Unifix cubes with MEP?

[desertmum]

Hell All,

 

I will be using MEP math this year and I was suggested a couple of manipulatives (cuisenaire rods and mus blocks) to go with it. Unfortunately I am in Dubai -hence my user name- and shipping costs are crippling! Both c rods and mus blocks are quite expensive and the shipping is actually more than the product itself.

 

However I found some unifix cubes which are more reasonably priced. Has anyone here used unifix cubes with mep math? I don't mean to sound like I'm a miser but I have to order so many things at the same time that every bit counts. At the same time I don't want to buy something and then end up with a manipulative which doesn't work with mep :confused:

 

Any info greatly appreciated and if you have comments about c rods or mus blocks (in pro or against) please please tell me. I am running out of time for ordering stuff. Thanks!

 

:bigear: (listening really hard)

[Pata]

We don't use MEP, but I made c-rods and base ten blocks out of cardstock. I just printed out at hundred chart and then used that as a template for them. It's not the best, but they work until your able to get back home and get the real thing. As for the unifex cubes, we have them and use them some, but I have used the cardstock "blocks" more. Dd uses the blocks for building more than she does for math :). Hope that helps!

[desertmum]

Yes, thanks, this helps. Like I said I don't buy things that don't use later on because:

 

1- Waster of money

 

2- Live in a little place -no room for MoRe clutter (we'got enough stuff :D)

[Pata]

I totally understand, living overseas does that to you :). If I had to choose one manipulative that would get the most use, it would hands down be the base ten blocks. I wish I had brought mine with me instead of the cubes. I am going to bring them back here the next time we go to the States. There's just so much you can use them for, although some would say the same about the c-rods ;). Good luck figuring it all out!

[Kate in Arabia]

I wish you had posted a week ago, I could have brought you a set from the States. Oddly enough I have yet to find a good school supplies store here, but I am heading to Saudi in the next couple of days and I know of a decent one in Jeddah. If you're interested I can check there to see what they have along these lines, but you'd have to wait a about a week for me to get to Jeddah and then get to the store. I'd be happy to bring something back for you if they have anything there that would work, we'll be back in the UAE the end of August.

 

Send me a pm and let me know if you're interested..

 

:)

[nansk]

MEP does not insist/require any specific type of manipulatives. You can use whatever you have on hand, even beans. If you google for printable cuisinaire rods or base 10 blocks you will find a few good templates to print on cardstock and laminate. (I can recall mathcats.org.)

 

Another option would be to print the Montessori addition board strips (strips only, not the board). They are all one colour.

 

If colour printouts is not an option, another suggestion would be to make black & white strips with black upto 5, and white from 6-10; this would make the strips similar to the RightStart abacus.

 

HTH

[desertmum]

MEP does not insist/require any specific type of manipulatives. You can use whatever you have on hand, even beans. If you google for printable cuisinaire rods or base 10 blocks you will find a few good templates to print on cardstock and laminate. (I can recall mathcats.org.)

 

Another option would be to print the Montessori addition board strips (strips only, not the board). They are all one colour.

 

If colour printouts is not an option, another suggestion would be to make black & white strips with black upto 5, and white from 6-10; this would make the strips similar to the RightStart abacus.

 

HTH

 

Thanks for the lovely ideas. Actually I avoid using paper printouts are manipulatives because my kid doesn't takes them seriously (he likes to turn things into his hands and study them). Hence the idea of buying something substantial he can touch and feel. As he matures (he'll be 4 next week) I will able to print things more and more (hopefully!).

Eli

[desertmum]

I didn't know there was anyone else in this forum living in the UAE!

I wish I had posted this earlier now... You are so nice to offer to help.:001_smile:

 

However I found a seller in the UK selling wooden cuisenaire rods are at really good price (£15 for a set of 300 rods) and I went for it. A friend from church heard my moaning and she said she will be traveling to the UK in August and offered to bring back the set for me. As for counters I will be heading for the souks to buy cheap little plastic animals or rubbers or something that will work. I tried marbles but the neighbours downstairs were not amused (tile flooring and all that). If I don't find anything in the souks I will definitely pm you.

 

Like I told nansk my kid doesn't "get" printed material but likes rods (a friend showed us some and he was delighted with them). I know Mep doesn't require manipulatives but he likes to explore with his hands and is not auditory at all (same as his dad I guess).

 

Please get in touch when you get back from Saudi. Maybe we can talk or something. I am a newbie in the Emirates and I'm still finding my feet.

 

Eli

[Kate in Arabia]

 

Please get in touch when you get back from Saudi. Maybe we can talk or something. I am a newbie in the Emirates and I'm still finding my feet.

Are you already a member of one of the local homeschooling groups? We have a fairly active one for the Northern Emirates, monthly field trips, sports days, park dates, etc. You can sign up here.

[desertmum]

I am a member! We went to a trip to Kidzania not too long ago. I haven't received any notifications of more field trips. I think the site has been quiet because everyone's on holiday. The Abu Dhabi group is very active but a bit far away from me. I think I need to get my own :auto:

 

eli =)