Manipulative play refers to activities where children move, order, turn or screw items to make them fit.
Level of compliance
Main audience
Other
Inform
All early learning services
Educators, teachers and kaiako
Service managers
Parents, caregivers and whānau
Children learn through play. Below is some information about a play idea for your children.
Manipulative play allows children to take control of their world by mastering the objects they use. It is often solitary but when sufficient resources are provided it can also be a cooperative activity.
learn about sequencing, comparison, order, patterns, colours, textures
learn to analyse and solve problems
develop concentration and perseverance
learn about cause and effect.
Adults can support children by
providing a good range of manipulative equipment and resources
talking to them about what they are doing, to encourage discussion
allowing them to explore at their own pace
keeping the area and the resources tidy and attractively displayed.
Providing for manipulative play
Manipulative play is easy to set up and can happen indoors or out. The floor indoors or a protected spot outdoors is ideal. A carpet square will give warmth and comfort. Provide a range of equipment clearly labelled in storage containers, and encourage children to bring items from home. A group outing could be organised to gather items such as shells and stones. Supervision is needed for small items under 5 cm.
Ideas for equipment:
threading materials e.g. beads and cotton reels
screwing materials e.g. nuts, bolts and small plastic jars with lids
a range of items for sorting and matching for colour, shape and size
stacking toys e.g. blocks interlocking sets such as Mega Blocks and Duplo
a sensory treasure basket for infants.
Ideas for a sensory treasure basket
The container should be low-sided and flat-bottomed with smooth edges. It needs to be strong enough for the infant to lean on without tipping up. Different items can be added into the container or basket to add variety.
Some you might already have at home or will find in the natural environment and some you will be able to buy from secondhand shops for very little cost. Infants and toddlers should not be left unattended whilst playing with any of these items.
Aotūroa – of the natural world
Pine cones of different sizes, big feathers, loofahs, pumice (boil to keep clean), dried gourds, lemons or oranges, sheepskins, balls of wool, large leaves, large shells, harakeke balls, slices of manuka and totara, coconut shells, rose petals, bark, lei, sticks, stones, driftwood, small cloth bags containing lavender, rosemary or thyme.
Ngā rauemi – of the material world
Wooden objects: for example, eggs, egg cups, cotton reels, bowls, coloured beads on a string, blocks, doorknobs, wooden spoons, bamboo mats, cane bag handles.
Leather or rubber: for example, leather purse, leather glass case, bookmarks, tennis balls or other rubber balls.
Metal objects: for example, pots and pans, egg cups, shiny bowls, lengths of chain, measuring spoons, keys, lemon squeezer, strainer, sieve.
Manipulative play supports learning across all strands of Te Whāriki. In particular, manipulative play supports the Communication strand, where children experience the symbols of their culture including those associated with mathematical concepts. It also supports the Exploration strand, where children develop working theories about spatial understandings and where they learn strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning.
This play idea has been developed for playgroups. Feel free to use it at other types of ECE service, but make sure you're still following the regulations and licensing criteria that apply to your service type. Parents may also find this information useful.
They will roll a ball and stack blocks. This type of play can also be described as manipulative play. A child uses their hands to manipulate toys and objects to learn about how to use them. This includes construction play, arts and crafts and tool-use (e.g. scissors) and helps to develop eye-hand co-ordination.
screwing materials e.g. nuts, bolts and small plastic jars with lids. a range of items for sorting and matching for colour, shape and size. stacking toys e.g. blocks interlocking sets such as Mega Blocks and Duplo.
The scope of manipulative play resources is vast – just think of anything that allows children to make patterns, order or control, such as duplo, mobilo, beads, thread, leaves, pinecones, milk bottle tops and sticks for pattern making.
Movement skills that require an ability to handle an object or piece of equipment with control. They include skills such as kicking, striking, dribbling or catching a ball. Can also be referred to as 'object control skills'.
Manipulative movements such as throwing, catching, kicking, trapping, striking, volleying, bouncing, and ball rolling are considered to be fundamental manipulative skills.
Basic manipulative play includes use of blocks, puzzles, playdough, crayons, beads, lacing cards, construction blocks, stacking and nesting toys, sandbox play, water play, toys of all kinds, musical toys and game, and so on.
In a 2018 study, 188 multidisciplinary teachers in a Russian preschool observed 160 common childhood manipulations among kids ages 3-7. Some older children even picked “easy” marks to manipulate. These kids weren't necessarily manipulating out of cruelty, however, but because they saw it worked to fill their needs.
Be empathetic to her desires and wishes while helping her learn how to get what she wants more directly, honestly, and effectively. For example, help your son see that not doing what he is asked and ignoring your rules will not be effective in getting him what he wants.
A wide variety of materials used in child care and early education programs fall into the category of “manipulatives,” including different types of building bricks and toys, collections of objects for sorting, small dolls and animals, and many other types of toys.
Manipulatives are objects like puzzle blocks, markers, coins, etc. that a student can have a hands-on interaction with. Using these objects is constructivist, or actively engaging tools for children to better grasp a concept or lesson.
The following printable display signs were created as a visual aid showcasing nine manipulative skills which include: catching, tossing (underhand), throwing (overhand), dribbling with feet, kicking, punting, dribbling with hands, volleying, and striking.
Toss, throw and kick a large ball to a wall, to stationary and moving partners, at various heights; toss and throw with 2-hand overhand and underhand motions; continuously bounce a ball with each hand; catch a ball thrown high, medium, low and along the floor; catch a rolling hula hoop; roll a hula hoop forward, to a ...
Manipulators leave hurt and confusion in their wake through the many examples of manipulation in relationships. These range from gaslighting to lying, guilt-tripping, and even flattery. You're then left in doubt about whether you're doing enough for them.
Constructive play uses objects – blocks, Legos, tinker toys, or different materials (sand, modelling clay, paint, blocks) – in an organised, goal-oriented way to make something.
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
