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

Master Arithmetic with Tools at Home

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A video series that helps parents work with their children on their math problems or Dyscalculia. It splits out the various causes of trouble with math; early numeracy problem, memory, processing speed, visual spatial issues, math anxiety, and dyscalculia. Dr Schreuder offers hand-on help for all these causes and then goes on in a vast number of demonstrations of the most popular tools and shows how to use them and what to use them for. Finally, she discusses a number of programs available either in books or online that may help your child. The video series is a great toolbox to have and to use over and over with various problems you want to tackle.

See it at PracticalMathHelp.com

DYSCALCULIA is caused by cell wall biomechanics

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A recent study revealed the following in flytraps:

………………….The refined transcriptomic analysis uncovered widespread misregulation of cell wall related genes in DYSC, implicating altered cell wall plasticity in the sluggish mutant. Cell indentation studies by atomic force microscopy revealed a strictly localized and strikingly enhanced stiffening of the cell wall for DYSC that may hinder rapid trap closure and snap buckling. Together, these genomic, transcriptomic, and biophysical data identify cell wall elasticity as a key constraint on voltage and Ca2+ dependent trap kinetics. This finding documents the interrelationship between mechanosensing and Ca2+ signaling in the ultrafast capture organ of the Venus flytrap.

Read the full article 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

Self regulated learning

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Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) has been extensively cited in research as a process enabling students to develop cognitive, behavioral, and emotional strategies to achieve academic success. However, while SRL has been widely studied in typically developing student populations, its role in supporting students with disabilities remains largely underexplored. This mini literature review synthesizes existing SRL research tailored for students with disabilities in K-12 education. The review highlights the challenges these students face in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics, emphasizing the importance of metacognitive awareness, self-efficacy, and strategic learning behaviors. 

Read the full study HERE