5 Math Tools Every Elementary Classroom Teacher Needs

There are so many math tools out there that have the potential to transform your math instruction.  This blog post focuses on 5 of them.  It doesn’t matter if you teach first, second, third, fourth, or fifth grade – you need these tools!

This blog post will…

• suggest 5 math tools that you need for your classroom
• explain how these tools can be used to support your math instruction
• help you prepare for the new school year

5 Math Tools All Elementary Classroom Teachers Need

1. Dice: These are a staple in every elementary classroom.  They can be used with a variety of math games.  Access tons of math games in my Math Made Easier memberships, which also includes hundreds of resources to help you with your math instruction.  You can also access the games in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. In addition to them being used with games, they can be used as stand-alone games – topics ranging from understanding place value to multiplying fractions.  A quick example of a stand-alone game is to give each student a pair of dice.  Each student rolls 2 dice, subtracts the smaller number from the larger number, models it with math manipulatives, and documents his or her work on a piece of lined paper.  It’s that simple!
2. Dominoes: There are so many fun ways to use dominoes!  One way is to have students sort them.  For example, they can sort them by sums within 10 and sums within 20.  Another option is to sort them by even and odd numbers.  A second way is to have students use them to write fact families.  The opportunities are endless!
3. Decks of Cards: There are so many fun math games you can play using a deck of cards – some as simple as War, Go Fish, and Top it.  Consider asking for donations from students’ families or venturing out to yard sales.
4. White Board, White Board Markers, and Erasers: Every elementary classroom needs a class set of white boards, white board markers, and erasers.  They are great for keeping students engaged during whole group instruction and quickly collecting student data through formative assessment.  Having a set of 5 or 6 for your small group instruction table would be helpful too.
5. Classroom Calendar: This is a must-have in every elementary classroom. Read about how to display and use a classroom calendar here.  This blog post includes a ton of great tips and ideas to help you get started and find what you need.