New Resource Books Put Teachers at Ease Introducing Math Manipulatives
into Classroom Instruction
Full-color, hands-on lessons for PreK-4 allow teachers to
differentiate instruction and improve student performance
VERNON HILLS, Ill. – March 31, 2006 – ETA hand2mind ® announced today the publication of a three-volume series of easy-to-use resource books designed to make math manipulatives more accessible to General Education Teachers in PreK – Grade 4. Hands-On Standards, Deluxe Edition: The First Source™ for Introducing Math Manipulatives includes three spiral-bound volumes (PreK–K, $44.95; Grades 1–2, $54.95; and Grades 3–4, $54.95) that provide teachers with a variety of research-based, step-by-step lessons demonstrating how to use common math manipulatives—such as color tiles, pattern blocks, and Cuisenaire® Rods—to help children "visualize mathematics," increasing conceptual understanding and improving standardized test performance.
Research illustrates that when used effectively, manipulatives have the ability to help students learn by allowing them to move from concrete experiences to abstract reasoning (Heddens, 1986; Reisman, 1982; Ross and Kurtz, 1993). The use of manipulatives has been shown to reduce math anxiety (Heuser, 2000) and is mandated in several states, including California and Texas. Although the benefits are proven, some teachers don’t know how or where to begin introducing manipulatives into their instruction.
Each volume of Hands-On Standards, Deluxe Edition gives teachers access to over 50 step-by-step lessons that make it easy to incorporate manipulatives into instruction. The lessons complement any curriculum and are organized by NCTM concept strand such as Numbers and Operations, Algebra, and Measurement. Teachers are given a clear explanation of the relationship between the activities and the concepts being taught, making it easy to model the lessons for students. Each lesson is illustrated with full-color, step-by-step photographs that show the manipulatives being used appropriately.
Additionally, the Hands-On Standards, Deluxe Editions come with a CD-ROM featuring reproducible blackline masters, research, and additional hands-on activities from the ETA hand2mind Super Source® series. The Super Source, a resource library that groups lessons by manipulative and offers an in-depth discussion of the mathematics involved, is the "next step" for teachers looking for more ways to use manipulatives.
"We’ve known for years the benefits of hands-on math instruction. It’s the foundation of our company and its efficacy is supported not only by research, but by practical results," says Dennis Goldman, president of ETA hand2mind . "Every PreK-Grade 4 teacher will want a copy of Hands-On Standards for their classroom when they see how simple it can be to help students grasp math concepts using manipulatives."
To view sample lessons from each volume of Hands-On Standards, Deluxe Edition or to request an ETA hand2mind catalog or call 800-445-5985.
About ETA hand2mind
Headquartered in Vernon Hills, IL, ETA hand2mind is recognized as the premier publisher and pioneer of manipulatives-based education, with more than 8,000 supplemental math, reading, and science resources. Aligned to state and national standards, these products offer hands-on educational opportunities that engage students in learning and make teaching more effective for educators.
Londa Della 800-445-5985, ext. 5219
For more information, press only:
Megan O’Gorden
800-445-5985, ext. 5219
pr@etacuisenaire.com
©2006 ETA hand2mind . All rights reserved. Cuisenaire® is a registered trademark of ETA hand2mind . The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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