Manipulatives- Making your own

Kids love using manipulatives in class. In kindergarten we use them primarily in math, reading, and science. The kids calls these "learning toys" and they have a great time exploring and creating new things. Lots of these manipulatives are the expected ones: pattern blocks, linking cubes, teddy bear counters, letter unifix cubes, magnetic letters, etc. The possibilities are endless though...if you can just be creative.

I want to offer my students the best learning tools I can. Sometimes though, my pocket book just doesn't always agree. So, how can you get more manipulatives without breaking the bank? Find free stuff or make your own.

Here are some free or inexpensive items you can buy or make to use as manipulatives
-Recycle water bottle caps-you can write letters or numbers on them. Use for a variety of activities.
-Collect shells the next time you go to the beach. The kids can use them for counting, sorting, making patterns
-Dye pasta. I'm sure you could do the same with white rice too. The students can sort the pasta in various ways. We also use them during math to copy, extend and created patterns. Our favorite activity is creating our own pattern necklaces. See pictures of what you need to dye the pasta.








-Buy mini erasers from Oriental Trading or Smile Makers
-Use different shaped snacks and cereals. An excuse to play and learn with food.
-Cut the colorful foam sheets into inch squares. Write a letter on each one. Instant soft letter tiles for word building.
-Collect leaves. Put in a science center with some mini magnifying glasses.
-Spread some shaving cream on a desk and practice writing. Makes everything smell great too!
-Buy plain sponges from the Dollar tree. Cut into shapes.
-Collect buttons. Search your button box, grab the extra buttons you get with some blouses.