Manipulatives in Mathematics Curriculum

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explains that manipulatives are defined as materials that are physically handled by students in order to help them see actual examples of mathematical principles at work. The writer notes that manipulatives are incorporated into curriculum with the aim of helping the student understand mathematics, rather than increasing efficiency in calculation. The writer maintains that manipulatives are very useful especially in early education. The writer notes that there is a wide array of math manipulatives on the Internet. Some may be bought while others can be enjoyed for free on the web. The writer provides examples and pictures and discusses how it would be possible to use them in teaching children.

Outline:
What are Manipulatives?
References

From the Paper:

"Manipulatives are incorporated into curriculum with the aim of helping the student understand mathematics, rather than increasing efficiency in calculation. Manipulatives are very useful especially in early education. Moreover, its use is not exclusive to teachers and schools, parents who would choose to help their children with school lessons can also employ them to help their children understand math concepts. Most students dislike math because they think it is very complicated. This prejudice towards this subject result to poor performance of students in math subjects. The development of this negative mind set on the subject may have started when in their childhood. Traditional ways of teaching may have bored them and cause them to dislike the subject, which they will carry to adulthood. That is why it is important that at a young age, kids should learn to enjoy math. And the use of manipulatives can help them enjoy and appreciate it. Manipulatives come in colorful packages that attract children, their interactive design also allows children to play with them as they learn. There is a wide array of math manipulatives in the Internet."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Early Childhood Mathematics: Promoting Good Beginnings. A joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). (2003). National Association for the Education of Young Children. [online]. Available: http://www.naeyc.org/about/positions/psmath.asp.
• Elkind, D. (2001. February). Early Childhood Education: Developmental or Academic. Education Next. A Journal of Opinion and Research. [online]. Available: http://www.educationnext.org/unabridged/20012/elkind.html.
• Jones. S. (2000.) The Role of Manipulatives in Introducing and Developing Mathematical Concepts in Elementary and Middle Grades. Resource Room. Available: http://www.resourceroom.net/math/Jones_mathmanip.asp.
• National Association for the Education of Young Children.. (2001). NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation. Washington, DC.
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2001). High-stakes testing. Reston, Virginia.

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