Manipulatives are concrete objects that can be viewed and physically handled by students in order to demonstrate or model abstract concepts.
Students who are presented with the opportunity to use manipulatives report that they are more interested in mathematics. Long-term interest in mathematics translates to increased mathematical ability.
Teachers use targeted group teaching, modelling books and our new equipment to introduce students to new mathematical concepts in authentic ways. Using the compasses to make circles, matching shapes and comparing the weights of objects in our classrooms.
We discovered early on that using a compass required quite specific fine motor skills and we needed to practise to be able to both measure distance using a compass and to draw a circle accurately. Many attempts were made before the students mastered the skills needed.
At first it was hard to hold it on the paper and keep it balanced but the more I practised the easier it got.
Concrete materials, coupled with good teaching practice and strong teacher content knowledge, provide opportunities for learners to construct rich understandings of mathematical concepts.”
Using the shapes made it easier to count the corners, vertices and faces because we could move the shapes around to see how many there were.
My journey in education has taken me down many different paths including teaching in an Area school, urban English and Welsh schools, small semi-rural schools and in a purpose built Innovative Learning Environment.
Teaching at Wairakei Primary School allows me to use so many of the skills I gained in these different settings - as well as acquiring so many more. I consider myself a life-long learner and continuously strive to build on my knowledge of teaching and education in order to create the best possible outcomes for students.
In my spare time I enjoy playing netball, reading, getting out and about with my two children and making the most of what this area has to offer.
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