- Unifix cubes can be used to teach young children about patterns. For example, kindergartners can learn to make simple ABAB patterns with these cubes. First, the teacher defines the word pattern. Then the teacher provides the children with several cubes that consist of two colors. She can then show the class how to make a pattern of alternating colored cubes. Finally, students practice making their own patterns, eventually progressing to more complex sequences.
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Kindergartners and first graders are often taught how to add by using manipulatives like Unifix cubes. A primary teacher will create a math story using the cubes to illustrate the problem. She may say that a student has three cookies. She would then place three Unifix cubes on a work mat. Next, she will say that the student's mommy gave the student two more cookies.
The teacher will then place two more cubes on the work mat and show how the student now has five cookies. Students will model this problem with their own cubes, counting each Unifix cube on their work mat in order to understand the concept. As the lesson progresses, the teacher encourages students to make their own math stories using the cubes. - Subtraction can also be taught through the use of Unifix cubes. Instead of telling an addition story, the teacher will illustrate the concept by showing cubes being taken away. As with the addition lesson, students perform the math problem with their own cubes. Once they begin to understand the concept, they are encouraged to make their own subtraction problems, using the Unifix cubes to provide hands-on experience with subtraction.
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Young students can also learn basic measuring by using manipulatives such as Unifix cubes. The teacher first connects several cubes together and places the cubes next to a book or desk. She adds or removes enough cubes so that the Unifix cubes equal the height or length of the object. For example, if eight cubes equal the length of a pencil, the teacher will say that the pencil is eight cubes long. She then asks the students to try to measure objects throughout the classroom by using Unifix cubes.
A classic picture book sometimes used by teachers when teaching a unit on nonstandard measurement is called "How Big is a Foot?" by Rolf Myller. This illustrated children's book provides a humorous look on the best way to accurately measure common objects.
