Books and websites about manipulatives in mathematics?

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    Mathemathics Teaching
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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the use of manipulatives in mathematics education, particularly for secondary schools. Participants highlight the effectiveness of Cuisenaire rods as a manipulative tool for teaching arithmetic operations such as multiplication, division, and fractions. The Math Institute is mentioned as a resource that applies Montessori principles to secondary-level math education. The conversation emphasizes the historical context of manipulatives and their visual impact on understanding mathematical concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of manipulatives in mathematics education
  • Familiarity with Cuisenaire rods and their applications
  • Knowledge of Montessori principles in teaching
  • Basic concepts of arithmetic operations and their teaching methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the educational benefits of Cuisenaire rods in secondary mathematics
  • Explore the resources available at The Math Institute for Montessori-based math teaching
  • Investigate other manipulatives used in secondary mathematics education
  • Learn about the historical development of manipulatives in teaching mathematics
USEFUL FOR

Educators, mathematics teachers, curriculum developers, and anyone interested in enhancing math instruction through the use of manipulatives.

robertphy
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Do you know about books and websites about manipulatives in mathematics teaching for secondary schools?
I think manipulatives are incredibly useful in teaching Mathematics.

Thank you for your support.
 
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Never heard of that method
 
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What is a manipulative?
 
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I believe Cuisinaire rods (see https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F8R5N2/?tag=pfamazon01-20) fall into the category of mathematics manipulatives. They're very useful IMO for teaching such arithmetic operations as multiplication and division and working with fractional amounts.

They're mostly used in the primary grades. I don't know of anything of this nature that is used in the higher grades.
 
I've never seen those rods before (elementary school in the 1960s). Though I do remember staring at a floor tiled with small square tiles, and "seeing why" the sum of the first n odd numbers is n^2.
 
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And thanks to your mental picture, I see why it is also equivalent to the algebraic formula (n+1)^2 - n^2 = 2n+1, which also proves it by induction. cool.
 
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