Math teachers know how tough it can be to teach students how to simplifying expressions. We have been teaching concrete concepts to students since kindergarten and now we are throwing variables at them. Virtual math manipulatives will help with this!

I have always used physical Algebra tiles to teach students how to combine like terms and model distributive property. By using math manipulatives, such as Algebra tiles, students are able to visualize and physically model the expression to simplify. Everything was working out. We were in a good rhythm. It was great!

And then we were thrown into distance learning…

I needed a digital way for students to manipulate the Algebra tiles to practice simplifying algebraic expressions. This is where virtual math manipulatives come in to save the day! 

I created these digital Algebra tile mats in Google Slides for my students practice simplifying algebraic expressions in a physical and visual way, all while learning from home. In these activities, students will be modeling the expression by dragging and dropping the Algebra tiles onto the mat, then simplify what they set up and type the simplified algebraic expression in the answer box. I inserted answer key slides at the end of the so they could check themselves.

My students really loved using these virtual Algebra tiles during distance learning because they were able to visualize the expressions. They also seemed grasp the idea of what it means to combine like terms and simplify algebraic expressions. Hooray!

You can check out these virtual math manipulative resources and others in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. Click on the pictures below to check them out!

Other Ways to Use Virtual Math Manipulatives

Did you know you could use virtual math manipulatives for other activities? Algebra tiles are a great way for students to visualize other mathematical concepts. For example, polynomial operations, factoring, and solving equations can easily be shown with Algebra tiles. Click on the pictures below to check out the other digital Algebra tile mats for performing polynomial operations, factoring, and solving equations.