Manipulative Play
Manipulative Play
Manipulative Play
When children participate in manipulative play they are developing control of their bodies, especially the smaller muscles of hand, finger, arm, and eye. They practise making decisions, choosing their own materials, and setting and solving their own problems. Newly learnt skills are reinforced and perfected, and as they take responsibility for their own learning they gain in confidence and self esteem. Experience with manipulative resources provides children with opportunities to develop pre-mathematical skills.
Set aside a special area with a wide range of resources for manipulative play, including natural resources Support children to try things and solve problems for themselves as much as possible Encourage children to use trial and error, as well as previous experience to solve problems Support children by talking to them about what they are doing and using language which will extend children's thinking and understanding. Manipulative play refers to activities where children move, order, turn, or screw items to make them fit. It allows children to take control of their world by mastering the objects provided. It is often solitary but when sufficient resources are provided can also be an important cooperative activity. Remember that for the safety of children under three, all pieces should be too big to fit in a film canister.
Learn about concepts of size, shape, weight, length, and height Gain knowledge about sequence, conservation, comparison, order, patterning, identifying, colour, and texture Develop coordination and control of eye, arm, hand, and finger muscles
Buttons, pegs, shells, leaves, seeds, bottle tops, feathers, nuts, bolts, screws, stones, driftwood, flowers, etc. All natural materials should be non-poisonous.
Provide a range of manipulative equipment and resources Talk to children about what they are doing, and encourage discussion Keep the area and the resources tidy and orderly.