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
- Attribute Blocks
- Balance Scales
- Dice
- 10-sided Dice
- Dominos
- Dot Cards
- Dot Paper
- Five Frames
- Five Frame Cards
- Geared Clock
- Geoboard
- Geometric Solids
- Linking Cubes
- Number Cards
- Number Path
- Tangram Set
- Counters
- Ten Frames
- Ten Frame Cards
- Whiteboard
- Hundreds Chart
- Number Bond Template
- Play Money
- Ruler
- Yard Stick
- Two Colored Counters
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
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Kids First Math: Attribute Blocks Math Kit with Activity Cards | Develop Skills in Logical Thinking, Classifying, Comparing | Visual Hands-on Math for At-Home or Classroom Learning, Ages 3+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Learning Resources Primary Bucket Balance Teaching Scale - 1 Piece, Ages 3+ Math for Preschoolers, Classroom Balance Scale, Balance Scale for Kids, Science for Kids | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Melissa & Doug Play Money Set - Educational Toy With Paper Bills and Plastic Coins (50 of each denomination) and Wooden Cash Drawer for Storage | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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LEARNING ADVANTAGE 7340 10-Sided Dice - Set of 12 - Hands-On Math Manipulative - Teach Early Numeracy - Math Games for Kids | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Learning Resources Soft Foam Dice Dots, 2 Pieces, Multi | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Didax 211015 Subitizing Dry-Erase Activity Cards, Numbers 1 to 10, Set of 39,White | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Learning Resources Giant Magnetic Ten Frame Set, Classroom Math Set, Magnetic Whiteboard Set, Classroom Demonstration, Set of 4, Ages 5+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Wooden Geoboard,Mathematical Manipulative Material Array Block Geo Board with Pattern Cards and Rubber Bands to Create Figures and Shapes,Montessori Toy,Brain Teaser STEM Toy for Children Kids | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Learning Resources View-Thru Geometric Solids, Geometry Helper, 14 Pieces, Ages 8+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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edxeducation Linking Cubes - Set of 100 - Math Manipulatives for Construction and Early Math - For Preschoolers 3+ and Elementary Students | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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School Zone Numbers 1-100 Flash Cards | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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hand2mind Number Path Rekenrek, Number Lines for Students, Abacus for Kids Math, Math Manipulatives Kindergarten, Counting Rack for Kids, Counters for Kids Math, Kids Educational Toys (Set of 6) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Wooden Tangrams Puzzles, 28 Pieces Tangram Puzzle Book Set Toy Colorful Educational Gift | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Learning Resources Baby Bear Counters - 102 Pieces, Ages 3+ | Grades Pre-K+ Toddler Learning Toys, Counters for Kids, Math Games for Toddlers | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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U Brands Contempo Magnetic Dry Erase Board, 11 x 14 Inches, White Frame | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Numbers 1-100 Poster Chart - LAMINATED - Double Sided (18" x 24") | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Learning Resources Double-sided Number Bonds Write-and-Wipe Answer Boards, Classroom Accessories, Set of 5, Ages 5+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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LEARNING ADVANTAGE - Number Bond Dry Erase Boards - Set of 10 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Westcott Stainless Steel Office Ruler with Non Slip Cork Base, 12 inch (10415) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Westcott Wood 12" School Ruler Scaled in 1/16" (103810), Assorted Colors, Letter (10381) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Westcott Wooden Yardstick with Hang Hole and Brass Ends, Clear Lacquer Finish (10425) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
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Learning Resources Two-Color Counters Smart Pack | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Learning Resources Smart Pack 4" Clock , Yellow | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 1
- 10-sided Dice
- Attribute Blocks
- Counters
- Dice
- Dominos
- Dot Paper
- Ten Frames
- Geared Clock
- Graph Paper
- Hundreds Chart
- Linking Cubes
- Number Cards
- Pattern Blocks
- Place Value Chart
- Place Value Strips
- Play Money
- Ruler
- Spinner
- Tangram Set
- 2 Colored Counters
- Whiteboard
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chessex Dice Sets: Opaque White with Black - Ten Sided Die d10 Set (10) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Kids First Math: Attribute Blocks Math Kit with Activity Cards | Develop Skills in Logical Thinking, Classifying, Comparing | Visual Hands-on Math for At-Home or Classroom Learning, Ages 3+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Melissa & Doug Play Money Set - Educational Toy With Paper Bills and Plastic Coins (50 of each denomination) and Wooden Cash Drawer for Storage | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Baby Bear Counters - 102 Pieces, Ages 3+ | Grades Pre-K+ Toddler Learning Toys, Counters for Kids, Math Games for Toddlers | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Think Fun Math Dice Junior Game for Boys and Girls Age 6 and Up - Teachers Favorite and Toy of the Year Nominee | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Foam Dice: Dot Dice, Red and Blue 6-Sided Foam Dice, Early Math Skills, Set of 2, Grades PreK+, Ages 3+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Double Nine Dominoes Set in Storage Tin, for Families and Kids Ages 8 and up | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Junior Learning Ten Frames Rainbow Set,Multi,1.96 H x 5.91 L x 7.8 W,JL614 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Big Time Student Clock, Teaching & Demonstration Clock, Develops Time and Early Math Skills, Clock for Learning, 12 Hour, Ages 5+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Mr. Pen Graph Paper, Grid Paper, 4x4 (4 Squares per inch), 11"x8.5", 55 Sheet | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Numbers 1-100 Poster Chart - LAMINATED - Double Sided (18" x 24") | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Mathlink Cubes, Educational Counting Toy, Early Math Skills, Set of 100 Cubes | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Big Builders - Set of 200 Cubes, Ages 5+ Develops Early Math Skills, STEM Toys, Math Games for Kids, Math Cubes for Kids, Math Cubes Manipulatives | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
School Zone Numbers 1-100 Flash Cards | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
edxeducation Plastic Pattern Blocks - Set of 250 - Early Geometry Skills - Math Manipulative for Shape Recognition, Symmetry, Patterning and Fractions - Ages 4+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
edxeducation Student Place Value Flip Chart - Millions - Double-Sided with Whole Numbers and Decimals - Learn to Count by Ones, Tens, Hundreds, Thousands and Millions | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Aizweb Student Place Value Flip Chart - Math Manipulatives K-3 for Elementary Classroom - Double-Sided with Whole Numbers and Base Ten Blocks | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Torlam 131 PCS Base Ten Blocks for Math - Place Value Blocks, Plastic Base 10 Math Manipulatives 1st Grade, Math Counters, Number Blocks, Math Cubes, Counting Cubes for Kids Math | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
hand2mind Soft Foam Place Value Disks 8 Values, Counting Chips for Kids, Math Counters Kindergarten, Math Teacher Supplies, Base 10 Math Manipulatives for Elementary School (Pack of 200) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Westcott Non-Shatter Ruler, Clear, 12 Inches,(13862) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Westcott Stainless Steel Office Ruler with Non Slip Cork Base, 12 inch (10415) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
hand2mind Assorted Color and Number Spinners, Probability Spinner, Dry Erase Spinner Wheel, Plastic Spinners for Classroom, Arrow Game Spinner, Math Classroom Supplies, Math Manipulatives (Set of 6) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
ETA hand2mind Small Plastic Tangrams, Set of 4 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Two-Color Counters, Red/Yellow, Educational Counting, Sorting, and Patterning, Family Counters, Set of 200, Grades K+, Ages 5+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
U Brands Contempo Magnetic Dry Erase Board, 11 x 14 Inches, White Frame | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 2
- 10-sided dice
- Balance Scale
- Base 10 Blocks
- Centimeter Cubes
- Counters
- Dice
- Fraction Circles
- Fraction Tiles
- Geared Clock
- Geoboard
- Geometric Solids
- Graph Paper
- Hundreds Chart
- Linking Cubes
- Liquid Capacity Set (Beakers)
- Measuring Tape
- Meter Stick
- Number Bond Template
- Pattern Blocks
- Place Value Disc
- Place Value Strips
- Play Money
- Ruler
- Tangram Set
- 2 Colored Counters
- Weight Set (Metric and Customary)
- Whiteboard
- Yard Stick
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Melissa & Doug Play Money Set - Educational Toy With Paper Bills and Plastic Coins (50 of each denomination) and Wooden Cash Drawer for Storage | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Chessex Dice Sets: Opaque White with Black - Ten Sided Die d10 Set (10) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Torlam 131 PCS Base Ten Blocks for Math - Place Value Blocks, Plastic Base 10 Math Manipulatives 1st Grade, Math Counters, Number Blocks, Math Cubes, Counting Cubes for Kids Math | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Primary Bucket Balance Teaching Scale - 1 Piece, Ages 3+ Math for Preschoolers, Classroom Balance Scale, Balance Scale for Kids, Science for Kids | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Centimeter Cubes, Counting/Sorting Toy, Assorted Colors, Math Cubes, Learning Cubes for Kids, Set of 500, Ages 6+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
hand2mind ETA InchWorms Measurement Kit, Set of 72 Pieces | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Baby Bear Counters - 102 Pieces, Ages 3+ | Grades Pre-K+ Toddler Learning Toys, Counters for Kids, Math Games for Toddlers | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Two-Color Counters, Red/Yellow, Educational Counting, Sorting, and Patterning, Family Counters, Set of 200, Grades K+, Ages 5+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
50 Pieces Colored Dice, 6 Sided Dice for Board Games, 14mm Bulk Dice for Math Learning, Dice for Classroom | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Bmag 156 Pcs Magnetic Fraction Tiles and Circles, Educational Math Manipulatives Learning Games for Elementary School, Fraction Strips & Bars Toys with Bonus Storage Bag | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Torlam Magnetic Fraction Tiles & Fraction Circles Activity Set - Math Manipulatives for Elementary School - Fraction Magnets & Resources - Fraction Strips & Bars | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
DHCHAPU Student Learning Clock Time Teacher Gear Clock 4 Inch 12/24 Hour | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Wooden Geoboard Educational 9x9 Geoboards for Kids Montessori Manipulative Material Array Block Geo Board Graphical Math Toys with Pattern Cards and Rubber Bands Preschool Brain Teaser for Kids | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources View-Thru Geometric Solids, Geometry Helper, 14 Pieces, Ages 8+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Graph Paper Composition Notebook: Grid Paper, Quad Ruled, 109 Sheets, 8.5x11 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Numbers 1-100 Poster Chart - LAMINATED - Double Sided (18" x 24") | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Mathlink Cubes, Educational Counting Toy, Early Math Skills, Set of 100 Cubes | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Shapenty 5 Sizes 50ml / 100ml /250ml /500ml /1000ml Capacity Clear Plastic Graduated Measuring Beaker Set Liquid Cup Container, 5PCS | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
GDMINLO Soft Tape Measure Retractable Measuring for Body Fabric Sewing Tailor Cloth Knitting Craft Weight Loss Measurements Retractable Black Dual Sided Tape Measure Body Measuring 1 Pack | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Westcott 10431 Wooden Meter Stick, 39 1/2" | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Double-sided Number Bonds Write-and-Wipe Answer Boards, Classroom Accessories, Set of 5, Ages 5+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Plastic Pattern Blocks - Set of 250, Ages 3+ Shape Games for Preschoolers, Homeschool Supplies, Preschool Learning Games, Shape Manipulatives for Kids | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Dowling Magnets DO-732162 Magnet Math Magnetic Place Value Disks & Headings (Grades 3–6) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Learning Resources Place Value Disks, Early Math Skills, Set of 280 Pieces, Ages 6+ | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Essential Learning Products 10-Value Decimals to Whole Numbers Place Cards Set | Prime | Buy Now | ||
Westcott Non-Shatter Ruler, Clear, 12 Inches,(13862) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Westcott Stainless Steel Office Ruler with Non Slip Cork Base, 12 inch (10415) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
ETA hand2mind Small Plastic Tangrams, Set of 4 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Taylor Precision Products Mechanical Kitchen Weighing Food Scale Weighs up to 11lbs, Measures in Grams and Ounces, Black and Silver | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
U Brands Contempo Magnetic Dry Erase Board, 11 x 14 Inches, White Frame | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Westcott Wooden Yardstick with Hang Hole and Brass Ends, Clear Lacquer Finish (10425) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 3
- 10-sided Dice
- Base 10 Blocks
- Compass
- Dice
- Fraction Tiles
- Geared Clock
- Geoboard
- Graph Paper
- Liquid Capacity Set (Beakers)
- Measuring Tape
- Meter Stick
- Place Value Disc
- Place Value Strips
- Platform Scale
- Play Money
- Ruler
- Set Squares
- Spinner
- Square Tiles
- Tangram Set
- Timer
- Weight Set (Customary & Metric)
- Whiteboard
- Yardstick
Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 4
- 10-sided Dice
- Compass
- Fraction Tiles
- Graph Paper
- Liquid Capacity Set (Beakers)
- Meter Stick
- Pattern Blocks
- Place Value Decimal Strips
- Place Value Disc
- Place Value Strips
- Platform Scale
- Play Money
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Set Squares
- Square Tiles
- Tangram Srt
- Whiteboard
- Yard Stick
Recommended Math Manipulatives for Grade 5
- 10-sided Dice
- Base 10 Blocks
- Centimeter Cubes
- Compass
- Dice
- Fraction Tiles
- Geoboard
- Graph Paper
- Liquid Capacity Set (Beakers)
- Liter Cube
- Measuring Tape
- Meter Stick
- Pattern Blocks
- Place Value Disc
- Place Value Strips
- Protractor
- Ruler
- Set Squares
- 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.