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Manipulatives in the Primary Classroom
Take Some ... Counters
Number Lines
Biscuit Decorations
Making Shapes
Bracelets
Square Corners
First Connect Three
Counters
Counters
This feature brings together tasks that require, to differing degrees, use of counters. Counters are a wonderful resource that can be used in mathematics in a number of ways, for example to show patterns, to model our thinking or to keep track of moves. There are two articles to read - the first offers guidance about use of manipulatives generally and the second explains why we have selected
these particular activities and how counters support children's mathematical understanding in each case.
Manipulatives in the Primary Classroom Age 5 to 11
Age 5 to 11
In this article for teachers, Jenni Back offers research-based guidance about the use of manipulatives in the classroom.
Take Some ... Counters Age 5 to 11
Age 5 to 11
This article for primary teachers outlines how using counters can support mathematical teaching and learning.
Number Lines Age 5 to 7Challenge Level 
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level
A resource to try once children are familiar with number lines, and they have begun to use them for addition. It could be a good way to talk about subtraction. Leah and Tom each have a number line. Can you work out where their counters will land?
Biscuit Decorations Age 5 to 7Challenge Level
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level
Andrew decorated 20 biscuits to take to a party. He lined them up and put icing on every second biscuit and different decorations on other biscuits. How many biscuits weren't decorated?
Making Shapes Age 5 to 7Challenge Level
Age 5 to 7
Challenge Level
Arrange any number of counters from these 18 on the grid to make a rectangle. What numbers of counters make rectangles? How many different rectangles can you make with each number of counters?
Bracelets Age 7 to 11Challenge Level
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level
Investigate the different shaped bracelets you could make from 18 different spherical beads. How do they compare if you use 24 beads?
Square Corners Age 7 to 11Challenge Level
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level
What is the greatest number of counters you can place on the grid below without four of them lying at the corners of a square?
First Connect Three Age 7 to 11Challenge Level
Age 7 to 11
Challenge Level
Add or subtract the two numbers on the spinners and try to complete a row of three. Are there some numbers that are good to aim for?