Which of the following is an effective strategy for teaching addition and subtraction?

Using manipulatives to represent numbers visually is an effective strategy for teaching addition and subtraction because it engages students in hands-on learning. Manipulatives, such as counters, beads, or block units, provide a concrete way for children to understand abstract mathematical concepts.

By physically manipulating objects, learners can better grasp the ideas of combining groups (addition) and taking away from groups (subtraction). This tactile experience supports different learning styles and helps to solidify understanding as students can visualize the quantities involved in operations. It also encourages exploration and discovery, allowing students to see relationships between numbers and understand the processes involved in addition and subtraction more intuitively.

This method contrasts with approaches that rely solely on textbooks or written problems, as those may not provide the same level of engagement and conceptual understanding. Integrating games is beneficial as well, as they can make learning fun, but manipulatives offer a foundational, visual representation that is particularly effective for young learners who are just beginning to develop their mathematical skills.