Kathie,

My name is Judy Ward and I am President of ANN. While manipulatives are
generally used with children they are very important tools for adult
learners. Manipulatives are not toys and they do work with adults. I prefer
to let groups of 2 to 4 students work together to facilitate discussion.

Manipulatives are used to help students understand the "why" of an algorithm
or rule as well as other basic concepts. Many adult learners are visual
and/or tactile learners and need to learn differently. How many times have
your students asked "why" when trying to learn how to do a procedure for the
nth time? 

Introducing manipulatives is not difficult if it is done with a group of 2
to 4 students. Group work facilitates discussion, problem solving and
learning while using any manipulative. However, there must be a plan.
Sitting them down with blocks without a plan or direction might not have
positive results. If someone doesn't want to work with "blocks" or "toys"
then let them watch and I guarantee you they will change their mind. 

The ones I use most often are the base ten blocks, small cubes, and
Cuisenaire rods. Base ten blocks have many uses and can be used for place
value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals and
percent. Small cubes can be used for counting, perimeter, area, volume,
building patterns, etc. The Cuisenaire rods also have many uses but I use
them mainly for fractions.  

If you would like more information you can contact me. 

Judy Ward




Judy Ward, President	
Adult Numeracy Network
6886 Young Farm Avenue
Springdale, AR 72762
Phone: 479.361.2223
Fax: 479.361.2223
Email: j.e.ward at cox.net