Multiple Representations: Manipulatives
Overview
Providing physical representations of numbers and math concepts helps activate mental processes. Learners understand more deeply through hands-on exploration, which requires but also develops fine motor skills. Manipulatives that have minimal visual distractions are most effective, supporting students' Attention and Inhibition as they practice the target math skills. Research has also found that manipulatives are effective when students are able to understand that concrete objects can represent abstract ideas, a developmental milestone often achieved by second grade.
Example: Use This Strategy In in the Classroom
Design It into Your Product
Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.
Learn how products such as DragonBox Numbers can allow learners to playfully explore digital manipulatives to strengthen their number sense. Through various games with the manipulatives, learners can build their understanding of Estimation, Cardinality, and Operations.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Multisensory Supports Strategies
Communication boards are displays of graphics (e.g., pictures, symbols, illustrations) and/or words where learners can gesture or point to the displays to extend their expressive language potential.
Adding motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding.
Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.
Connecting information to music and dance can support Short-term and Long-term Memory by engaging auditory processes, Emotions, and physical activity.
Research shows physical activity improves focus and creativity.
Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a vibrating pen, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.
Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.
Transforming written text into audio activates different parts of the brain to support learning.
Tossing a ball, beanbag, or other small object activates physical focus in support of mental focus.
Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strip, help students focus and properly track as they read.
