MATHEMATISE: AWAKENING MATHEMATICAL ABILITIES THROUGH MANIPULATION OF PATTERN BLOCKS IN THE 1ST YEAR OF SCHOOLING

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to analyse the influence of the manipulative material Standard Blocks on the development of geometric concepts, competences and transversal mathematical skills, present in Essential Learning, in the 1st year of school. In this sense, the following specific objectives were outlined: ascertain the development of geometric knowledge; identify mathematical skills; and analyse students' attitudes and behaviour when using the Standard Blocks manipulative material.

This study was carried out in a class of 20 students (aged between six and seven). Following a qualitative methodology, different tools and techniques were used to collect data and information, including: interviews with the cooperating teacher; direct observation and documental analysis; and a focus group with the students.

To this end, a didactic sequence was devised comprising six training sessions in which the concepts of area and its measurement, geometric shapes and different mathematical skills were explored by manipulating the Standard Blocks material.

At the end of the study, it was found that the students always took an active stance, reflecting great motivation, participation and commitment, which led to the development of significant mathematical learning. It was noted that the Standard Blocks were an easy-to-use manipulative material that enabled the children to acquire, with understanding, the notion of area and its measurement, as well as other geometric concepts. In all the sessions, the skills of mathematical communication, computational thinking, mathematical reasoning and mathematical representations were worked on and highlighted, along with attitudes and behaviours such as curiosity, interest, autonomy and the desire to learn.