September 08, 2010 – Manipulative materials develop small muscles in children’s fingers and hands, basic concepts, and eye-hand coordination. Children’s use of the manipulative materials provides important opportunities for early literacy and numeracy development; offers concrete experiences with basic attributes of color, size, and shape; provides opportunities for cooperative problem solving and increases awareness of cultural diversity. Typical fine motor materials include beads, building sets, crayons, dough, geoboards, markers, jigsaw puzzles, lacing and sewing frames, pegs pencils, pop-up boxes and scissors. (Creative Expression and Play in Early Childhood, J.P. Isenberg & M.R. Jalongo)
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