Utilization of Manipulative toys in Kindergarten Towards the Development of Learning Domain in Tambo Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Students have struggled with understanding mathematical concepts and socializing with other students. They have individual personalities, as well as individual learning patterns. With this new technological generation of students, teachers are challenged to teach in a way that involves students. The usage of manipulative toys will assist in focusing students' attention, and motivate students to learn using something they can touch. However, many of the existing researches show that the usage of manipulative toys will greatly improve the students’ attitude toward learning, their academic achievement in mathematics, and allow them to have a more entertaining way of learning. The usage of a manipulative toy not only benefits students’ learning in mathematics, but it teaches them to build on comprehension while they are exploring, and observing math in a context that prepares them for real world applications.

METHODS

This research used qualitative design and was conducted in its natural setting. The questionnaires were issued on respondents in the kindergarten of Tambo Elementary School. The researcher conducted the interviews and observations in the same environment were both teachers and children were working. The researcher was able to observe children as they interacted with manipulative toys. The researcher collected data in the respondents' natural settings where the behavior was taking place. The survey research design was used as a methodology because the sample was from several kindergartens. It was a cross sectional survey where research data was collected at the same time.

RESULTS

In the study, the researcher made structural observation checklist. Observation took place as children related and interacted with play materials during playing. The researcher found out that play materials helped children develop social emotional skills. The observation took place in the natural setting of selected kindergarten as the researcher used a checklist. The researcher observed how children treated their manipulative toys displaying kindness, sympathy, and willingness to share them.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher found that if students are given the opportunity to use manipulative toys alongside traditional instruction, they will learn and understand basic math skills. The researcher also hypothesizes that using manipulative toys gives students a better understanding of basic math skills and seems to hold their interest and help them to enjoy learning.