HANDS-ON MATERIALS
Teachers recognise the importance of using hands-on materials when teaching mathematics, particularly in the lower and middle school. New resources have been purchased this year to update equipment across the school. An expert in teaching mathematics was brought in to model lessons using manipulatives across each of the year levels. Teachers were able to identify the many ways manipulatives can be used to teach mathematical concepts.
"Using hands-on materials aid kinestetic and visual learners - for example, the hundreds board clearly shows the relationship between decimals, fractions and percentages." Upper Teacher St. Clare's School
"Using materials provides an interesting introduction and consolidation of concepts, ensuring all students have a solid foundation before moving on to abstract activities" Upper Teacher St. Clare's School
"During the modelled lesson, my lower students stayed on task for the entire time, with limited writing needed. In future, I should think of more creative ways to limit writing to stop them drifting off task, but they're still learning." Middle School Teacher St. Clare's School
"Using hands-on materials aid kinestetic and visual learners - for example, the hundreds board clearly shows the relationship between decimals, fractions and percentages." Upper Teacher St. Clare's School
"Using materials provides an interesting introduction and consolidation of concepts, ensuring all students have a solid foundation before moving on to abstract activities" Upper Teacher St. Clare's School
"During the modelled lesson, my lower students stayed on task for the entire time, with limited writing needed. In future, I should think of more creative ways to limit writing to stop them drifting off task, but they're still learning." Middle School Teacher St. Clare's School