Learning mathematics cannot be achieved through memorization alone. Manipulatives provide a physical representation of the issue being addressed, leading to a more meaningful, hands-on experience. They’re very beneficial for real-world math problems.
Throughout history, physical objects have been used to represent abstract concepts and ideas. Ancient forms of the manipulative resembled counting systems resembling an abacus. In the early 19th century, geometric shape manipulatives transformed the way people looked at their world by introducing them to more than just numbers.