I debated whether to post this here, or on the math board, but felt I might get more responses here. My 11-y/o dd has made wonderful gains in reading/writing this year, thanks to a new school and wonderful tutors. However, math is becoming more and more of an issue for us. Last night her teacher had me stop in, and shared that Nic had missed every question on her last math test. She is successful at working the math problems if guided by the teacher, or by myself when doing homework, but isn’t able to retain the information for tests. She is doing multiple number multiplication, and multiplying by factors of ten.
Nic is being given until after the Christmas break to try and get a better handle on the materials before having to move on to division. Obviously, we’d like to do something productive in these next 3-4 weeks, versus just repeating drill work. I’d appreciate any suggestions you can provide! This has always been an area where she tends to struggle.
Rowena
Multiplication Question
She is in a private parochial school, and is in 5th grade. I had the Landmark book, but frankly wasn’t real clear on how to use it with her on this issue. While using the “dominoes” helped her put the numbers in her mind for traditional number times number multiplication, it isn’t helping my to teach her to retain the processes used to multiple digit multiplication (i.e., 68 x 42). Am I missing something?
Re: Multiplication Qustion
Nic’s Mom,
The programs require MS Excel installed to operate but you don’t have to know anything about Excel as they are point and click simple.
Re: Multiplication Qustion
I agree with Emma. He is known as a troll with an agenda around here. I would worry about the content of the program as well as if there are hidden bugs in the program which will mess up your computer.
If you want to risk it, download it only with a protected computer and have enough knowledge close by so you can uninstall and cleam up after, if necessary.
Re: Multiplication Qustion
HIhgly interesting that “guests” bash somebody offering help. I’ve downloaded the program onto a ‘puter at school with no ill effects. It is not, of course, a “research based program” and all that.
THe books “What To Do WHen YOu Can’t Learn The Times Tables” (original UK version) and “Tools for the Times Tables” (US version with tuppence changed to pennies, etc by Yours Truly) was put together by Dr. Steve Chinn whose name is attached to a *lot* of research on teaching mathematics to folks with dyslexia. DOn’t know if he did specific research on the efficacy of the methods in the books or not (but then it would hardly be independent research) but of course, their design *was* based on research on different ways that students process numbers & basic mathematical concepts.
http://www.resourceroom.net/Products/toolstimes.asp has more info and several sample chapters so there’s something to use right away :-)
Re: Multiplication Qustion
Sue — I have seen posts from “Brian” offering help; on the other hand, I ahve seen totally unacceptable posts from the same name, attacking another poster personally simply because he didn’t like that person’s views. I would therefore treat anything from him with great caution.
Re: Multiplication Qustion
The only thing that has helped my son memorize some of his math facts is to have him learn skip counting. For example for 4s, I’ll set a timer for 15 minutes and lay out cubes 4 per row up to 40. Then I’ll have him say 4, 8, 12, 16….etc… over and over and over for 15 minutes pointing out each row. I also add a metronome to increase speed! Then we do the same thing the next night. After that I might have him go backwards or start at a different point. Another night I have him just say out the entire thing, “4x1=4, 4x2=8, etc….” I’m sure there are better ideas, but this is something quick and easy in the meantime
Re: Multiplication Qustion
Ah, Victoria, I accidentally clicked on one of the ADHD boards… I see exactly what you mean.
Doing skip counting with manipulatives is a great idea. Another version of that is having a number line (or 10 x 10 grid with the numbers 1-100) and coloring in every fourth one and counting them off that way.
another
If she is doing multiple digit multiplication, you might want to use graph or similar paper to make sure she is keeping her columns straight-one less thing to worry about!
http://www.donnayoung.org/math.htm
will allow you to download some paper with squares(even some with facts scattered around the border)
I also use the multiplication chart with my son(also from this site)
I have read compelling arguments about how every time they write 3x9=24, they burn that incorrect fact in their little brains and it’s all the harder to unlearn and relearn the correct facts. So I just let my 12 yr old ds use the chart as needed(of course Im homeschooling this year and the ‘teacher’ allows it ;))
Is your child a 6th grader? In reg. ed.? You might go to the Landmark School’s website and look under publications for the Lanrdmark Arithmetic book, it is excellent for teaching multiplication and division to kids with average IQ and LD. The Landmark School is in this site’s yellow pages, under Massachusetts.