Math Facts & Special Kids

[mrsrandolph]

I have a 7 year old son with some frontal lobe issues. One of those is working memory. I bought a program specifically designed to help kids memorize math facts. It is called "Rocket Math". It has worked very well for my typically developing 8 year old daughter.

My 7 year old is being CRUSHED by trying to memorize these facts, and I have a strong suspicion it is due to his working memory weakness. My husband and I have worked on the premise that we want to treat him as "normally" as possible, but understand that modifications will have to be made.

So, my question for you is this...

Should I just teach him how to solve the problems using his fingers by counting up and back, etc...using manipulatives? Should I do that plus continue working on memorizing the facts a few at a time?

It just seems that the memorization is killing his spirit.

Thanks!

[psreit]

I'm not sure what to tell you, but I wanted to mention that my dd was born with CP. I had her tested by the local school psychologist for a reading disability. His results were that she was doing okay in reading, but her math skills were behind. It is unclear if it is because of lack of exposure, since she basically repeated K when she went to school last year or if it is due to the CP. He said that, in his experience, CP often affects Math skills. So, I am in the same boat with dd. She can find answers in simple addition and subtraction problems by using pictures, but she does not really know any facts, except maybe the ones in addition. I know telling time and counting money are going to be an issue as well. She is a very smart girl in a lot of ways, but she has no concept of time. She will be 8 in May and still doesn't realize what day of the week it is most of the time. I am working through the daily math lessons in HOD with her, but wonder if I should be doing more. So, I, too, can use some suggestions in this area. I really think dd's lack of math skills is a processing problem, so I really believe this will be an area of struggle for us. Sorry I am just adding to your post instead of helping you. When I met with the psychologist and the reading specialist, they gave ideas for helping her reading. Maybe there is a 'math' specialist that would have some ideas. If I find any help I will let you know.

[countrymom]

I am responding not as someone who works with special needs, but simply based on what I know about learning and how I am approaching math (actually all subjects) with my boys. I would not worry about the memorization. My son just finished 1A of Singapore (1/2 way through 1st grade) and doesn't have any equations memorized yet, except 1 + 1 and a couple like that. That is not my goal at this point. We do our math with counters, a number line, or fingers. My concentration is making sure he understands the principles. For your son I think it is especially important to not worry about the memorization so you don't crush his spirit. Just keep going with counters, fingers, etc. and concentrate on the principles. Build him up that way, give him a compliment when he readily solves a problem. Often in math we concentrate so much on the memorization, the actual learning has not taken place.

[water2wine]

For my dd who has CP and sounds like similar issues, I used simple copywork of math facts. In the end that worked better than anything else I tried. Not sure if it will work for you but just putting it out there.

[John'smom]

I don't have a special needs child, but my dd was having a terrible time memorizing her facts. One thing I've done is played math games with her. She loves it and I think since she's having a good time and is not feeling frustrated she's picking up the facts. I have let her use a 100's chart during this time. You could probably also use an abacus, but I don't have one here. I actually have a lot of fun too. I do about 10 min/day with the math games. I don't know if that would work or not. Saying a prayer.

[mrsrandolph]

Where do you get your math games?

[frankesense]

I've used "Games For Math" by Peggy Kaye.

[Tansy]

As I've posted before I love love love Rapid Recall from Little Giant Steps. As it is a multi sensory approach designed for Special Need kids. Its Math Memorization using a no stress self testing approach. Since it uses sight, writing, hearing, and speaking and No Testing from Mom, the kids manage
the pacing as well.

On top of that we use a math method that as you teach them how to do the problem step by step, you also build in self help tools so the child gets it right each time. If you want to see it PM me. This program works along side any math curriculum. I love this method as well. No more tears!