I wonder whether the discussion about manipulatives is clouded by our children using as manipulatives things that we don't think of that way? I don't remember DS using manipulatives anyone intended as such, much, but I do remember the phase when for supper he'd ask for "one sausage, two potatoes, three tomatoes,...seven salads" and then do a running commentary through the meal...I think that was probably the manipulatives phase for him!

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