What teaching strategy should Mrs. Boyd use to support her first graders' concrete thinking in a math lesson on addition?

Using manipulatives to solve addition problems is an effective teaching strategy for supporting first graders' concrete thinking because it allows students to physically interact with objects to represent mathematical concepts. At this developmental stage, children often learn best through hands-on experiences. By using manipulatives, such as counters, blocks, or even small items like buttons, students can visually and tangibly see the process of addition. This concrete representation helps them understand the concept of combining groups of items, which is foundational for grasping addition before moving on to more abstract representations like numbers and symbols.

In addition, manipulatives can aid in making the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable, which can enhance students’ motivation and willingness to participate in the lesson. By providing a physical context for the math they are learning, manipulatives cater to the learning styles of young learners who thrive on exploration and interaction. Ultimately, this strategy not only bolsters their understanding of addition but also contributes to their overall mathematical development.