Math manipulative range from simple counting blocks to
geoboards and tangram puzzles. Manipulative work well to solve problems, as a
way to introduce new math skills and during free play to explore math concepts.
The use of manipulative varies based on the teacher's philosophy of math
instruction, but these math materials offer several benefits to students.
Manipulative give the math students a concrete object to
represent the concept they are learning. Instead of reading about a math
concept or working out a problem on paper, students work with a physical object
to better understand what they are learning. Diagrams in math textbooks often
fall short because the student can't physically interact with them. The
concrete representation is useful at all levels of math, from a preschooler
using blocks to strengthen counting skills to an older student using fraction
models to understand equivalent fractions.
A worksheet or textbook assignment is limited in the senses it
engages. The student only moves slightly to use his pencil. Manipulative give
student more freedom to move and get physically involved in solving the math problems.
Manipulative reach a wider range of learners, such as those who don't perform
well on paper-and-pencil tasks. Manipulative engage the sense of sight and
touch. Discussions about manipulative -- either with the class or with a
partner -- builds communication skills. You can also use these math tools to write
about the concepts. Students can draw pictures and describe what they did with
manipulative in a math journal.
Manipulative make math more enjoyable for most students.
Completing paper-and-pencil assignments is often boring and tedious. Students lose
interest quickly or struggle to get through the assignment. Manipulative feel
more like playing than learning, particularly when the students are allowed to
experiment and explore with the tools outside of assignments. Even when a
worksheet or written assignment are required, manipulative can make the
problems easier and more interesting to solve.
Enjoy and have a super week!
Ms. Nora Sierra
Assistant Principal
Grade 1-A teacher
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