Hello, I need some help. I have a new student in my class who is a 7th grader and he is on the 1.5 grade level in math. Previous test scores 3 years ago put him at a 1.0 grade level. Now 3 years later I test him with the PIAT-R and he scores at 1.5. I struggle everyday since I have had this student with simple addition facts and he forgets everything the next day. His disability is ADHD and his cognitive level is 80. He is about on the 2.5 grade level in all other areas. I am a special ed. teacher for students with ED and have never encountered a student this low. I got this student because the other classes were full and now I am attached to the student and I really want to help him but am unsure as to what to do or where to begin. All of my other students I teach pre-algebra to so I have no programs for this child. He has the attention of half a flea but he is willing to try if I sit next to him. So- what can I do to help him. Do I even worry about him adding and subtracting on his own when he has not been able to do it for his whole school career? Do I give him a calculator even though he would not understand if he got a problem wrong? Or do I get a 1st grade book and start from the beginning? Or should I just tell his parents to purchase him an accountant for the rest of his life? Please help any ideas or suggestions will greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Cynthia
Re: 7th grader who can not do math
I also recommend Math Facts the Fun Way. Children usually have no problem remembering stories, and the MFFW silly stories and visualizations give kids something to “hang” the math facts on. I lent my copy to the sped teacher at school, and she has switched to this for all of her kids — because they all seem able to learn with it and retention is very high. MFFW has basic kits for addition and multiplication, and supplementary cards for subtraction and division. Website is http://www.citycreek.com
MFFW is where I would start because it is easy and kids tend to be successful with it quickly. Being able to work basic problems would certainly give this child a boost in self-esteem and help with his quality of life.
Math-U-See is a K-12 curriculum developed by a math teacher for his Down Syndrome son. It is very good at teaching math concepts and many homeschoolers love it. Website is http://www.mathusee.com. I would consider this as a follow-up to MFFW. The Foundations level goes through about grade 2.5 in math, and the parents could even homeschool it during the summer months if they are so inclined.
Mary
What about Times table the fun way? They have a visual component that may help him remember the facts for both addition and multiplication. Did you try cuisinaire rods?