Year-Long Math Tubs

by Linda Williams
(Dallas, Texas)

I have 12 math tubs that have quality manipulatives in each one. The same manipulative can be used to teach any math skill all year long.


Some examples of manipulatives that I have are rabbit counters, plastic poker chips, bear counters, feathers, plastic bugs, wooden cubes, and linking cubes.


I try to make sure that I have multiple colors of the manipulatives as well.


In each tub (or plastic shoebox), I have a set of number cards 0-20, a ruler, a template with shapes to trace, a set of shape cards, and a set of pattern cards.


Students pair up every time we "TUB."


They rotate with a different partner every time.


A Two column chart is used to rotate tubs each times.


The only time I change them out is if I see that the manipulatives in the tub is at a low interest level for most of the class.


When we tub, we can do total-class demonstrations, independent work on patterning, shape activities, adding. subtracting, numerical order, sorting, and comparing.


I have used this method for many years and I love it!