Utilizes a survey to determine the use of manipulatives for mathematics instruction in rural school districts in Illinois. Concludes that the percentage of K-6 teachers using manipulatives for mathematics instruction in the seven rural counties was encouragingly high at 94%. (ASK)

The Indexical Hypothesis suggests a new method for enhancing children's reading comprehension. Young readers may not consistently "index," or map, words to the objects the words represent. Consequently, these readers fail to derive much meaning from the text. The instructional method involves manipulating toy objects referred to in the…

In previous articles, the author has discussed dominoes, the real game with scoring, and other good games and activities using dominoes. But dominoes, as materials for game-playing, and as a topic for mathematics learning experiences, as suggested by Swan (2001) and Brandreth (1975), have many other possibilities. In this article, the author…

In the renewed "Primary Framework for Mathematics" for England, great emphasis is given to calculation and its prerequisites (DfES, 2006). Expectations are increased for calculations and the recall of number facts, with mental calculation owning a higher profile, while progression in written calculation is clarified. The greater focus on…

This paper discusses the use of Stern teaching materials with children with Down syndrome. The theory underlying the design of the materials is discussed, the teaching approach and methodology are described and evidence supporting effectiveness is outlined. (Contains 2 figures.)

Each August, third grade artists at Apple Glen Elementary in Bentonville, Arkansas, start the school year planning, creating, and exhibiting a clay relief mural. These mural projects have helped students to acquire not only art knowledge and techniques, but an even more important kind of knowledge: what it means to plan and successfully complete a…

Child development theorists, researchers, and educators have long known that play is one of children's most valuable resources, vital to their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Through play children make sense of the world around them and work through new experiences, ideas, and feelings. But in recent years, a host of social forces and…

Are your students engaged and motivated to read and write but hesitant during math instruction? Do you want your students to be as excited about math as they are about literacy? This unique resource explores how best practices for teaching reading and writing can help you become a better math teacher. Drawing on the work of such educators as…

The purpose of this book is to introduce the geoboard as an effective tool that can help young children understand geometry as they develop spatial sense and mathematical thinking. Activities are clustered into three main sections: beginning geoboard explorations, exploring polygons, and coordinates. Blackline masters are included. (MKR)

Provides a framework for understanding the value of water play for preschoolers and offers suggestions (materials and activities) for incorporating it into a program. (Author/ED)

A workshop on the use of Cuisenaire rods with learning disabled children was held for 300 participants and included a demonstration-lecture, a discussion, and a question-and-answer period. (DB)

Four geoboard activities for elementary school students are described. (SD)

This study investigated the relative effectiveness of three methods of using manipulative materials for instructing third-grade students on addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers. Subjects (N=124) were selected from a larger pool from two schools on the basis of scores on a prerequisite skills measure and the pretest. They were randomly…

Reported are the results of a study made to determine the effects of independent study with experimental matematical materials upon selected achievement measure, and the grade level at which these materials can be used most effectively. Experimental treatments were randomly assigned to three classes within two elementary schools at each of the…