Does your child always use the blocks for MUS?

[MidnightCafe]

Now that I just answered a question about MUS, I thought I'd ask one that's been on my mind. Does your child use the blocks to figure out all the math problems or do you try to get them to do the problems without the blocks once they seem to have a concept mastered? Mane is finishing up Alpha, and I have required her to do the tests without the blocks. She can do it, but she'd rather not. What do you do?

[Leslie]

I have the opposite problem - my child should use the blocks to "get" the concept and see how it works, but he'd rather try to figure it out in his head. So far, all three of my sons have been this way.

[backtobasicsmum]

I have the opposite problem - my child should use the blocks to "get" the concept and see how it works, but he'd rather try to figure it out in his head. So far, all three of my sons have been this way.

:nak2 My oldest ds is this way. :shrug3

[allisonintx]

my kids only use the blocks under duress. If they can't get it and they can't understand how I explain it, then I *MAKE* them use the blocks.

[jenn3514]

DS uses them to grasp new concepts such as place value. Once he gets it, he tends to build really cool designs with them instead of doing math. :lol

[Garland]

I have my son use the blocks when we're learning something new. Then once he "gets it" he can choose to either use them or do without them.

[MidnightCafe]

:think Mane is strongly tactile & kinesthetic. I cannot imagine her actually wanting to do the math without the blocks. :shifty

[mama-hobbit]

Mine use the blocks sometimes... and sometimes they come up with other counters. Rory likes the abacus. :shrug3.