What is the best introduction method for elementary students studying rectangular arrays?

Using manipulatives such as 10-blocks to create their own arrays provides a hands-on approach that is particularly effective for elementary students. This method allows students to physically engage with the concept of rectangular arrays, making the learning experience concrete rather than abstract. When students manipulate the blocks, they can visually and tangibly understand how rows and columns form arrays.

This experiential learning can foster deeper comprehension, as students can experiment with different configurations and see how changing the number of blocks impacts the structure of the array. Furthermore, creating their own arrays encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as they must decide how to arrange the blocks based on given criteria.

The possibilities for exploration with manipulatives lead to a more active learning process, whereas other methods like watching a video or solving sample problems might not engage students in the same meaningful way, making the manipulation of physical objects a more beneficial introduction to the concept of rectangular arrays.