Category Archives: Tools

The Lasting Impact of Math Manipulatives in Early Childhood Education

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Many adults might not realize that young children first understand mathematical ideas through physical actions and concrete experiences, not abstract symbols. Manipulatives are grounded in learning theory, particularly Bruner’s (1966) framework of enactive (physical), iconic (visual), and symbolic (abstract) representations. This progression is essential: children manipulate objects, see and create patterns, and later connect these experiences to formal symbols and procedures (Bruner, 1966; Gravemeijer, 1999). Manipulatives serve as a bridge, making abstract concepts tangible and accessible.

Read the research overview HERE

Tool to identify strengths in students as young as preschool

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University of Kansas researchers have developed and validated the effectiveness of the Preschool Strengths Inventory, which can be key to helping parents, teachers, clinicians and practitioners capitalize on children’s strengths from an early age to improve their education and well-being.

Read all about it HERE

Educational Robotics and Game-Based Interventions for Overcoming Dyscalculia: A Pilot Study

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Recent studies suggest that educational robotics and game-based learning can provide engaging and adaptive learning environments, enhancing numerical cognition and motivation in students with mathematical difficulties. The intervention was designed to improve calculation skills, problem-solving strategies, and overall engagement in mathematics. The study involved 73 secondary students, divided into three classes, among whom only a specific group had been diagnosed with dyscalculia. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention assessment evaluating improvements in numerical accuracy, processing speed, and support motivation. Preliminary findings indicate that robotics and gamification create an interactive, less anxiety-inducing learning experience, facilitating conceptual understanding and retention of mathematical concepts. The results suggest that these tools hold promise as supplementary interventions for children with dyscalculia. Future research should explore long-term effects, optimal implementation strategies, and their integration within formal educational settings.

Read all about this study HERE

A paper calculator for children with dyscalculia

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It comes from Brazil and you can see it HERE

6 ways to improve interventions for specific learning difficulties

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There is plenty of research around SLD – such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia – but teachers and schools need to be involved in the development of new approaches, says Gillian Stirton

A motivated corps of experts, developers, entrepreneurs and others create ways to combat the difficulties and downstream disadvantages that come with SLD such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, or combinations of these.

Read the full article HERE