Blog 20

Blog #20!

Observation: Math manipulatives really help when teaching math

Reflection: During my practicum, it didn’t take me long to realize that most children are able to thoroughly understand a math concept best when they are given manipulatives. From my understanding, for some time now, the main point of the use of manipulatives has been promoting the use of hands-on math.

Reflection on Reflection: I believe that the use of manipulatives is so important because it allows students to think about math in a very concrete way. It is no longer an abstract thought on a piece of paper, but something tangible (which children love!). This way of teaching is very beneficial because it allows the students to understand the concept the teacher is speaking about. For some reason this method works. I have seen it happen. When students were unable to grasp a concept with simple pencil and paper, my teacher introduced different manipulatives. Instantly the students had a better understanding of it, and I could see them trying to figure it out themselves. When they were able to piece a problem together with manipulatives, it helps them come to a solution quicker and more independently.  The children who use this curriculum do not get stuck in the concrete. I think this is a great way to teach math in a classroom and every teacher should definitely try to incorporate it whenever they are able to!