Linking Squares
Linking Squares
One by one, and pair, by pair, here come the linking squares! Count, add, subtract, and more with this versatile set of virtual linking cubes.
Using the online linking squares is easy. Simply pick a square and drag and drop it into the work area. To connect squares, hover with the new square near another square and wait for a black box to appear before releasing it. You can move a set of connected squares by clicking and moving the square farthest to the left. Use the pencil and eraser tool to write numbers or equations. Clear the board using the trashcan button.
Try the following lessons to build skills with this virtual manipulative:
Counting: Ask students to count to a certain number using the squares as they go. Or, give students flashcards of numbers 0-10. Have students pick a flashcard and model it using the squares.
Students can also compare numbers as they connect squares. For example, ask students to connect three squares and compare them to a stick of five squares. How many more squares is five than three? How many fewer than five is three?
Adding: Model addition problems using the linking squares. Students can make a stick to represent each addend. Then, they can put all the squares together to count the sum.
Counting by Multiples: Count by twos, threes, fours, and more using the linking squares. Have students create several sticks of two squares to count by twos, sticks of three to count by threes, etc.
Subtracting: Model subtraction problems with the linking squares. First, ask students to use the linking squares to represent the minuend. Then, students can remove cubes to represent the subtrahend. The remaining blocks represent the difference.
Visit classplayground.com to learn more about counting, addition, and subtraction.