Exploring Virtual Manipulatives

This post describes virtual manipulatives and the benefits they have for students.  Integrating virtual manipulatives into a math curriculum is a good way to assist students with learning and understanding math concepts at every grade level and also, its a great tool to help keep students engaged.  Students love to use computers and virtual manipulatives can be used as a reward system to reinforce math concepts being taught in the classroom. 

The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives is a good website that allows students to work on Number & Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, or Data Analysis & Probability at all grade levels. 

I explored using pattern blocks for the various grade levels.  The objectives were to teach students different operations such as:  describe parts in relation to a whole group, distinguish between characteristics of shapes, create and describe patterns in shape, and identify lines of symmetry and create symmetrical patterns. 

The PA State Standards would include:
CC.2.3.3.A.1 Identify, compare, and classify shapes and their attributes
CC.2.3.1.A.2 Use the understanding of fractions to partition shapes into halves and quarters

Resource:
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html