Teaching with Numra

Tips and ideas for using virtual manipulatives in your K-5 classroom.

Getting Started

All tools are designed to be projected on a Smartboard or large screen. Open a tool, press fullscreen, and let the whole class participate.

Each tool has its own URL. Share the link directly with students — no login or account required. They can explore on their own devices.

Numra works on Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, and phones. No app to install. Just open the browser and go.

Use Ten Frames for daily number talks. Show a frame briefly, cover it, and ask students what they saw. Great for subitizing practice.

Use Fraction Strips side-by-side to find equivalent fractions. Challenge students to find as many ways as possible to show 1/2.

Model regrouping with Base Ten Blocks. Have students predict what happens when you add one more to 99 — then show it visually.

Use the Geoboard for area and perimeter explorations. Ask: "How many different shapes can you make with an area of 8 squares?"

Run experiments with the Spinner or Dice tools. Record results as a class and compare theoretical vs. experimental probability.

Use the Interactive Clock for "what time will it be?" problems. Drag the hands to show elapsed time visually.

Open two browser tabs with different tools. Use a Number Line alongside Base Ten Blocks to connect representations.

Let students come up to the board and manipulate the tools themselves. It builds confidence and deepens understanding.

Take screenshots of student work to add to portfolios or share with parents. Most tools have a clean, printable layout.