Math Manipulatives are a Must

Making math more hands-on certainly takes two or three extra steps in planning an engaging lesson, but this small investment pays huge dividends for all learners in all environments. Have fun raiding Pinterest or reproduce your own manipulatives by looking at examples here.

Above, one of my third graders learns to construct prisms (and even angles of different classifications) using toothpick edges and marshmallow vertices. I always enjoy observing how "patient" the kids are with their building blocks. Funny, but every time at least one group comes up a marshmallow or two short and needs to ask for extras to complete the task.