My son is 12 with an iep. His main problem is comprehension. I need to get him close to grade level. How?

Question

I really need help in bringing his comprehension level up so that he can advance to 7th grade. He is a hard worker. I bought math workbooks, comprehension workbooks, math workbooks, dry erase boards for practicing math, I made multiplication flash cards, I make my own tests for him. I work a full time job but I am not sure how much time I should make him work this summer with the materials. I do not want to overwhelm him. He will be going to an academic intervention program for 4 weeks. He attended a private school and will need to past a test on Math and language arts in just a few short weeks. He will need to show progress. heeelllllllllllllllllllp!

Answer 1

Take a look at www.alternativeeducationbible.com for some general teaching ideas... I would personally recommend a Saxon Reading Program (available online).

Answer 2

Oh, I wish you and I had talked earlier! Are you familiar with the Saxon Math Program? It is probably the best all-round math program for kids with discalculia. I know, as that's my learning disability, and I'm a Teaching Assistant for Special Needs Middle Schoolers.

But, you are on the right track. Drill your son on the basic facts. DO NOT let him use a calculator. He needs to get a feel for how  basic arithmetic works. Drawing number lines and using manipulatives (counting dry beans, etc.) can really help fix the ideas in his head.

First, talk it all over with him. Set goals together. Let him know he doesn't have to spend all day "doing" math. An hour a day, broken into 3 20-min. segments, then 30 min. or so with you to review his progress, should be enough. THat is, unless he's very far behind.

Let me know what's up, please.

Answer 3

the iep programs in your area might be different then others.  my sons iep program involved him attending a day treatment program that works with troubled kids, not saying he is on him self, what im geeting at is , its their job is to find out how he comprehends, teach him to  find an easy way of understandind things on his level, then they teach his iep teachers ,then parents. ask your school district if they have programs like this one . he finally goes to mainstream school now. he hasnt been since 1st grade it worked for us, especially the facility he went to. it involved weekly counceling sessions that helped us learn about each other. with out pushing them and making them feel awefull if they dont  excell as fast as you want them too, take the time to help him right. remember all children learn at their own levels.  really an academic intervention program? pushing them like you are can and will result in deviststing results.

Answer 4

Since Private schools have different rules regarding their compliance with IDEIA, I can't speak to what will happen if he doesn't pass a test.  I will say passing a test and showing progress are two different things, and perhaps that will work in your favor?  Ask his intervention teachers to be sure!

As for helping him, I would look at how your son learns best and use that to your advantage (review your psych report, that should help some).  Is he a visual learner?  Then the flash cards and the dry erase boards may help.  If it's a weakness, flash cards may just be frustrating.  The game 'SET' may help him develop visual classification/ organizational skills if that's a problem.  Maybe even the old 'Monopoly' or game of 'Life' where he can be banker.  It puts math in a real life context where he has to make decisions, etc.  Is he more auditory?  Then maybe coming up with mnemonics or songs to help him remember processes will help.  Since comprehension is the problem (and you don't want to overwhelm him), other real life activities like grocery shopping where he has to estimate the amount of groceries could be fun- especially if he gets to keep the change if he comes within $5 or that sort of thing.  To add in another step, have him cut out coupons and estimate how much you'll save a week if you use them all.  Finally, send him shopping with a budget and see how he does.  You can even work in fractions by asking him to get a 1/4 dozen of items, etc.

For the language arts- that's a big area you didn't talk about too much, but I will say vocabulary is the building block of comprehension.  Try to pick a word a day and use it in context (sort of like PeeWee's Playhouse used to do).  He can also make up stories at the end of the week using all of the words you all have selected.  The more creative the story, the better and the more likely he'll remember the word meanings.

The suggestions I've given are purposely less 'school' like, so hopefully he'll have fun doing them and learn at the same time.  Good luck to him!

Answer 5

Practice, practice, practice.  Unfortunately, that's all you can do.  Since your son has special needs, chances are he needs to build the BASIC skills of math and reading.  Build up the basics, such as: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, place value, money, reading fluency, reading comp, phonetic sounds.  It seems like you have been putting a lot of effort into helping your son, before his test I would also work on skills to reduce test anxiety.  He is probably even more nervous about the test than you are so tell him to relax, take his time, deep breathing helps, if he is confused on a question tell him to skip it and go back later.  Good luck!

Answer 6

Since he has an IEP it is the SCHOOLS job to get him up to grade level!!!

I know you want to help him during the summer and that's great, but comprehension problems need specialized programs that schools provide.

But they haven't done this in your childs case.

Typical of schools to be this way

If I'm not mistaken special ed kids can not fail. Here's a message board with LOTS of help--

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