Hi Lisa,

The manipulatives used in the RightStart curriculum are carefully chosen to help the child form a mental image of the concept. The AL Abacus gives a view of how numbers are organized, the fraction chart shows the world of fractions, the math balance demonstrates equations, the inch tiles and centimeter cubes are actual measuring devices, while the drawing board set is a tool for drawing, not really a manipulative.

In other words, manipulatives must be meaningful. Not all manipulatives used in education are meaningful, represent the number system or are easy to manage. These are three criteria for a good manipulative. Thankfully, RightStart meets this criteria and more.

Thank you for your question. We appreciate the opportunity to answer questions regarding the RightStart curriculum.

Sincerely, Rosine