The class met five days a week. The manipulatives and problems were used in four varied ability level classes. Due to the variety of problems, it can be adapted to other age groups and achievement levels.
Commercial sets are available but the tangrams and pentominoes can also be made.
Flat tables are ideal but not necessary. The students are involved in problem solving with the use of tangrams, pentominoes, and dominoes. Problems using each manipulative develops the students' visual thinking and problem solving strategies. By putting students in groups of two to three, each group can work through the prescribed problems for the day. Beginning problems for all three manipulatives are simple in nature until students feel confident about the manipulation of the puzzle pieces.