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Multisensory Math Strategies that help struggling students!
A good website for some multisensory techniques is: https://www.multisensorymath.com/. Just use the search button to find the topic to teach.
1. Use Multi-Sensory Techniques
Visual Aids: Incorporate diagrams, charts, and graphs to help visualize concepts.
Manipulatives: Use physical objects (like blocks or counters) to represent numbers and operations.
Interactive Tools: Consider using software or apps that provide interactive math experiences.
Multisensory techniques can help students learn math facts by engaging multiple senses and making connections in the brain. Some ideas include:
Manipulatives: Use hands-on tools like colored cubes, tiles, base 10 blocks, or beads to visualize math.
Movement: Incorporate movement into math problems.
Music: Sing math fact tunes or make musical connections.
Drawing: Have students draw math problems.
Tapping: Have students tap out numbers.
Math Bingo: Students can select their subject, difficulty level, and grid size.
Fact family cards: Use three numbers that are related to make a set of math facts.
Math puzzles: Puzzles can be used as an enrichment opportunity, morning work, or intervention group activity.
Daily practice: Students can practice math facts for 10-15 minutes a day.
Emphasize connections: Have students use manipulatives and models to explain their strategies and justify their answers.
2. Simplify Language
Clear Instructions: Use simple, direct language when explaining concepts.
Limit Vocabulary: Avoid jargon and focus on essential terms to reduce cognitive load.
3. Chunk Information
Break Down Tasks: Divide lessons into smaller, manageable parts to prevent overwhelm.
Sequential Learning: Introduce new concepts only after mastery of previous ones.
4. Incorporate Technology
Math Software: Use educational software that offers step-by-step instructions and visual feedback.
Text-to-Speech Tools: Help with reading math problems by using tools that read text aloud.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Repetition: Regularly review and practice concepts to reinforce learning.
Varied Practice: Use different types of problems to build flexibility in thinking.
6. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate successes, no matter how small, to build confidence.
Normalize Struggles: Emphasize that struggling with a concept is part of the learning process.
7. Use Real-World Applications
Contextual Learning: Relate math concepts to real-life situations to make them more relevant and engaging.
Hands-On Activities: Incorporate projects that require math, such as budgeting for a project or measuring for a recipe.
8. Provide Extra Time and Support
Accommodations: Allow for extra time on tests and assignments to reduce pressure.
One-on-One Support: Consider tutoring or personalized instruction to address specific needs.
9. Be Patient and Understanding
Listen to Concerns: Acknowledge frustrations and be supportive in addressing them.
Adapt Strategies: Be willing to adjust teaching methods based on what works best for the individual.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive and effective learning environment for someone with dyslexia, helping them to succeed in math.
Some additional strategies: https://www.multisensorymath.com/strategies.html
https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/dyslexia-mastering-math/
Below are some multisensory ideas:
https://specialedresource.com/articles/math-activities-and-resources
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-multisensory-techniques-for-teaching-math
https://www.theliteracynest.com/2018/11/multisensory-math.html
https://mrspspecialties.com/how-to-incorporate-multi-sensory-math-tasks-into-your-classroom/
Please choose the strategies that work the best for you. Not every strategy works for every student so finding the right fit will be important, but I am confident you can find one that works well!
Robynne Boysen
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