Recommended Manipulatives For Singapore Math

Singapore math follows the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract method. They start with teaching with hands-on, or manipulative objects, move on to drawing bar models and other visuals, and then finally to mathematical symbols and abstract learning. According to this method, for children to understand the abstract concepts of mathematics, they must first manipulate materials and understand those concepts in tangible terms. He called it the “concrete operational phases” of the learning process. Singapore math follows the natural and logical order of teaching, where every concept is taught gradually to develop a sound and strong understanding of mathematical concepts. 

Why Use Math Manipulatives?

Math manipulatives are a research-backed and practical way of helping children ease into complex mathematical and analytical concepts. They build a solid foundation that has helped students excel in mathematics. Using manipulatives at pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and elementary levels is a great way of developing strong mathematical skills from early childhood. 

What Can You Teach With Manipulatives?

Singapore math manipulatives can help teach the following mathematical concepts to children:

• Symmetry
• Mathematical operations
• Base-ten
• Problem-solving
• Geometric shapes
• Dimensions
• Patterns 
• Balancing
• Sorting
• Spatial memory
• Counting
• Place value
• Ratios
• Fractions
• Algebra
• Computation
• And more…

Singapore Math Recommended and Suggested Manipulatives.

If you would like to follow the manipulative recommended by your chosen curriculum, you can check the home instructor’s guide or the teacher’s guide on how to use and incorporate them into your lessons.

Below are the links for the recommended and suggested manipulatives for the following curriculums.

Recommended manipulatives for Dimensions Math.

Recommended manipulatives for Primary Mathematics (Common Core, US Edition, Standards Edition) 

Recommended manipulatives for Primary Mathematics 2022. 

Let us now look at the Singapore math manipulatives for children of different grade levels which have been adapted from the suggested manipulatives list from Dimensions Math.

Recommended Math Manipulatives for Kindergarten

1. Attribute Blocks
2. Balance Scales
3. Dice
4. 10-sided Dice
5. Dominos
6. Dot Cards
7. Dot Paper
8. Five Frames
9. Five Frame Cards
10. Geared Clock
11. Geoboard
12. Geometric Solids
13. Linking Cubes
14. Number Cards
15. Number Path
16. Tangram Set
17. Counters
18. Ten Frames
19. Ten Frame Cards
20. Whiteboard
21. Hundreds Chart
22. Number Bond Template
23. Play Money
24. Ruler
25. Yard Stick
26. Two Colored Counters

Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 1

1. 10-sided Dice
2. Attribute Blocks
3. Counters
4. Dice
5. Dominos
6. Dot Paper
7. Ten Frames
8. Geared Clock
9. Graph Paper
10. Hundreds Chart
11. Linking Cubes
12. Number Cards
13. Pattern Blocks
14. Place Value Chart
15. Place Value Strips
16. Play Money
17. Ruler
18. Spinner
19. Tangram Set
20. 2 Colored Counters
21. Whiteboard

Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 2

1. 10-sided dice
2. Balance Scale
3. Base 10 Blocks
4. Centimeter Cubes
5. Counters
6. Dice
7. Fraction Circles
8. Fraction Tiles
9. Geared Clock
10. Geoboard
11. Geometric Solids
12. Graph Paper
13. Hundreds Chart
14. Linking Cubes
15. Liquid Capacity Set (Beakers)
16. Measuring Tape
17. Meter Stick
18. Number Bond Template
19. Pattern Blocks
20. Place Value Disc
21. Place Value Strips
22. Play Money
23. Ruler
24. Tangram Set
25. 2 Colored Counters
26. Weight Set (Metric and Customary)
27. Whiteboard
28. Yard Stick

Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 3

1. 10-sided Dice
2. Base 10 Blocks
3. Compass
4. Dice
5. Fraction Tiles
6. Geared Clock
7. Geoboard
8. Graph Paper
9. Liquid Capacity Set (Beakers)
10. Measuring Tape
11. Meter Stick
12. Place Value Disc
13. Place Value Strips
14. Platform Scale
15. Play Money
16. Ruler
17. Set Squares
18. Spinner
19. Square Tiles
20. Tangram Set
21. Timer
22. Weight Set (Customary & Metric)
23. Whiteboard
24. Yardstick

Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 4

1. 10-sided Dice
2. Compass
3. Fraction Tiles
4. Graph Paper
5. Liquid Capacity Set (Beakers)
6. Meter Stick
7. Pattern Blocks
8. Place Value Decimal Strips
9. Place Value Disc
10. Place Value Strips
11. Platform Scale
12. Play Money
13. Protractor
14. Ruler
15. Set Squares
16. Square Tiles
17. Tangram Srt
18. Whiteboard
19. Yard Stick

Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 5

1. 10-sided Dice
2. Base 10 Blocks
3. Centimeter Cubes
4. Compass
5. Dice
6. Fraction Tiles
7. Geoboard
8. Graph Paper
9. Liquid Capacity Set (Beakers)
10. Liter Cube
11. Measuring Tape
12. Meter Stick
13. Pattern Blocks
14. Place Value Disc
15. Place Value Strips
16. Protractor
17. Ruler
18. Set Squares
19. Whiteboard

Do you have to get all the recommended math manipulatives in the curriculum?

You don’t have to. You can always substitute with items you have at home or use a manipulative that your child prefers. You can always use printable manipulatives or digital ones as well.

Learning Addition and Subtraction with Base Ten Blocks

When learning to count, add and subtract, you can use a variety of manipulatives such as counters and items from home (e.g. gummies, cereal) or an abacus.

Counting With An Abacus

Where to buy manipulatives for Singapore Math?

Some places where you can get them easily would be Amazon, Rainbow Resources, Christian Book Distributors, or Oriental Trading.