Virtual Manipulatives:National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

Previously, I discussed virtual manipulatives. I found the website National Library of Virtual Manipulatives packed with an immense amount of resources and decided to look into it a little more. The website is kid friendly and would definitely engage the students by peaking their interest with visual and audio stimulus. 

One of the virtual manipulatives that to out to me was Attribute Train provided for grades PreK-2 and 3-5 under the Measurement tab. The students' duty is to recognize attributes and the patterns of attributes that appear in each given train. As the students progresses in grade level the patterns become harder and more intense. Each train has three attributes: color, number, and shape however only one attribute determines the pattern. Students are to extend the train with pieces to complete the pattern until all the spaces of the train are filled. In order to complete the task, the student does not need any particular vocabulary as the verbal description of the pattern is visual. If a choice is incorrect, the  piece will be rejected so the program provides instant feedback. When the train has been filled in correctly, the pattern is given in words and the repeating blocks of the pattern are highlighted in the train itself until a new problem is begun.

Attribute Train would serve as a great tool for students to practice patterns and recognizing patterns or attributes. I would use this as a class or individual activity. The class could complete the train as a group or students could be given time to complete the train individually during computer time. Students with extreme difficulties in this area would benefit from starting at the younger grades and progressing as they mastered the material. One of the state standard the manupulative falls under is 2.3.1.F: Compare concrete objects to determine greater or lesser attribute. Students need to be able to recognize the common attributes of objects.

I hope you enjoyed learning about Attribute Train and finding ways to use it in the classroom. as much as I have. The site offers many more virtual manipulatives. Please visit it and share with me the ones you enjoyed. Until Next Time!

Please view the video for more virtual manuplative examples.