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Welcome! I’m Danielle—a proud New Jersey mama to two amazing toddlers, Aubrey (3)  and Caden (1). With nearly 15 years of experience as an Elementary Teacher and former PreK–5 STEM Coach, educating students has always been at the heart of who I am.

While I’ve stepped away from the classroom, my passion for nurturing young minds has never faded. As a stay-at-home mom, I incorporate my teaching background into our everyday routines, using play, books, and hands-on experiences to encourage curiosity and independence.

I started the.manipulative.mama to share the ideas and resources that I use with my own family. While I’m not a parenting expert, I’m constantly learning alongside my kids. I’m excited to share this journey, including the insights and discoveries we make together as we grow, explore, and learn as a family.

Why the "manipulative" mama?

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After trading in my public school teacher hat to become a stay-at-home teacher mom, I decided—why not bring my classroom strategies home?

That’s how The Manipulative Mama was born. And no, not that kind of manipulation 😉—the kind teachers love! We teach children to manipulate tools and resources to deepen understanding and enhance learning.  Parents, you can easily do this at home too!  From questions like "what do you notice" or "what do you wonder", to "hey let's practice counting", you can easily enhance thinking and learning!

Manipulation isn’t ALWAYS a bad thing. From the very start of their lives, children learn by manipulating—touching, exploring and experimenting. Play is learning.

Looking for a place to start, let's connect!

Learning doesn't have to be with only worksheets and videos.  Learning can happen through play!  Yes, everyday play activities can be turned into intentional learning through play! 

Let's transform the way kids learn together!

  • Looking for learning support or enhancement opportunities, see Guided Learning Services.

  • Looking for ways to incorporate intentional learning through play, see Personalized Learning Support.

Testimonals

 I first met Danielle when we worked alongside each other as colleagues almost 5 years ago! She was someone I looked up to in the educational field with her above and beyond knowledge of curriculum and instructional strategies. What stood out to me more was her love for helping others and furthermore her love for her own children. She was meant to be a mama! 

 Danielle has always been there for others, supporting them in anyway needed. She came in and identified core foundational skills to be supported when I needed additional support; provided fun, hands on intervention activities using various manipulatives; and was a positive influence in the classroom in whom students sought out. Together we implemented new hands on learning such as Botley which helps students first learn coding, a fossil dig, and number talks just to name a few ideas.

 To this day, although we no longer work together, Danielle continues to support me and the learning happening in my classroom! She shares many tools and strategies found by others on social media or learning from her own home that can be transferred to my learning space. Even though she is no longer in the classroom, she will always care about the development and learning of others as evident by this new business venture. I cannot wait to continue gathering ideas from her to excite my students.

 Danielle is an amazing person with a wealth of knowledge! Any adult or child lucky enough to work alongside her has become enriched in a new way! She will continue to leave an impact in this world and I’m so honored to have been a part of her journey!

Jennifer Racine, Branchburg NJ

Supporting essential skills

through simple, everyday play. 

Here to make everyday moments meaningful.

Simple, intentional play-based ideas that support social, emotional, and academic skills using what you already have at home.

Let’s Nurture Curious

Little Minds Together!

Discover a world of ideas and resources to support and enrich your child’s learning.

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Play is Learning

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