Manipulative Materials in the Teaching of Geometry
Manipulative materials are essential resources in the teaching of geometry in primary education. Tools such as geometric blocks, tangrams and three-dimensional figures allow students to explore and understand abstract concepts in a tangible way. Geometric blocks, for example, are ideal for teaching about geometric shapes and properties. Students can construct and compare different shapes, identifying characteristics such as the number of sides, vertices and angles. This direct manipulation helps children internalise geometric concepts that might otherwise seem abstract. Tangrams are ancient puzzles consisting of seven geometric pieces that can be recombined to form different shapes. Using tangrams in the classroom not only teaches about shapes and symmetry, but also promotes problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Students can work in groups to solve puzzles, which encourages collaboration and communication. Three-dimensional figures , such as cubes, spheres and pyramids, are e...