Abstract: This study investigated the effect of manipulative materials on the achievement of first grade students in mathematics. The data of scores obtained from students in the pretest and posttest were crunched and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences ( SPSS) program. Using a pre-test post-test single group design and the t-test for dependent samples for analysis, it was found that students (n=18) achieved significantly higher scores on the end- of- unit test administered by the researchers, with t(17) = 4.310, p < .001. It was concluded that the instruction that incorporates manipulative materials in the form of money (magnetic coins) aided the achievement of students. Implications for teaching were discussed.

Key words: Mathematics education; Achievement in mathematics; Manipulative materials; Mathematics teaching