Math Learning Strategies

Important Information:

    • It is important to check-in with your child’s teacher. Schools are providing very different levels of service right now, from virtual instruction to worksheets. Some children are more successful with one over the other.
    • Of course, all children are different. For instance, children with a learning disability in math and attentional conditions may need a more specialized approach to learning.
    • Your child may also be able to tell you what techniques have worked for them in school. Some children struggle to sit still while learning, and they learn better when moving—standing at the table or walking around the room while listening or talking through an idea.
    • Think beyond traditional schoolwork. Cooking and helping with the grocery shopping (either online or when it can be done safely in stores) are ways to practice mathematical concepts, following directions, planning and organization, patience and frustration tolerance. Check this link for a collection of visually supported recipes to use at home: Visually supported recipes  (scroll down to the middle of the page to find recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts).
    • Games are a great way to have fun and do math at the same time! There are many games (i.e., Monopoly, cards, Crib, etc.) that support math skills and thinking. Check this link for a list of board games by age level: Big List of Mathematical Board Games that Inspire Mathematical Thinking
    • Basic Facts Matter! Flash Cards are a time-tested tool that help students achieve mastery and automaticity with rote math facts. There are also computer-based math fact programs available, which use a game-based system to drill math facts and achieve fluency. Children with math disabilities take much longer to acquire their basic facts. Sometimes we need bypass this frustration by allowing the use of a calculator or visual supports. This is not cheating!

Strategies and Resources:

Cover, Copy, Strategy Tip Sheet (see video below)

Cover, Copy, Compare Template from Intervention Central

Comprehensive collection of free printable manipulatives

Building Math Skills at Home

Math Recommended Apps

Math Assistive Technology Supports 

Links:

Mathletics- SD71 has a District Licence for this program. Please connect with your child’s classroom teacher to discuss suitability and possible access. 

Math Antics is a series of basic math videos created by Rob and Jeremy of Math Plus Motion, LLC. It’s also a website that offers access to practice materials for paid members. The cost is $10 for a full year. However, many teachers have accounts. It might be worthwhile to connect with your child’s classroom teacher to check about suitability and access to worksheets.

A fantastic and free website that offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning. Math lessons range from kindergarten basics to calculus.

A free and comprehensive website offering online activities and supports for teaching math at home. For easy access click on the “For Families” link at the top of the main page.

Video:

This video demonstrates the Cover, Copy, Compare strategy for improving basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division basic facts.

For More Information:

Math Assistive Technology Page

Elementary Math Curriculum Supports Page