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Reading PK-3 > Strategies > Manipulatives

Manipulatives

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Overview

Providing physical representations of concepts helps activate mental processes. Learners understand concepts more deeply through hands-on experimentation and exploration with manipulatives.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how this teacher incorporates rhyme and tangibles to support the development of Phonological Awareness. As learners practice manipulating sounds to rhyme words, they use their Working Memory and apply their Alphabet Knowledge.

  • Literacy manipulatives can be used to build Morphological Awareness and Phonological Awareness through the tactile interactions of manipulating sounds and letters in words. For example, words with letter cubes or building sentences with word cards promotes letter-sound association and a greater understanding of Syntax.

    • 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 a developer created an interactive word game that builds foundational reading skills. Seeing and hearing parts of words supports Alphabet Knowledge, Phonological Awareness, Morphological Awareness, Decoding, and Sight Recognition.

  • Developers can create word-building digital manipulatives inspired by physical manipulatives such as Reading Rods, Bananagrams, and Hink Pink to help learners connect different combinations of letters to build words of varying complexity. Adding in color-coding can facilitate stronger pattern connections for early literacy skills such as Alphabet Knowledge and Decoding.
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    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    Literacy Manipulatives

    Guide with resources and tips for using literacy manipulatives

    Examples

    Reading Manipulatives

    Video of literacy manipulatives examples

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Language and Literacy
    Alphabet Knowledge
    Background Knowledge
    Decoding
    Morphological Awareness
    Narrative Skills
    Phonological Awareness
    Sight Recognition
    Syntax
    Vocabulary
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition
    Long-term Memory
    Sensory Integration
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Emotion
    Motivation
    Self-Regulation
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Home Literacy Environment
    Physical Fitness
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status

    More Multisensory Supports Strategies

    Audiobooks

    Audiobooks allow students to hear fluent reading and to experience books above their reading skills.

    Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Gestures

    Adding motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding.

    Movement Breaks

    Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.

    Music & Dance

    Connecting information to music and dance moves enhances Short-term and Long-term Memory by drawing on auditory processes and the cognitive benefits of physical activity.

    Physical Activity & Recess

    Research shows physical activity improves focus and creativity.

    Sensory Stimulation

    Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a vibrating pen, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.

    Sound-blocking Devices

    Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.

    Text-to-speech Software

    Transforming written text into audio activates different parts of the brain to support learning.

    Tossing Activity

    Tossing a ball, beanbag, or other small object activates physical focus in support of mental focus.

    Visual Reading Aids

    Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strips, help students focus and properly track as they read.

    Web-based Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Web-based dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as visual and audio resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Word Sorts

    Word sorts are multisensory activities that help learners identify patterns and group words based on different categories.

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