Keep Your Balance

Abstract

The value of manipulative aids for the development of computational skills has long been recognized by mathematics educators. When these concrete materials also reflect the meaning of the processes involved, additional benefits will be gained. A balance is one such aid which meets both requirements, that is, not only is the child given the visual and tactile experiences associated with concrete aids, but he is also given the opportunity to attach meaning to the computational processes.Mathematical balances come in a variety of forms but the type illustrated in the figure below is perhaps the most common.