Why use Manipulatives?
Manipulatives are integral to PR1ME, supporting the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach, a key strategy for developing deep conceptual understanding. In the Concrete Stage, manipulatives allow students to physically engage with mathematical concepts, making abstract ideas more tangible and easier to grasp. This hands-on experience helps build foundational understanding and clarifies the reasoning behind mathematical operations.
Using manipulatives in PR1ME strengthens the CPA framework, making math more accessible and guiding students from concrete exploration to abstract reasoning, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
Specific manipulatives are recommended for each level of PR1ME to support this learning progression.
