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| Didax "Class Ideas" Newsletter Archive |
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With April being Math Awareness Month, it is only fitting that Class Ideas continues its focus on teaching math. Last month, our attention was on visual learning; this month we'll explore hand-on learning in math.
Manipulatives have long been used in the classroom and our article will explain the benefits of using these fun and colorful tools. There are lots of interesting resources online for hands-on learning, check out the Internet links we've collected for you. And don't miss our subscriber-only special on many classic manipulatives. Maybe you've been wanting a set of pentominoes or you need to add to your pattern block collection.
Thanks for reading and Happy Spring!
Anna Mullen, Editor |
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| Manipulatives and the Tactile Learner |
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 Approximately 30% of students are tactile learners. These students learn best by touching and concentrate best while moving. They remember what they did, not what they saw or heard. In order to retain information, they need to do something physical with the concepts they are learning. But math class is not the same as physical education, how can we get active in math? Manipulatives are an answer.
While manipulatives are often found in lower elementary classrooms, they are more than appropriate for tactile learners in all grades. From counting and classification to fractions, geometry and algebra, manipulatives make abstract concepts concrete for all students, but are especially helpful for tactile learners.
Why use manipulatives?
Manipulatives are fun and allow for active learning. The color and feel of manipulatives can associate pleasant experiences with math class. While tactile learners need to do something physical in order to best learn, all students benefit from the motivating and fun aspect of manipulative use.
When used as part of a well thought-out lesson, manipulatives can help students ?come to grips? with difficult concepts. The key to good use is for teachers to have a clear goal in mind when using them. This helps maintain the intention of the lesson and focus responses to any questions asked during the lesson. Teachers will have a clear idea of what to look for when observing students using manipulatives.
Students experiment with ideas willingly. If, at first, they are not satisfied with an idea, students will look for another solution. This does not happen as frequently when students are expected to work with abstract statements such as equations and written problems.
Tips for using manipulatives:
Take time to introduce the manipulative and tell students what they will be learning through its use.
Allow time for free exploration after introducing a new manipulative. This gives students a chance to satisfy their curiosities about the new materials. If they have had time to ?play around? with a manipulative, they will be less distracted when it is time to do structured activities with it.
Make manipulatives part of day-to-day learning. This allows math lessons to be a constructive and interesting experience for all students.
Make manipulatives available for student use at all times after introducing them. Let students take what they need when they want to try approaching their solution to a problem using manipulatives.
Have an adequate supply of the materials for all students. There is nothing more frustrating for a student than to run out of needed pieces when solving a problem.
Set some simple rules and limits for the way the material is used and enforce these early on. Students will soon learn to respect the material.
Maintain the manipulatives well. They are as important as any other teaching material. As students see that you take pride in classroom materials, they will learn to respect the materials as important tools, not to be treated roughly or ruined.
Make math class an exciting experience for students, and most importantly allow students to enjoy working with the manipulatives. |
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| Downloadable Activity Pages |
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 This month's downloadable activity pages come from two classic World Teachers Press books, Problem Solving with Math and Exploring Measurement. The activities range from grades 2 to 8, so there's something for just about everyone. Print, photocopy and add some manipulatives and you're off to a great start with hands-on learning in your math class. |
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| Hands-On Learning Internet Links |
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 The Internet is a great resource for both you and your students. Here are a few websites to get you all started. From information for you about Math Awareness Month itself to interactive manipulative websites for your students, there's information and learning fun just a click away. |
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| May Newsletter Theme: Writing |
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 Are your students struggling with getting their ideas down on paper? Finding it difficult to find the right words or polish their finished writing? Whether it's writing a report, a reflection, or a procedure, turning your students into great writers can be a real challenge. Don't miss next month's issue of Class Ideas which will tackle this tough topic. |
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