Math from Scratch: Hands-On Learning Kits
Ditch the rote memorization and let them play. My kits turn abstract numbers into tools kids can actually touch, move, and feel—making math click for good.
The Math from Scratch kit is all about hands-on learning. Here you can see how different manipulatives like number cards, tally marks, and counting cups come together to help young children see, touch, and understand numbers in a concrete way.
This video shows my Math from Scratch kit in action during a teacher training session. Educators get to experience the power of hands-on tools firsthand, exploring concepts like number sense and logical reasoning through play.
A group of dedicated teachers deeply engaged in an activity from my Math from Scratch program. These professional development sessions are designed to be collaborative and inspiring, empowering educators with new strategies.
A wonderful example of sensory math play. Using toy cars to form numerals helps children connect the abstract shape of a number to a concrete quantity, all while engaging their fine motor skills.
A handmade spinner from my Math from Scratch program. This simple tool can be used for a wide range of playful and meaningful math activities, from generating numbers for addition problems to exploring probability.
A full view of a STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math) learning station. My kits are designed to integrate seamlessly with other subjects, creating a holistic and interconnected learning experience.
This video showcases the variety of tools I use in my math programs, including counting beads, linking cubes, and Warli art. Each element is chosen to build skills in visualization, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
About this collection
When kids only see numbers on paper, they often memorize procedures without understanding the logic. My kits shift that by using physical manipulatives—linking cubes, ten-frame cards, and sensory dough—to build the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract bridge. It is about letting children build, break, and rebuild math problems until the concepts make sense, not just until they can recite a formula.
I designed these kits because I saw too many children losing their confidence early on. Whether you are a parent looking to support your child at home or a teacher setting up a classroom center, these tools are built to help kids see math as something they can handle.
Why the Concrete Matters
The methodology follows a clear progression: Concrete to Pictorial to Abstract.
- Concrete: We start with physical objects—linking cubes for counting, sensory dough for shaping numbers, and objects to represent quantities.
- Pictorial: We use visual aids like my Yonjuu ten-frame cards to turn those objects into pictures.
- Abstract: Only after they have physically experienced the math do we move to the standard symbols and numbers.
What’s in the Setup
Every kit is curated to encourage independence. You will find:
- Yonjuu Math Cards: A proprietary deck that uses dot grids so kids instantly visualize magnitude and number bonds, rather than just guessing.
- Sensory Tools: From non-toxic dough to linking cubes, these materials engage fine motor skills, which helps lock in cognitive understanding.
- Reusable Mats: These guides provide the structure for activities like regrouping or finding patterns, so you aren't left wondering how to teach the 'how-to'.
This isn't about rushing to the next grade level. It is about slowing down, engaging their curiosity, and ensuring they have a solid foundation to build on. Whether it is a home activity or a classroom workshop, these kits are meant to be handled, reused, and eventually, understood.
Hattennoki
I'm Jaspreet, a former math teacher and mom to Kai. Seeing kids struggle with confidence made me swap dry textbooks for playdough and card games. My work is simple: bringing joy back into learning so children thrive, not just in school, but in how they think.
Looking for a different approach?
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