Mathematics can be one of the more difficult areas of curriculum for young children and even adults to grasp. Due to this complex challenge that math instruction provides, mathematicians have tried to come up with a various ways to teach mathematics in the classroom that is both effective and engaging. In the early 1800’s, a German teacher named Friedrick Froebel was credited with the creation of the first manipulatives. Froebel’s manipulatives were three dimensional objects specifically designed for use in the classroom. Teachers found that students touching and utilizing these objects helped their students to conceptualize the math problems at a faster rate. Ever since then, manipulatives have become a staple in elementary school math curriculum due to their ability to bridge the gap between hands on visual learning and mathematics.
Manipulatives are physical objects that students can visualize and touch in order …show more content…
Students suffering from learning disabilities have been shown to benefit greatly from the use of manipulatives (Idonline). Due to their learning disabilities, visual and hands-on learning is imperative for them to be able to understand key mathematical concepts. The use of manipulatives in conjunction with a needs-based lesson plan would be able to adequately fit the child’s preferred learning style to increase opportunities to understand the curriculum.
Manipulatives have been a staple in the mathematics education setting for over two centuries now. Over the course of that time, students who have been introduced to and used manipulatives have shown overall improvement in their performance inside the math classroom. Math manipulatives have been shown to escalate student understanding of math as well as increase student confidence and enjoyment of math understanding