Math manipulatives to support hands-on learning

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Nicole Sayegh
Grant Co-applicants
Jaime Briles
School Site
North Tahoe School
Grant Category
Mathematics & Science
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

The new adopted Math curriculum, Carnegie Learning, does not come with any manipulatives. While we have repurposed existing Math manipulatives from previous curriculums and support materials, we see a need to supplement our "toolkit" with materials that support concrete understanding of abstract concepts.

Benefits of Program

These manipulatives support in the following ways:

  • They will be used in tandem with the Carnegie Learning curriculum
  • The magnetized manipulatives amplify the whiteboard work based on Building Thinking Classrooms (Ex in Ed funded the Whiteboard purchases in 2023)
  • Used across all 6th grade Math classes, they help create common language about the most challenging Math concepts 
  • Additionally, the manipulatives drive academic conversations, supporting Language Learners as well as all students with their academic vocabulary.
Success of Program

With these manipulatives, students will be able to:

  • Make their thinking visible, allowing teachers to assess learning by observing how students interact with tools.
  • Build understanding as they transition from physical objects to mental, abstract mathematical concepts
  • Make Math more enjoyable and reduce anxiety, especially for students who struggle.
  • Use manipulatives as "talking tools,"  to work together, explain their reasoning, and refine their strategies.
Implementation

Throughout this year, we have identified and noted the main topics students struggled with. Next year we will use the manipulatives in small group centers or with the whole class at vertical white boards to build conceptual understanding  

  • Coordinate Plane
  • Algebra Tiles
Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

The manipulatives will be used in all 6th grade Math classrooms, including the Math Content classes, Math Intervention, Math Enrichment, AVID and Learning Center classes.

Sustainability
These manipulatives will be reusable from year to year.
Amount Funded
$1037.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$320 - Magnetic Algebra Tiles x 8
$640 - jumbo magnetic coordinate plane
Shipping
$10.00
Taxes
$67.00
Other funding sources

Chad Lindeen, principal, has committed to purchasing the manipulatives specific to Language Learning Development lessons embedded into the new CA edition of our Carnegie Learning curriculum, new for next year.

Supporting Links
https://www.amazon.com/EAI-Education-Jumbo-Magnetic-Coordinate/dp/B01M3MMO6E
https://www.amazon.com/EAI-Education-Magnetic-QuietShape-Algebra/dp/B01GKHG794/…
Notes

Amazon currently is applying a discount making the total purchase $984.88 as of 3/24/26. This discount of $66.64 may not apply in a future purchase.