New Insights and Their Implications

On Tuesday, we discussed using manipulatives in the classroom for a variety of reasons, one of which is fractional understanding. I've always known manipulatives are useful, but have been wary of them because some times they seem to be overused. But many are very helpful to students. When we were talking about them, it was mentioned that the manipulatives with the fraction written on them aren't very good to use. At first I didn't understand it, but now it makes sense. Though the size of the manipulative piece doesn't change, the fractional value does, depending on what is considered a 'whole'. Using it the other way would confuse students in the future. I think it is also good to not label them so the students can experience creating the fractions on their own. They can 'construct' in their mind how fractions work, and relate that to which ever manipulative piece they are working with. Students understand better and longer when they discover the solution on their own, through their own strategies. I'll definately remember this when teaching.
Mary Fink