Use of Manipulatives
Objectives
- Develop a manipulative to aid mathematical instruction
Introduction
Mathematics is an abstract subject which is the reason why many students find it
difficult. One way to concentize mathematics for young learners is through the use of
manipulatives.
Manipulatives
Manipulatives are concrete objects like blocks, tiles, and geometric figures, that
students can interact with (touch and move) in order to develop conceptual understanding
of mathematical concepts.
- Use of manipulatives is not all new; manipulatives have helped people learn
mathematics since ancient times.
Ex: Abacus- Early Chinese
Quipo- Incas
- In modern times, educators Friedrich Froebel and Maria Montessori were the
ones in advanced the use of manipulative in the classroom instruction.
- At present in the Philippines, the Deped mathematics curriculum calls for
manipulatives to be used in teaching a variety of competencies.
- Aside from helping the students to acquire a deeper understanding of mathematics,
the use of manipulatives also gives you, the teacher, the chance to genuinely assess
their students mathematical thinking.
- One drawback is that it may cause confusion, especially in struggling students, if
they are not presented with proper guidance and instruction from the teacher.
- Therefore, the teachers carefully plans how to integrate manipulatives in classroom
in such way that there is smooth transition from concrete to abstract.
Guidelines in Using Manipulatives in the Classroom
1. Orient students on how to use the manipulative. Give some time for the students to
play with the manipulative. Allow them to explore the object and what they can do
with it.
2. Give it clear and specific instructions. State the goal of the activity and how the
manipulative can help them achieve the goal.
3. While the students are at work, pay attention to their mathematical talk. Use their
ideas to enhance the discussion that follows after the activity.
4. If some students are struggling, ask them “why” and “how” questions to scaffold
their way through the activity.
References:
Images Used:
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/13/be/30/13be30d587a7005ae8c862df5ead9125.jpg
https://china.mrdonn.org/abacus.JPG
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Inca_Quipu.jpg
http://t3.gstatic.com/licensed-image?
q=tbn:ANd9GcTiQyrccnMfM0orKuYyyamWnLVTTtEMg2BaVXmNyUdCga3B4eEkDt9s6RCZ
foGC
base 10 blocks
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/610rP8nNraL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
https://edxeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/edx-
education_20040_Geoboards-9-1.jpg
https://cf.shopee.ph/file/02d268c7331a31edc581f6fb1f1de24a
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6t5TxCqoAyA/Xn7k-S7VpaI/AAAAAAAAMhs/
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Craft.jpeg?imgmax=768
https://classroom.synonym.com/highscope-curriculum-vs-creative-curriculum-
5882639.html
Teaching Math in the Primary Grades
Friedrich Froebel Maria Montessori
Differences Similarities Differences
Froebel Materials: Both constructivist Montessori Materials:
“Froebel Gifts” Didactic Apparatus
Froebel Teacher Role Montessori Teacher Role
Teachers see their Teachers are called
role as cultivating a “directresses.”
child’s development Teachers introduce
and relate much of a children to the
materials, and they
child’s learning to
arrange an open floor
three forms of plan and the
knowledge: forms of materials for
life (gardening and individual use.
animal care), forms
of mathematics
through play with
the “gifts,” and
forms of beauty
through art, music
and movement.
