Teaching 1st graders "touch math"? Good or bad?

Question

I have a 1st grader and his teacher taught them to add using the touch math system. (putting dots on the numbers). Well, it screwed him all up, he can't add unless the dots are there and if their not, he tries to guess where they are. She used to teach special ed and everything I've read states it's for kids with learning issues only. we have parent teacher conferences in a few days and we plan to discuss this w/ her. It's been a real hassel trying to undo this w/ my son. Has anyone else had this taught to their child that is not in a special ed program? If so, how did it work out? Thanks

Answer 1

It is not a special ed program ALOT of schools use this system instead of counting things like pennies..it teaches them to use their brain and think instead of using visual objects that they touch. It is a very good system..sometimes some kids have problems with it at first, but give it time and patience and be supportive and encouraging and it will work out do not start telling the teacher that her ways are ineffective and not working..because alot of us want to blame the teachers..it's not the teachers..some children get it faster than others and eventually he will stop using the number system...everything will be okay..I would be mroe concerned if he isn't reading well..you'll be fine..math comes harder for others than some...good luck..just stick with it! try using dice or something or a deck of cards so that he realizes there are other ways..

Answer 2

When my son was in 1st grade, he learned touch math.    He was in a spec ed program (resource room).    However by  late first grade or early second grade he learned how to add/subtract without any dots on the paper.     They were just regular Math problems on paper.    He would also count the dots even when there weren't any there but he would answer  correctly so it worked out for him.

Definitely talk with his teacher.    It just seems like he hasn't yet reached the point of being able to do the problems without seeing the dots there but most kids will eventually get it without seeing the dots on the paper.

ETA:   I haven't seen the problems that you mentioned but it appears that Touch Math is not working well for him.   It's late in the school year so your district likely wouldn't allow you to have him transferred to another public school even if school choice is legal in your area.    You can talk to the principal about getting him into another classroom but that can be an uphill battle too.   You may just have to accept that you will  be his Math tutor until the school year is over.   Do you think his teacher will care that your son is using your methods if he can answer subtraction problems correctly?    My kids' teachers wouldn't have minded if he keeps getting the right answers most of the time.  

This would be a good time to ask other parents about 2nd grade teachers at the school.   My kids' elementary didn't mind teacher requests if it was before the start of the school year.   At least that way you will have some control over who is teaching him.

Answer 3

Be open to the possibility that your son is BECOMING special ed. This might be just really keen insight by his instructor.

Answer 4

If They can get it done quickly I guess yeah its ok I use and Im not in special ed I actually make small marking. It helps with adding trust me

Answer 5

Hi:

Just work with him and patience. Patience is the key. Especially when some kids are slower than other. I believe in time everything will work out. Take care and keep prayer first.

Answer 6

I was in a normal math class in grade school and one of the special ed students in our class told my teacher about it, and she decided to teach it to us.  It didn't really mess me up, but I still to this day use it.  I don't draw the dots anymore, just point at them really fast with my pen.  It sounds like he might have been taught it wrong.  It's more of a counting, not visual thing, I think.  I hope it works out!

Answer 7

I have only seen this used with special ed. students. Eventually the kids learn to add and subtract without the dots, but it takes a while. If it's not working for your son, you should definitely discuss it with his teacher.

Answer 8

I really hate to tell you,but this is a new way of learning math.I went to a P.T.O. at school, where they had this special presentation, explaining it. You are the one who`s gonna have to re learn, to keep your child from getting confused. Just wait till lattice lol. Power point is really simple, once you get the swing-it`s just elimanating using your fingers.Good Luck,Time to study-Isn`t it good to have a computer, to help us keep up with our kids?