All young Americans must learn to think mathematically, and they must think mathematically to learn. In no other grade band is the growth of mathematical knowledge so remarkable. Once children get The Big Idea, then procedures for comparing numbers and for adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing numbers, become remarkably clear. According to math education researcher Karen Fuson, long-term use of concrete manipulatives that give meaning to mathematical concepts increases mathematics achievement and positive attitudes when teachers knowledgeable about their use use them. Rather, they provide a concrete way for students to link new, often abstract information to already solidified and personally meaningful networks of knowledge, thereby allowing students to take in the new information and give it meaning.
Number sense is the cornerstone of mathematics.
The system then goes on to present the mathematical operations with simplicity and clarity. The Digi-Block system consists of small Blocks and empty rectangular holders. Exactly ten Blocks can be packed into a holder. When the holder is full, a second matching piece can be snapped on, closing it. A design feature ensures that this second piece will not snap on unless the holder has 10 Blocks inside.