Manipulative

Relates particularly to Te Whariki strand 5 - Exploration (Click here to find out more about Te Whariki)

Develops fine motor skills

Develops eye-hand coordination

Develops perception of conceptual and spatial skills (mathematical concepts)

Develops understanding of:

	sequencing
	numbers, counting, order, quantity
	matching size and shape
	geometry, symmetry, rotation
	balance
	space and area
	spatial relations
	measurement and comparison
	time and order
	proximity
	set theory
	conservation theory

Develops visual perception:

	colour and pattern
	detail
	figure/ground discrimination

Develops recognition of different shapes and textures

Develops logic, reasoning and systematic thinking

Develops memory

Develops concentration

Develops the ability to discriminate and form judgments

Provides opportunities for language development

Provides a quiet opportunity to "escape"

Can be solitary or cooperative

Develops patience and self discipline

Develops self reliance and sense of achievement leading to confidence

	Picture puzzles - inset boards and jigsaws
	Concept puzzles - geometric shapes, fraction boards, graded sizes, mosaics
	Sorting and Matching
	Seriation - by length, area, colour, volume, weight, pitch (tone)
	Patterning - peg boards
	Threading and Lacing - beads, shoes
	Screwing materials
	Construction sets - Lego, Duplo, Mobilo, Stickle Bricks
	Money
	Hammering Toys
	Baby "Pop Up" Toys
	Interlocking trains and roads