However, some teachers may become over concerned with the counting on fingers and ask students to stop in order to help foster independent thinkers. Although teachers may have good intentions regarding this concern, it is vital for students to not solely rely on the use of manipulative for a long period of time.
Although manipulative's such as fingers will become inefficient as students are given increasingly challenging problems to solve. It is important to keep in mind that all students learn differently and as a result should not be discouraged to use tools that help promote learning.
