The inclusion of group activities based on theories of cognitive development within day care settings is urged. Several examples of classroom-tested activities are included. (ED)

Examined the effects of using structurally organized tile patterns or diverse objects in various patterns to represent numbers on kindergartners' learning of number concepts. Found that at the level of numerical operations, structured materials facilitate children's choice of non- finger strategies and speed up response time for finger-strategy…

A game designed to introduce aspects of coordinate geometry is reviewed. This game situation can be used to improve intellectual development with: the concept of mapping, the objectivation of operation systems, the verification of hypotheses, and organization principles. (MP)

After a discussion on planning instruction, a series of activities designed to develop pre-number and number concepts are presented. Activities are arranged by difficulty within sections devoted to classifying, comparing, ordering, measuring, organizing data, distinguishing shape and size, recognizing patterns, number awareness, and counting. (SD)

This paper examines some of the manipulative aids used in elementary mathematics instruction from the point of view of the cognitive structures needed to understand them. The number line, measurement activities, models for place value, and models for fractions are discussed. (SD)

Presents activities that have been used successfully in leading students from concrete experiences through pictorial and symbolic representations of important numeration concepts and patterns, including place value, multiples, and rounding. Each activity includes concept or skill fostered, list of materials needed, recommended grade level, and…

The author describes a dialogue with his three-year-old daughter about numbers. He discusses aspects of mathematics education and how his views about how students acquire mathematical knowledge have changed. (MP)

The development of the place value system and its universal use demonstrate the elegance and efficiency of mathematics. This paper examines the concept of place value by: (1) presenting the historical development of the concept of place value in the Hindu-Arabic system; (2) considering the evolution of the number zero and its role in place value;…

Described is an activity where base-10 blocks are used to develop students' skills in reading, writing, and visualizing large numbers. An activity sheet that helps students with decimal points is included. (KR)

This report considers how the mathematical knowledge children develop on their own outside of formal school instruction can be used to increase the distribution and level of mathematical knowledge attained by students in grades K-3. Included are preliminary results of an investigation of the counting and calculating abilities brought to…

Concrete experience should be a first step in the development of new abstract concepts and their symbolization. Presents concrete activities based on Hyde and Nelson's work with egg cartons and Steiner's work with money to develop students' understanding of partitive division when using fractions. (MDH)

Described are many concrete readiness activities within ten broad categories that are designed to provide children with a solid foundation for mathematics and that help prevent learning difficulties in mathematics. Preschool mathematical experiences form the foundation for all studies in mathematics. Without a sufficient number of appropriate…

This booklet contains 43 "workjobs," (experiences in manipulating common objects) adapted from classroom activities, that are appropriate and easy for parents to make and use with children in the home. These manipulative activities are designed to help children develop language and number skills and hand-eye coordination, and give children…

This guide describes 47 number and numeration learning activities that can be used with elementary school students. These activities have been developed using the mathematics laboratory approach. This publication is designed to serve as a stimulant to encourage teachers to open their minds and employ their imagination in developing further…

This paper presents a research study of children using on-screen manipulatives (objects represented graphically on the computer screen) in learning mathematics. The paper begins by offering the rationale for the use of manipulatives in mathematics education, an assessment of why manipulatives are not more commonly used in schools, and a discussion…