I have heard that many teachers do not like to use manipulatives because they take so much time to set up. I have used an idea I had published in Mailbox Magazine a few years ago.
At the beginning of the year I give each student a GLAD food container. I use the one that is about 3 X 5 inches. In each tub are 2 number dice and one die with + and - signs on the sides, 20 two sided counters in a labeled film container, 10 snap together cubes, 20 pennies in a labeled film container. Later in the year I replace the counters and pennies with tangrams and geometric shapes. This has saved so much time and the kids have been pretty good about not losing or playing with any of the items.
I don't have a picture handy because I'm on vacation. I'll try to add one when I get home. You can get empty film containers on ebay. I have about 100 extra containers at home if anyone needs some. I can send them to you for a small price + the price of shipping.
Email me at kestnerg@gmail.com
