What is one benefit of using manipulatives in teaching math?

Using manipulatives in teaching math is highly beneficial because they make abstract concepts more concrete. By providing tangible objects that students can touch and manipulate, educators help students visualize and understand mathematical ideas that would otherwise be difficult to grasp. For example, using blocks to teach addition or subtraction allows children to physically see how numbers combine or separate, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of these processes. This hands-on experience can enhance comprehension, retention, and the ability to apply mathematical concepts in various contexts.

While rote memorization, simplification of complex equations, and increased testing speed may have their own merits in certain situations, they do not emphasize the fundamental goal of deepening students' understanding of math concepts in a meaningful way like manipulatives do.