Touchy - Feely Concrete vs. Abstract
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Reference Education -> subcategory K-12 Education.
Touchy-Feely: Understanding Concrete vs. Abstract Concepts
Summary
Young students often struggle with abstract ideas until they reach the ages of 8 to 12. To grasp concepts, especially in writing, they need tangible experiences.Key Points
- Concrete Lessons- Abstract Ideas
- Writing Skills
- Five Fingers Technique
Article Body
Have you ever wondered why children cling to their teddy bears, blankets, or pacifiers? Or why they might not fully understand a story you've shared? It's because they're inherently tactile learners.Children typically start to grasp abstract concepts only around age 8. Before this, they may repeat abstract ideas but don't truly understand them. Unlike art, where abstract refers to style, an abstract concept is an idea or belief?"something that can't be directly seen. You might witness the effects of abstract concepts like God, charm, or the wind, but you can't see the concepts themselves.
Consider this: you can feel the wind and witness its effects, but you can't see it. Similarly, charm can lead someone into a scam, but the charm itself isn't visible.
Children can listen to stories and recount them, but they struggle to truly empathize with characters until they're older. We introduce writing at ages 4 to 6, helping kids connect spoken words to their written forms. Initially, crafting complete sentences is challenging, requiring patience and practice. Over time, they understand how words form coherent ideas, and the same principle applies when learning to write paragraphs and essays.
A paragraph is an intricately structured concept?"stringing sentences into a coherent thought. Understanding it requires grasping abstract ideas, which can be tough for young learners who are still mastering the basics of sentences.
Linking these abstract ideas to something tangible can bridge this gap. For instance, numbers are abstract, but numerals like 5, 8, or 43 offer a concrete representation. With tools like numerals or blocks, students can visualize and practice mathematical concepts more effectively.
Parents, teachers, and communities must understand why some abstract concepts pose challenges. Numerous methods and rubrics aim to teach writing, but many are too complex for young children. They mimic them without true comprehension.
Children need simple, memorable, and tactile tools to grasp abstract concepts like "paragraph" or "essay." Visual aids can make these ideas concrete, helping them learn efficiently and memorably.
Introducing the "Hand" technique: By associating each finger with a sentence, children have a visual and manipulative aid. This concrete tool helps them link the concept of writing to something tangible, making learning more accessible and lasting. Consider using your hand as a teaching tool or seeking curriculums that adopt this method, helping students convert abstract ideas into concrete understanding.
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