Manipulatives and Materials
		Why Manipulatives Are An Important Part of Math Trailblazers A major idea in the philosophy of the TIMS project is that children learn mathematics best by solving problems in meaningful contexts, using many different representations of the problem. In many laboratory experiments and activities, children use real objects or manipulatives to help develop the context of the problem. They then manipulate the objects in some way to solve the problem.
		Children may also draw pictures and use symbols, numbers, or words. Multiple representations allow children in heterogeneous classrooms access to mathematics through different modes, while developing flexibility in problem-solving by encouraging multiple approaches. These multiple representations are an important underlying structural theme of Math Trailblazers.
			Manipulatives Lists by Grade from the Teacher Implementation Guides Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5
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