5 BEST Websites for Dyscalculia

Is your child or a particular student struggling with math on a daily basis? It is not unusual for children or students to be challenged with math homework once in awhile. However, if he experiences problems with numbers or has low math test scores yet does well in other subjects, he could have a math learning disability (LD) called dyscalculia.

This LD called dyscalculia is a brain-related condition that makes basic arithmetic and its concepts very hard to learn. The condition may be hereditary, but scientists have not yet discovered any genes specifically related to it.

Up to 7% of elementary school students have dyscalculia. Research suggests it's as common as dyslexia -- a reading disorder -- but not as well understood. In fact, kids and parents sometimes call it “math dyslexia,” but this can be confusing because dyscalculia is a completely different condition. Your school or doctor may call it a “mathematics learning disability” or a “math disorder.”

This math LD can sometimes be associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) -- up to 60% of people who have ADHD also have a learning disorder like dyscalculia.

Dyscalculia, sometimes called math dyslexia, covers a wide range of math difficulties. The symptoms can also change as your child gets older and is expected to think about math in new ways. Here are signs of the math struggles you might see at different ages.

From the following 2 lists, if you find that your child or student demonstrates more weaknesses than he does strengths, a math learning disability or dyscalculia may be the issue:

Strengths in Mathematics

-Correctly sequences numbers, equations and formulas
-Correctly performs mental math processes
-Accurately conducts math computations
-Completes work logically and with minimal errors
-Understands math concepts
-Appropriately uses both oral and written math terms
-Consistently and correctly remembers math facts

Weaknesses in Mathematics

-Rarely sequences numbers, equations and formulas correctly
-Unable to perform mental math processes
-Usually conducts math computations inaccurately
-Makes many careless errors, often choosing the wrong operation
-Has difficulty understanding math concepts
-Rarely uses math terms appropriately---both orally and in written work
-Unable to accurately recall math facts (though many children today are not committing math facts to memory.)
-Unable to do word problems

Once you have determined the strengths vs. weaknesses ratio as stated above, consider using one or more of the following top resources to help initiate progress for your child or student with dyscalculia or other related math issues. These links can provide a bridge while waiting to access professional evaluation, services and support for a math LD.

BEST 5 Dyscalculia Resources

1. Math Worksheets-from edhelper.com
This link provides FREE math printables that include daily math activities, math puzzles and much more.
https://www.edhelper.com/math_worksheets.htm

2. Dyscalculia Resource Treasure Collection from tesSpecialNeeds
This resource includes a set of activities, flash cards, strategies, revision aids and posters all developed to support pupils with dyscalculia. All resources have a clear layout and include visual support where necessary. Sassoon font is used throughout.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/dyscalculia-resource-treasure-collection-6302884

3. Dyscalculia Worksheets & Other Resources from HelpingWithMath.com
Here is included a list of printable math resources that have people with Dyscalculia and/or Dyslexia in mind. This is a good resource for materials to help with learning math facts.
https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/wor-dyscalculia.htm

4. Dyscalculia Primer and Resource Guide by Dr. Anna J. Wilson
Dr. Wilson is an OECD Post-Doctoral Fellow at INSERM U562, Paris, conducting cognitive neuroscience research on the remediation of dyscalculia. The purpose of this primer is to explain the cognitive neuroscience approach to dyscalculia (including the state of research in this area), to answer frequently asked questions, and to point the reader towards further resources on the subject. Further references include some of the major scientific literature in the field, as well as reading suggestions for teachers and parents.
http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/dyscalculiaprimerandresourceguide.htm

5. 100 Best Resources for Kids Who Struggle With Math by Marianne Sunderland
This post includes 100+ resources are books, websites, games, apps, and curricula that teach math in a variety of multi-sensory ways that will provide effective tools for teaching math, especially when a child struggles with math facts and concepts.
https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/100-best-resources-struggle-math/

BONUS Tip: For children or students with math and spatial challenges, consider using colored graph paper or Reading Focus Cards (low-tech and digital) to maintain placeholder columns. The following links can provide the needed supports for these materials.

Free Grid Paper Pages from Nyla's Crafty Teaching
FREE downloadable blackline grid templates that are drawn to scale both for inches and cm. Use them for placeholder support (i.e., column addition, long multiplication and division, etc.) creating symmetry worksheets, bar graphs, reflections (flips), translations (slides), rotations (turns), area and perimeter models and 100 charts. The exact sizes in this set are: .5cm x .5cm grids (for making hundreds charts & multiplication charts) 1cm x 1cm grids, 2cm x cm grids, and 1 in. x 1 in. grids.
https://mscraftynyla.blogspot.com/2014/09/free-grid-paper-pages.html

Reading Focus Cards (low-tech & digital tools)
Use the Reading Focus Cards for placeholder support with long addition, multiplication and division, as well as with algebraic equations and other math applications. Utilizing these physical and digital tools can help increase focus on the needed math operation and improve accuracy with problem solving.
http://www.focusandread.com/products

Sources

What Is Dyscalculia? What Should I Do if My Child Has It? from WebMD.com
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/dyscalculia-facts#1

Dyscalculia: What You’re Seeing from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/dyscalculia-what-youre-seeing

Homeschooling With Dyslexia Blog by Marianne Sunderland
Marianne Sunderland is the creator of Homeschooling With Dyslexia, a site dedicated to educating and encouraging parents to successfully homeschool their children with dyslexia and related learning disabilities.
https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/

For tools & resources to help improve reading & math skills, visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image sources:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com AND
Pixabay.com at https://pixabay.com

BEST Resources for Dyslexia

Dyslexia can affect children and adults of all levels of intelligence and ability. However, very often, individuals with dyslexia possess an above-average intellectual level.

It is important to address the unique symptoms of dyslexia as well as accommodate individual learning challenges so that the persons affected can progress in the classroom, in the workplace and in life. Doing so will enable them to actually reach their potentials. Persons with dyslexia often have exceptional talents and gifts that can positively influence their lives and our world. If we use the right strategies and accommodations to help dyslexics, not only will the 1 in 5 persons affected with dyslexia benefit, but all of society will enjoy the positive results of addressing their learning needs.

Dyslexia Vocabulary & Definitions

Visual dyslexia is the term used for the specific learning disability called visual processing disorder. This form of dyslexia is the result of immature development of not only the eyes, but the entire neurological process that receives and manages information from the eyes to the brain.

A child's eyes that are not fully developed will send incomplete information to the brain. This incomplete information then results in poor comprehension of what the child has read or poor memory of visual information. Sometimes this process results in number and letter reversals as well as the inability to write symbols in the correct sequence. However, this does not always occur. In other words, letter reversals are not an automatic indication of this type of dyslexia, as some may believe.

Phonological (auditory) dyslexia is the specific learning disability involving poor auditory processing. The more severe condition is called Auditory Processing Disorder (OPD). This form of dyslexia involves difficulty with sounds of letters or groups of letters. With this form of dyslexia, sounds are usually perceived as jumbled or not heard correctly.

Dyspraxia refers to the learning disability term sensor-motor integration. It is a widely pervasive motor condition characterized by impairment or immaturity of the organization of movement with associated problems of language, perception and thought. Typically, the child affected by dyspraxia may appear clumsy with poor coordination.

This learning challenge called dyspraxia is separated into several groups. True dyspraxia is a lifelong condition that, to some degree, can respond to consistent, early and structured intervention. Developmental dyspraxia reflects neurological immaturity. It is evidence of a delay rather than a deficit that can be resolved over time with appropriate treatment. However, only time will determine the difference.

Verbal praxis refers to the weaknesses observed in the mechanisms of speech production which can cause articulation to be impaired and expressive language to be inhibited. Speech production and articulation are not considered learning disabilities but should certainly be addressed by a speech and language therapist.

Dysgraphia is the term referred to as an inability to hold or control a pencil so that the correct markings can be made on paper. These symptoms most often manifest themselves in poor letter formation in printing or deficient cursive writing skills. When talking about a specific learning disability, these symptoms would be identified as immature, fine-motor development.

Dyscalculia refers to an impairment of the ability to solve mathematical problems, usually resulting from brain dysfunction. Persons of any IQ can be affected and often have difficulties with time, measurement and spatial reasoning. Dyscalculia can be detected at a young age. Because of this, measures can be taken to ease the problems faced by younger students by implementing specific strategies or modifying the teaching methods. However, because dyscalculia is not as well-known as other learning disorders, it is often not recognized nor addressed.
(Source: TYPES OF DYSLEXIA by Understanding Learning Disabilities: http://www.understanding-learning-disabilities.com/types-of-dyslexia.html---Please see active link to follow.)

Our purpose here is not only to inform our readers about the semantics of dyslexia but also to provide helpful resources to aid in addressing the unique learning needs of those affected. We have gathered together here some of the links we believe might be most beneficial. We hope you will agree and use them to help a struggling dyslexic child, teen or adult.

BEST Resources for the Dyslexias

Top 10 Resources on Dyslexia
by Reading Rockets via LDOnline.com
Resources and links to help you learn about dyslexia and how to help a reader challenged with its symptoms.
http://www.ldonline.org/article/42331/

TYPES OF DYSLEXIA
by Understanding Learning Disabilities
There are several types of dyslexia (or learning disabilities) that can affect the child's ability to spell as well as read. The types are identified by the nature of the problem within the central nervous system or brain.
http://www.understanding-learning-disabilities.com/types-of-dyslexia.html

Accommodating Students With Dyslexia
by Cecil Mercer, EdD via NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities)
Teaching students with dyslexia across settings is challenging. Listed here are some accommodations that general education and special education teachers can use in a classroom of heterogeneous learners.
http://ncld.org/students-disabilities/ld-education-teachers/accommodating-students-dyslexia

Types of Accommodations(for Dyslexia)
from Davis Dyslexia
Different kinds of accommodations that can be provided to dyslexic students when studying and taking exams.
http://faq.dyslexia.com/cgi-bin/faq_wiki.pl?Types_Of_Accommodations

Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779)
This DESKTOP app is the digital version of the low-tech, physical Reading Focus Cards tools (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app provides very practical support for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. It promotes more FOCUSED online reading of almost ALL digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) In addition, the app supports touch-screen technology (where applicable).

1. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store and search for Reading Focus Cards or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12

2. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are ever provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

For more information on customizable reading tools for dyslexia and other reading issues, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Dyslexia Facts, Resources & Apps for This Back-to-School Season

With the new school year beginning for most students this month, we have paid particular attention to the visitors to our blog and the information they are currently seeking. You may be interested to know that 6 out of 10 searches on our Help for Struggling Readers blog currently involve the topic of dyslexia. During the past week when many schools began the new year, we noted that the top search keywords and phrases were devices to help with dyslexia, dyslexia testing, reading tools for dyslexia and apps for dysgraphia.

This is one reason why we thought it would be a good idea to present a few facts about dyslexia that could help many of the parents and students seeking assistance with dyslexia. We also are providing a few new resources to help as well. We hope that with this information and these ready-to-go resources at your fingertips, you or someone you know will experience a much more SUCCESSFUL back-to-school season!

Happy Reading, everyone!

Dyslexia Facts

1. If young students with dyslexia receive the needed resources and support from K-3 grade, those same students will experience much more reading and academic success in later years.

2. Students with dyslexia who receive this support after grade 3 will have a more significant challenge learning to read.

3. Many children and adults with dyslexia are particularly sensitive to light or contrast on a page, so helpful reading tools may alleviate eyestrain and make reading less cumbersome for some students.

4. Dyslexic students tend to be especially adept at understanding three-dimensional objects, spatial reasoning, and things they can see in pictures.

5. Persons with dyslexia have problems with symbols, so their math challenges often stem from difficulty with the symbolic representation of math concepts.

6. Many dyslexic students also have difficulty thinking with words, so rote memory of math sums (such as multiplication tables) can be particularly difficult.

7. Because students with dyslexia are "big picture" thinkers, they often have trouble with sequential, step-by-step logic or ordering (which is critical when following a series of steps such as learning to do long division, multiplication, etc.)

8. Researchers who have studied identical twins have found that where one twin is dyslexic, the other will have dyslexia about 55 to 70 percent of the time, depending on the type of dyslexia. This research shows that there is a strong genetic influence, but that environment and life experiences also play a role in the development of symptoms.

9. There is a wide range of careers and professions that can enable a dyslexic to be successful. A few examples are:

-Science/research
-Psychology
-Teaching
-Business/management/marketing/sales
-Interior design/garden & landscape design
-Culinary arts
-Woodworking/carpentry
-Art/painting/sculpting/acting/graphic art
-Architecture/design
-Mechanics/engineering
-Photography/music
-Athletics
-Computing/software design/electronics

10. "When we look at the gift (of dyslexia) as well as the disability we promote a wider understanding of dyslexia, more tolerance, and development of better educational and workplace tools for enable dyslexic people to learn and work more effectively." (Source: Abigail Marshall, DDAI---http://www.dyslexia.com/qagift.htm#981026)

Dyslexia Resources

Methods & Therapies to Help with Dyslexia
from Davis Dyslexia Association International
http://www.dyslexia.com/library/dyslexia_methods.htm

Horatio Humble Beats the Big D
by Margot Finke
A book about dyslexia for young readers ages 5-10 years.
Synopsis: When a young student named Horatio has difficulty reading, his parents meet with the teacher to discover why. Horatio hears the words Dyslexia and Special Ed. "No way! Kids will think I'm dumb." However, after working with the teacher, things begin to look much brighter for Horatio. This is an excellent book for children with dyslexia.
http://www.amazon.com/Horatio-Humble-Beats-Big-D/dp/1616331011

Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles
from Cut the Knot
Hands-on math resources for dyscalculia & other math challenges
http://www.cut-the-knot.org/

Links to FREE Software for Dyslexia
from Davis Dyslexia Association International
The programs on this page are available via the internet, without charge for the initial download.
http://www.dyslexia.com/helpread.htm

Reading Made Simple-Book 1: Sounding Out Words-2nd Edition
Written by Dyslexics for Dyslexics - A Parent/Teacher Guide [Kindle Edition] (Price: $0.99) by Russell Van Brocklen, Aliza Sager, Zack Erickson-Grabowski
This book describes a scientifically-based writing program. It is provided for parents, educators and tutors to learn how to teach dyslexics how to read a basic sentence simply and easily.
http://www.amazon.com/Dyslexia-Solutions-Reading-Made-Simple-ebook/dp/B00KKSLKU6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1402519450&sr=8-2&keywords=russell+van+brocklen

FREE Online Test for Dyslexia
from Davis Dyslexia Association International
This link offers a free on-line questionnaire that will provide a short learning profile and help determine the level and severity of dyslexia symptoms. The test takes about 5 minutes to complete and is confidential. This website does not require submission of any personal identifying information.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this online assessment is not a substitute for a formal diagnosis. It is intended primarily for educational purposes, to help individuals, parents and teachers better understand their learning profile and to learn more about dyslexia.
http://www.testdyslexia.com/

The Positive Aspects of Having Dyslexia
from Happy Dyslexic
Special characteristics, talents and abilities of dyslexics enable them to be successful in a wide range of careers. Lists of each are provided here.
http://www.happydyslexic.com/node/6

Dyslexia Solutions: Navigating to the Best Solution
from DyslexiaConsultants.com
Learn what you can do to overcome dyslexia and many of the types of learning disabilities children face today.
http://www.dyslexiaconsultants.com/

Dyslegia: A Legislative Information Site
This site is maintained by Davis Dyslexia Association International to report and track pending dyslexia legislation in the United States.
http://www.dyslegia.com/

Dyslexia Apps

APP: Dyslexia |Your News Read Aloud (FREE)
by Volacent---Limited
(For Android)
This app reads aloud any news, magazines and blogs websites of your choice and is perfect for persons with dyslexia. Start listening to CNN, FOX news, USA TODAY and many more. Provides the best clear & natural reading voice experience. Real time news articles are read aloud for you while driving your car, jogging, cooking or even drifting to sleep.
Note: After download you will be asked to upgrade.
http://www.appszoom.com/android_applications/news_and_magazines/dyslexia-your-news-read-aloud_fwndq_download.html

APP: Dyslexia and Dysgraphia (Price: $4.99)
by Katherine Johnson
(For iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad & iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.)
Do you or someone you know have a hard time reading, especially with reversing letters and numbers at an older age? Do you have poor handwriting? Do you have a hard time getting your thoughts down on paper? This app contains exercises that, if done daily for at least 30 days, have helped many people overcome just that!
https://itunes.apple.com/app/dyslexia-and-dysgraphia/id570607504?mt=8

APPS: List of Apps for Dyslexia (Price: FREE & Various prices)
from DyslexiaHelp and the University of Michigan
(For iOS and Android devices)
Frequently updated online list of apps to help with dyslexia challenges
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps

Desktop APP: Reading Focus Cards (Patent 8,360,779) (Price: $5.99)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
This desktop app is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app for Windows PCs and Macs provides practical READING SUPPORT for children and adults with dyslexia, ADHD, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. It promotes more FOCUSED online reading of almost ALL digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) In addition, the Reading Focus Cards app is compatible with and supports touch-screen technology. The application can be moved on the screen over text by the fingers, mouse or arrow keys as needed.
1. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store and search for Reading Focus Cards or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
2. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are ever provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

For more information on customizable reading tools for dyslexia, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Websites for Dyscalculia & Dyspraxia

The third in a series of five articles with specific special needs resources

As planned and promised, we are continuing our series of articles containing helpful links to websites for specific special needs. This week, the websites presented are for dyscalculia and dyspraxia, two different disabilities that some consider as two other forms of dyslexia.

Before we present the best websites for these two learning challenges, however, we first want to provide good definitions for these learning issues.

What Is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities involving math. There is no single type of math disability. Dyscalculia can vary from person to person. It can also affect people differently at different stages of life. Using alternate learning methods, people with dyscalculia can achieve success. Currently, statistics vary regarding the incidence of this particular learning disability.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

What Is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder throughout the brain that results in life-long impaired motor, memory, judgment, processing, and other cognitive skills. Dyspraxia also impacts the immune and central nervous systems. Each dyspraxic person has different abilities and weaknesses as dyspraxia often comes with a variety of comorbidities. One in ten persons in the U.S. suffers from dyspraxia.
(Source: Dyspraxia Foundation USA: Please see website link to follow below here.)

BEST Websites for Dyscalculia

National Center for Learning Disabilities---Dyscalculia
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/what-is-dyscalculia

about dyscalculia
http://aboutdyscalculia.org/resources.html

Dyscalculia.org-Math Tools
http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-tools

Apps to Help Students with Dyscalculia and Math Difficulties---by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (via NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-dyscalculia-math-difficulties

The British Dyslexia Association---Dyscalculia Primer & Resource Guide
http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/dyscalculiaprimerandresourceguide.htm

BEST Websites for Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia Foundation USA
http://www.dyspraxiausa.org/

Six Helpful Dyspraxia Resources---from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyspraxia/helpful-motor-skills-development-resources

Blog: occupationaltherapyforchildren.over-blog.com
http://occupationaltherapyforchildren.over-blog.com/article-dyspraxia-87698021.html

Dyspraxia (Children) – Symptoms (from NHS in the UK)
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dyspraxia-(childhood)/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

BRAIN.HE (Best Resources for Achievement and Intervention re Neurodiversity in Higher Education)
http://www.brainhe.com/students/types/dyspraxia.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC

Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!

Teachers are more than a little busy right now getting their classrooms ready for that first day of the new term. Parents are organizing their to-do lists preparing their children for a great academic year. Students are anticipating that first day with a new teacher. Challenged learners may actually be a bit anxious about the approaching weeks. However, everyone is getting in gear for the new school year!

Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, you are most likely interested in helpful apps and ready-to-use resources to help learners of all kinds and of all ages. We thought as a follow up to last week’s article entitled Math Made Easier for Challenged Learners, we would provide you with a list of direct links to all types of math apps, worksheets and other activities that would also be helpful for struggling learners. These can be used before or during the approaching fall term.

Please let us know if you are aware of other apps, downloadable worksheets or printable math activities of this kind. We will be more than glad to add them to the list below.

Have a great school year, everyone!

Helpful Math Apps

Math Apps for Children with Special Needs---from Dr. Gary James
Summaries and direct links to math apps for all kinds of learners
http://a4cwsn.com/tag/math/

Math Apps and Learning Tools for Kids (Apps listed for ages 2-14 years)
Learning and practicing math is always more fun when it’s part of a game. We like these apps and other related learning tools for how they use creative methods to teach kids math concepts.
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-app-lists/math-apps-and-learning-tools-for-kids

Apps for Special Needs (Math)
Download a complete list of Apps for Special Needs (PDF). Direct links provided to iTunes App Store for each app. When accessing the apps through this link, your will be helping to raise funds for special needs each time you purchase.
http://www.ihelpforspecialneeds.com/iHelpWelcome/Math_Apps.html

Helpful Math Worksheets & Printables

FREE Printable Math Grids and Other Math Helpers-from Do2Learn
These grids are easy to print and help to keep numbers in the correct column when adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. You can write the problem in colored pencil or ink and have the child use a regular pencil. Dot-to-dot number worksheets, a printable multiplication table and number lines are also available via this link.
http://www.do2learn.com/activities/mathhelpers/

FREE Math Worksheets-from K5 Learning
Printable worksheets for each grade level from K-6 are available via this site.
http://www.k5learning.com/free-math-worksheets

FREE Math Printables for Special Needs-from SENTeacher
Many excellent math printables are available here for all kinds of learners.
http://www.senteacher.org/print/mathematics/

Helpful Math Activities & Other RelatedResources for Special Needs

Math for the Fun of It!-from www.math.com
Here you will find a variety of enjoyable activities to assist you in teaching your child a few basic math concepts.
http://www.math.com/parents/articles/funmath.html

Math activities for special needs children
Here you will find e-books available online that include math activities and related resources for children with special needs.
http://www.mybookezzz.com/math-activities-for-special-needs-children/

Make Math More Fun for Your Special Needs Students with These Card Games!-from BrightHub Education

by Anne Vize
Most teachers in special education like to have a grab bag of ready-to-go activities they can pull out at a moment’s notice. These card games and activities work well with high school learners with low numeracy skills. Kids love playing with cards, and they provide age-appropriate learning skills.
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-inclusion-strategies/12360-five-great-math-card-games-for-special-education-learners/

Reading Focus Card (Model #001) can be used in many math applications, too.(Photo at right)

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: www.BrennanInnovators.com

Math Made Easier for Challenged Learners

Effective Math Resources ALL in One Place!

In our most recent articles, we have been offering tips and resources to help make the Back-to-School “journey” just a little bit easier. However, those offerings have been related to literacy and study skills. This week, we wanted to provide some effective yet easy-to-access resources for sharpening those math skills that may have become dormant over the summer break.

Over the past several weeks, we have been working on what we think is a great list of math links for parents and teachers of challenged learners to provide just this kind of assistance. In addition, we have categorized the resources according to learning style and level of technology. We hope you will find what we have here for you to be just the kind of math resources you need to help your child or your students get back into the math groove!

A. Math Resources for Visual Learners (Spatial) – For these learners, visual information (e.g. printed words, maps, charts, environmental cues) are needed for ease of learning.

Visualizing Multiplication
This is a great tool for those children who are struggling with multiplication facts.
http://www.classroomfreebies.com/2012/12/visualizing-multiplication.html

FREE Montessori Math Videos
YouTube has become a wonderful resource for parents and teachers searching for information on Montessori education. The math videos via this link can provide very helpful instruction.
http://sulia.com/livingmontessorinow/f/a0561600-00b3-40eb-bbc8-ceefe3651285/

B. Math Resources for Auditory Learners (Linguistic) – For these learners, spoken language is a preferred way of taking in and responding to information.

Auditory: Math Resources
A list of 9 resources to help teach math concepts via auditory methods
http://www.riverspringscharter.org/elementary-k-6/curriculum/learning-resources/learning-styles/Auditory-learners/auditory-math

Math and Skip Counting (Prices vary)
Here is a variety of math CDs from which to choose.
http://www.singnlearn.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=math&sid=pc2l04513d0y84d7a20l5n7za3299vk2

C. Math Resources for Kinesthetic Learners (Physical/Tactile) – For these learners, engaging in hands-on activity and getting feedback from physical sensations are important and helpful in facilitating learning and in demonstrating mastery of skills.

Turning Non-Traditional Games into Learning Fun
Take regular games that students are already familiar with and give them an educational “twist.” What’s the result? Math learning becomes FUN learning!
http://www.theorganizedclassroomblog.com/index.php/blog/turning-noneducational-games-into-learning-fun

Lego Math Game {Greater Than or Less Than}
Adding Lego to math learning can be much more fun for children. This activity is also quick and simple to put together – always a plus!
http://www.oneperfectdayblog.net/2013/03/27/lego-math-games/

Lego Math That Kids Love!
More math activities involving Legos
http://bestactivitiesforkids.com/lego-math/

D. Math Resources for Social Learners

How to Teach Math as a Social Activity
A master math teacher in Anchorage, Alaska, establishes a cooperative-learning environment in an upper-elementary classroom.
http://www.edutopia.org/math-social-activity-cooperative-learning-video

Cooperative Learning Techniques
by Gisele Glosser
Cooperative learning should not be used haphazardly. However, when used with a plan, it can offer many educational benefits. Most of all, it is just plain fun. Recommendations for implementation are provided in this article.
http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/coop_learning.html

Instructional Strategies
The strategies in provided in this article support active student participation in math lessons and allow teachers to assess the developing proficiency levels of all students in the class by walking around to monitor student responses.
http://mathwire.com/strategies/is.html

E. Tech Resources for Math (Apps, etc.)

Math Apps (for Apple devices)
By Sandra Fleming (Aug 8, 2013)
Reviews of and links to the BEST math apps for Back-to-School 2013
http://bestappsforkids.com/?cat=407

10 Outstanding Android Math Apps (2013)
For Android fans, here is a list of some great MATH apps to share with their students and kids. Includes basic math levels to algebra.
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/02/10-outstanding-android-math-apps.html

Other Related Resources

Learning Styles vs. Learning Disabilities – from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
Individuals respond to and use different types of information and approaches when engaged in learning. In addition, no one uses only one approach to learning all the time. This article presents basic information about learning styles and learning disabilities.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/what-is-ld/learning-styles-vs-learning-disabilities

Hear It, See It, Feel It – 24 Math Strategies for Your Auditory, Visual or Tactile Learner
Posted by Caroline Mukisa
http://www.mathsinsider.com/hear-it-see-it-feel-it-24-math-strategies-for-your-auditory-visual-or-tactile-learner/

30 of the Best Educational Tools for Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic Learners
A great list of technological tools for ALL kinds of learners
http://diplomaguide.com/articles/30_of_the_Best_Educational_Tools_for_Auditory_Visual_and_Kinesthetic_Learners.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: www.BrennanInnovators.com