism, cone, hexagonal prism, triangular pyramid, and triangular prism. With these folding shapes, students will be able to more easily understand geometry concepts such as symmetry, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume.

If your student is a tactile and visual learner you may also want to consider purchasing the Learning Advantage X-Y Coordinate Pegboard. Although it is not as 3-dimensional as the folding geometric shapes, it is an excellent manipulative for teaching geometry concepts in a hands-on, sensory way. The X-Y pegboard comes with 25 red pegs, 25 blue pegs, and rubber bands of various sizes and colors. By stretching the rubber bands over the pegs, students are able to visualize coordinates, rotations, translations, symmetry, and other important concepts. This is a great supplement when teaching graphing, as well.

Best Manipulatives for Algebra

Learning Resources Magnetic Algebra Tiles
(Also consider: Learning Resources 4-Pan Algebra Balance)

We think Learning Resources makes some of the best math manipulatives out there, especially when it comes to teaching algebra. Designed for ages 11+, the Learning Resources Magnetic Algebra Tiles are a fantastic tool for visualizing algebraic principles. The set comes with 72 magnetic shapes in various sizes. These can be used on a whiteboard for demonstration or by students on their own as they work through a problem. We love that the shapes have a wipe-able surface for writing and can model algebraic concepts that students may have difficulty understanding through text alone.

Another great manipulative to consider when teaching algebra to your middle schooler is the Learning Resources 4-Pan Algebra Balance. Unlike other balances, this one is uniquely designed to help students solve problems involving both positive and negative integers. The balance includes a set of plastic weights.

Other Great Math Supplements

Conclusion

We know that middle school can be a tough time for math instruction, and we believe that this is often due to the limited ability of textbooks to teach 3-dimensional and tactile concepts. Manipulatives are thus a great supplement for homeschool families, regardless of the math curriculum they may be using. Many of these manipulatives teach concepts that are valuable to a range of age groups, including very young children, making these purchases especially valuable for families with children in different grade levels. Games and math activity books can also be a great way to review math concepts and add variety
to your homeschool math routine.