Using virtual manipulatives on your whiteboard

The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives is a project of Utah State University. They provide free access to virtual versions of common maths manipulatives like MABs, fraction bars, geoboards and pattern blocks (to name just a few). The resources are well organised into strand and grade level.

There is also an option to buy a desktop version for those teachers who struggle with reliable internet access at school.

I really enjoy using these sort of resources because it enriches the hands on materials we already have, rather than replacing them.

The teacher can demonstrate the manipulatives at the board on a large scale (much easier than juggling MABs on your lap!)

Then children can take it in turns to work at the board in small groups, while the rest of the class use the physical manipulatives to work on the same tasks. Children can also showcase their work or findings to the whole class by replicating it on the board.

The screenshot below shows the geoboard manipulative. Each manipulative also has a few suggested activities for teachers.

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