The Importance of Manipulative Toys
Manipulative toys are toys that can be changed by being broken apart, put back together or transformed any way. Things like blocks, mega blocks, play dough, magnet tiles, and paints. So why are manipulative toys important? They promote independence, problem-solving skills, thinking skills, and awareness just by the fact that they can be manipulated by little hands. Figuring out how to use mega blocks requires children to be aware of how they connect using critical thinking. They have to use problem solving skills to stack blocks without them falling. Paints let children use their imagination and become more aware of how their actions move the paint around.
These are not always toys I keep out where Finn can get to them, since they often have lots of pieces, so it's important to make time for them in your homeschooling day.In our schedule Finn gets about half an hour of manipulatives in the morning, plus during free play he can ask to get them down at any time.
Supplying play dough and a plastic knife is an easy manipulative and great for small motor development
Mega blocks are always a popular manipulative toy with a wide range of ages. They allow so much imaginative play.