As a dedicated special ed teacher, I find myself constantly seeking out the most effective teaching methods and resources to engage my students. I also look for the methods and practices that work best for my students and myself.
One of the age-old debates among teachers is which method is superior when creating manipulatives for teaching: Team Cut-Laminate-Cut or Team Laminate-Cut? Since I make a lot of manipulatives that need to be laminated, this has always been one of the debates that I’ve paid attention to. Determined to put the question to rest, I embarked on an experiment to uncover the ultimate winner!
The Experiment Begins
To conduct my experiment, I gathered my materials, including cardstock, paper, scissors, a laminating machine, and the laminating pouches (both 3mil and 5mil) that I use with my machine. (You can read more about my laminating hacks HERE!)
I divided an identical set of manipulatives into two groups. One group would undergo the meticulous process of Team Cut-Laminate-Cut, while the other would experience the streamlined approach of Team Laminate-Cut.
Which one would come out on top and last the longest?!?
(You can also watch the experiment here if reading it is not your jam!)
Let the Laminating Games Begin
Team Cut-Laminate-Cut was the first to undergo scrutiny. I meticulously cut out each shape from the construction paper, ensuring precision with every stroke. Once all the pieces were cut, I placed them in the laminating pouches and ran them through the laminating machine. After allowing them to cool down, I proceeded to cut around each shape once again. The result was a set of manipulatives that exuded sturdiness and impeccable protection. Would they be the durability winner?
Moving on to Team Laminate-Cut, I decided to tackle the process from a different angle. This time, I laminated the entire sheet of construction paper before cutting out the shapes. Once the lamination process was complete, I carefully followed the outlines of each shape, ensuring clean and crisp edges. The manipulatives resulting from this method boasted durability and visual appeal.
With both sets primed for heavy student use, it was time to subject them to rigorous handling and testing. Over the course of intense handling and engagement, the manipulatives began to reveal their vulnerabilities. The lamination on certain shapes started peeling apart, while others exhibited visible bending and folding from repeated use.
The competition was getting interesting!
The Unclear Winner
To my astonishment (perhaps astonishment is too dramatic, but it adds excitement!), it became clear that neither method offered a fail-safe solution for creating manipulatives that could withstand extensive student use indefinitely.
Both Team Cut-Laminate-Cut and Team Laminate-Cut displayed weaknesses when subjected to demanding handling environments.
With this experiment drawing to a close, I faced the daunting task of settling the age-old teacher question – which method is truly superior? The answer proved elusive. It became evident that there is no one-size-fits-all answer; both methods possess their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
For some educators, Team Cut-Laminate-Cut may reign supreme due to its ability to achieve greater precision during the cutting process, resulting in more accurate manipulatives. On the other hand, Team Laminate-Cut may win favor among those who value time efficiency, as it eliminates the need for double cutting.
You Do You, Boo
In the end, settling the age-old teacher question proved elusive. The choice between Team Cut-Laminate-Cut and Team Laminate-Cut ultimately boils down to personal preference. As educators, we have to do what works for us and allow our teaching style and classroom needs to guide our decision-making process.
While manipulatives undoubtedly play a crucial role in enhancing student learning experiences, it is important to consider their longevity and durability when selecting our preferred method. Experimenting with different approaches and observing their outcomes can help us find what works best for our unique teaching styles and classroom dynamics. In other words, you do you, boo.
So, fellow educators, let us celebrate our diversity and let personal preference (and time constraints!) be our guide in creating manipulatives that inspire and engage our students. The age-old debate may remain unsettled, but it is through exploration and adaptation that we can truly unleash the power of these valuable teaching tools.
Long live both laminating teams!
