TMST: Toy Theater Virtual Manipulatives

-
Bitmoji ImageI recently came across a tweet that was talking about a great site for virtual manipulatives and more.  Toy Theater has been so much fun to test out and explore, I just had to share it with you!

I love the way these work on our Vivitek boards and iPads*.  Learners can easily drag and manipulate different math concepts.  
Fraction Tiles on the Vivitek Board!


Some of my favorites:
  •  the number charts that let you color code and seek patterns in the numbers
  • fraction tiles that can be adjusted and compared
  • a perimeter and area grid that helps learners calculate and visualize 
  • 2 color counters and ten frames, rekenreks and pattern blocks galore

The possibilities for classroom use seem endless.  I could see learners working with the site on their iPads, taking a screenshot and then using markup, Notability or Seesaw to annotate and explain their thinking.  Those of us that have access to Vivitek boards could add this site into a collaborative station or mini-lesson.  Your DLC would love to help!

How might YOU use this site to promote deeper thinking in the classroom?  Let me know in the comments!









*Many of the resources I have tried work on the iPads, but always test out before using with learners!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

TMST: An Apple A Day

-
Image
I was once told that it is important for us as educators to remember what learning feels like .  To do this, we must actively involve ourselves in learning new things.   Last week, Apple released its Apple Teacher program , which is a professional learning challenge to help educators learn more about using iPads and Macs in an educational setting.   This self-paced challenge provides educators several modes  (Multi-touch book, help site, or from the Apple store)   in which to learn about using Mac and iPad in education.  Upon successful completion of a quick 5 question assessment for different skills, educators earn electronic badges.   To me, this was a perfect way for me to remember what learning feels like.   I immediately went into NERD mode and began the program.  On a Friday night.   Yep, I'm super cool.  But the neat part was that a few of my awesome CISD friends were also doing it too.  Back and forth we went...
Read more

Gearing up for 17-18

-
Image
Hello, blog readers! No, I didn't fall off the face of the planet.  Life events forced me to truly disconnect this summer, which I rarely do.  It was needed and it was worth it.  Since my One Word for the year is BREATHE, I knew this summer must be one of rest. But...a new school year is upon us.  As I move from dreading the alarm clock to the inevitable excitement a new year brings, I am reminded of a quote from the movie, You've Got Mail .   We met our new hires today during Digital Learning Day.  I wanted to tell them all the things - how our district promotes risk, how we believe in learning beyond the tools, how little kids can and will when we have growth mindsets. I wanted to tell them that is is less about technology and more about relationships, that if they are willing to let go, the sky is the limit for our kids. I wanted to tell them that they have as much to teach me as I have to offer them. It's a lot for a "first day", but I kn...
Read more

TMST: Twitter Sanity

-
Image
I am often asked, "Alli, how do you keep up with all the things?"  While I stifle my laughter since most of the time I feel like I am drowning just like everyone else, my mind always ends up at Twitter.   I know.  Twitter.   Image Credit: Roobee You either love it or hate it.  To honest, I hated it too circa 2009.  I laughed at people who felt the need to update everyone on everything in their lives.  I just didn't get it. These days, you might say I am slightly addicted to Twitter.  It is my #1 place to get news, professional learning and discussion from others passionate about education like me.  I follow approximately 1,000 people and if I have one beef, it is how overwhelming having access to all that information can be. So here is one secret of how I keep up with "all the things" -  Lists. In my profile, I created lists of people and groups so that I can drown out the noise and filter only information that ...
Read more