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Special Words for Special Needs ~ Math is Hard?

10:49 AM, Sep. 25, 2009

Math is all a twitter on the porch this week. Remember the big fuss when the Barbie doll had a prerecorded phrase,"math is hard." hmmm? Strange was Barbie was right?

Math like is just like any other subject in its ability to be learned or have problems. Even with a learning disablity called dyscalcula. Many children find the step by step process of math to be difficult because they lack organizational skills. Some cannot keep the numbers in the columns that are required to produce a proper answer. Then some children get so upset and anxious at the idea there is only one option they would rather put no answer than face the possibility of being wrong.

Let's break it down and see if we can brainstorm each issue.

Organizational skills: Break each problem down into the steps necessary. Have occasional "pit stops" places to recheck or verify they are proceeding correctly. For example, with an addition problem teach them that you can use subtraction to check the problem. With an algebra problem, after x is isolated, check that all numbers and signs are still present (in haste you can easily misplace a number or sign.) One last tip that sometimes helps the visual learners is to write the problem on the paper in another color, so they are sure their reference problem is correct.

Problems with number placement: Dyslexia is not just a problem affecting reading. The visual problems of flipping single digits and whole series of number can greatly impact math. For my daughter, as we moved into higher math, I turned the paper sideways. Then you have an entire sheet of natural columns!

Anxiety and math: Math is simple--the problem produces one correct way to get there and one correct answer. Imagine you are in the busiest train station in the world. There are foreign signs up everywhere and many, many choices of trains to take. Everyone around you seems to know exactly where they are going and how to get there. The more you look and think about how to get to your train the more confused you get. You might ask for help but some answers are in another language and mean nothing but confusion. An answer or two are in your language but when you follow their instructions you get the wrong train. Eventually you develop this knowledge deep in your gut that no matter what you do, you will be wrong and never get home. Sounds sad and maybe overblown?!

Well how can we reduce anxiety? First take away some of the choices talk to your child about the process they are going to be using for their work. Repeat and reinforce that you know they can do this. You could even put a good piece of work near their math book or math folder so they can remember. Teach your child as the confusion and frustration from a problem sets in, that it is okay to move to the next problem. Have your child repeat the instructions you are giving them. Listen closely to be sure they are hearing what they need to do correctly.

Lastly try to prevent depression from setting in when math comes out. Encourage your child to be cheerful in all that they do. If you are already to that point make it a team effort, "family sticks together!"

Math is different from the other subjects, but not harder. I wrote a post discussing some of the math curricula options. The yearly search for math curricula Step outside of curriculum when you can make math real. Talk about NASA and the math used to get people into space. Talk to your adventurer about the math needed to calculate oxygen for SCUBA tanks. When math becomes another life subject and not a pile of annoying numbers you have WON!

Heather lives in West Virginia. She and her husband have been homeschooling their 5 children for 8 years. Due to a genetic disorder their children have multiple special needs. Living life to the fullest for the glory of God is their goal! Visit Heather's page at www.homeschoolblogger.com/gfcfmomofmany/ or at Special Needs Homeschooling.

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