Manipulatives

Using manipulatives is critical when teaching geometry in all grades. Students need to be able to have hands-on activities for them to move from the concrete to abstract level. Students are able to retain the information so much more easily if they can relate it to their everyday life. If students are able to use manipulatives they will be able to retain that information for longer and it will be easier for them to recall that information. Teachers may need to be very creative when choosing and picking out manipulatives. Schools may not have the resources to have all the “fancy” manipulatives. Manipulatives do not need to be expensive, they can be as simple as buttons, thread spools, noodles, beans, straws, and blocks just to name a few. As teachers focus more on standards, I think manipulatives are going to become more prevalent. The standards are going to force teachers who currently do not use manipulatives to start using them.