How can I get my child to catch on to math?

Question

I have a child who is currently on an IEP. He is currently struggling in mostly math. He does not understand how to add or subtract and the rest of his class are now in division. I have tried everything i know to help him learn these skills. Every year we have to attend summer school. What can I do to get him at the level he should be at. Mind you not he was born at only 22 weeks with no physical dis. But he is having some learning problems. (reading= well, Math = not well 1st grade level, reading comprehension=fair) I have heard that i need to fiind what learning style is best for him. I can say this much he loves cartoon s and action video games. What is a mother to do? Help! Serious advice only.

Answer 1

ok i dont know how old he is but lets say he likes video games then ask him ' if you have 20 videos and i took 7 away how many would you have left!?'  show him aswell

if that dosnt work have a casual conversation with him about what he finds hard and what he's confused about! stay casual and carm!! other wise he wont wanna tell you!

also you could ask him random mathmatical questions about things you see. but again stay casual and carm!!

hope i helped and good luck x

Answer 2

I already answered but my computer went stupid, so here I go again.

Some people just don't have the type of mind that grasps the concept of numbers well. I didn't. I struggled with seeing numbers in my head, yet I was always on the honor role, because I worked extra hard on that part.

My father would drill me, mostly, on multiplication, physics, etc...

What you need to do is give him something that he easily can wrap his mind around.  He may need something more visual.  If he's having problems wtih addition and subtraction, give him something to visualize! Make construction paper cut outs and do the whole "I have 3 apples, and I add 2 apples" so he can actually see what's going on.  He may be struggling with the theoretical concept that is a number. He may respond better if he can actually see it in practice!  

Kids love to count money! Play store with him. Let him actually see what happens when you put one dollar bill with two dollar bills.  Using these methods will help him be able to see the math in his mind, and going over it with you will help it stick. :)

Answer 3

Hello, I worked with a child in 3rd grade as a spec. ed para.  He is at about a first grade level as well.  We used a program called touch point math.  This is a program where each number has dots on them in certain spots (ex, a two has two dots) and the child actually touches them when adding.  After a bit the child remembers where the dots are and practices writing the dots in on a number without dots.  This is helpful as there will not always be munipulitives in life but he or she can always put the dots on the numbers or after awhile just touch the number remembering where the dots are.   Some children learn well with muniplitives but this child seemed to just get distracted by them. He now can add very well and accurately.  Subtraction is comming along better but has a hard time counting backwards from numbers greater than 15.  I have seen a great improvement throughout the school year using this program.

Answer 4

Sometimes children don't understand the connection between the symbols (numbers, + - = signs) and the "action" (addition, subtraction) that is going on during math.  I think using manipulatives are great at understanding the concepts of math, but I would extend it to include the symbols as well.  For instance, you can bring out three superhero figures and ask your child to write down how many he has (3).  Then, say "I'm going to subtract two superheros.  How would you write that down?".  Your child would write down - 2.  Then, explain how "-2" means you will take away two superheros and ask your child "What would that would equal?" and write down an equal sign then the answer after they speak the answer.

Overall, I would try to teach your child how numbers and signs are like any other symbols we use that represent things.  He can read well, so he know that letters make sounds and words.  Maybe this approach would help me bridge the concepts.

Answer 5

Educational toy stores have lots of tools that can help to keep him engaged while learning. Additionally, you may want to enroll him in a study program (through Kaplan, Kumon, or the Princeton Review) that will help him to learn his strengths and weaknesses, and how those strengths can be used to overcome the weaknesses.

I've always struggled with math, and was a preemie too- it was a matter of figuring out what parts I was good at, and applying those skills to the new parts. I'm still not a whiz, but I'm pretty competent where it counts.

Best of luck! :)

Answer 6

Please listen up to this as it might seem radical but it has worked for others. Get some help with EFT, children can learn to do it for themselves too.

Connect to the website www.completeangel.com and there is a self help section at the bottom of the Peace Within (home page)

where you can download a free manual from Gary Craig who developed this energy therapy. I can only tell you it is amazing and works with anything you can think of whether it is physical, mental or emotional! Children often respond to it really well. They can learn (easily) to do it for themselves so it gives them confidence.

Good luck and let me know if I can help you any more.

Rosie

Answer 7

What is written on the IEP plan to help him with math? In other words, what does the IEP plan say that the school is suppose to be doing to help him with math?

What ever it is , it is NOT working.

You need to write to principal and request an IEP meeting to have the math helped changed to something that WILL work to help him with math.

YOU are an equal member of the IEP team and everyone at school including you will get together to go over his problems, and decide what can be done to help him.

What ever is decided upon HAS to be written in teh IEP plan.

Heres a message board that is GREAT for these type of problems

http://millermom.proboards107.com/index....

Yes you are suppose to help him, but the SCHOOL is ALSO suppose to help him? What are THEY doing to help??

Answer 8

It's frustrating, isn't it.  A great tool is TouchMath (http://www.touchmath.com/).  This helped my daughter (she was a 25weeker)...some.  

From experience, my dd's math skills have gotten worse over the years.  Schools just push them through and only teach what they need to in order to pass the SOL's.

Don't let this happen to you - he needs intensive 1:1 math help.  If the school can't provide it, they should pay for it.

Also check this site out - my dd has dyscalculia (math learning disability) - you might want to check out the "symptoms" www.dyscalculia.org - it's not uncommon for our preemies to have a learning disability - espcially very low birthweight babies.

good luck

Answer 9

Is he a visual learner? If so I really suggest Math U See. You can order a DVD from them that shows what the program is about. He watches the DVD for each lesson then uses the blocks (I described them in your earlier question) to help solve the problem.

My daughter couldn't subtract when I pulled her out of school. She was repeating second grade because of it. We ordered the free DVD and she got so excited. When it was over she looked at me and said mom "I got it!" She understood what he was doing and  was able to repeat it. Needless to say we ordered it that day!

Take a look at http://www.mathusee.com

Answer 10

There is this program for math called Making Math Real. Horrid name, but it is an excellent alternative for the way schools teach math. I had serious issues with math, and this worked for me. It makes everything more clear and interesting. It might not work for your son, but it might. the website is http://www.makingmathreal.org

If you have any questions feel free to email me. I'm on an IEP two. Good times.

Answer 11

Use manipulatives.  If he loves cartoons, use some of his cartoon figures to illustrate addition.  for example... if you have 3 superheros (give him 3 figures) and now I give you 2 more superheros ( give him 2 more) how many superheros do you now have.  (have him count them).  You can also do this with subtraction, division and multiplication.  Most children with a learning disability can learn complex concepts, it just takes a lot of patience, repetition and love.

Answer 12

u just encourage him n tell the pattern to do the sum.and give him easiest example 2 understand addition n sub .let him do sums daily 10-15 minutes.this method will improve skills.