Math A Difficulty

Is frustration with math a difficulty in your home? We all have our favorite activities that are easier for us then others? This is true in school subjects.

This is the time where parents and family can be great teachers. If you know where to start.

At convient times and quiet times ask your child to give the answer to easy math addition facts.
2+2= , etc. Choose random math facts. Some may be easy, others may be missed or unknown.

Whatever the reason, you have discovered 2 pieces to the education puzzle.

Does the child really have the math facts learned?

Practice only a few very easy ones in the beginning.
Gradually add other and drop off the learned material.

Invest in a set of flash cards, starting with addition, if that is the problem.

Add the other math facts in turn: subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions.
Use the same procedures with each of them.

Eyes Not Reading a Line

At times, the beginning reader will be picking words from the line above or below the reading line. Sometimes both.

This usually mean they are having difficulty focusing their eyes on the land. They
may need to see an eye specialist.

They may also need to use a card below the line.Extreme cases may require a slit be cut in a cardboard guide so they only see the immediate line.

Reading Techniques

Another technique we adopted with the student in the previous post.
The students learned not to hurry him. Listen, let him take his time, use phonics to sound out words, as he learned them.

During those times when they were sure he was stuck, them to give him the answer so he could continue. Helping a troubled student too quickly, makes them nervous and distracts them.
Other students will often help quickly to show off their skills.

It often helps a new reader to follow a word line with a pencil or finger. Some students seem to think the words are coming out of the air.
You need to show them where you are getting the words.

A Second Grade Experience

I once had a seven year old student enter my second grade class at the beginning of the year. He was a non-reader. (Before the era of Special Education)

A month or two later, using the family methods mentioned in the previous post.
He offered to stand before his class and read a small book of about 12 pages with 10 different words.
Not an accomplishment to many of us. But I was very pleased to have my class of twenty plus second graders rise to their feet an one body and give him a standing ovation.

This class adopted their classmate and helped him to graduate from high school. Today, this very seldom occurs, but it is what special students need and do not get very often.
From this point, this boy went on and gradually expanded his learning, but it was never easy for him.

author of Stepping Stones to Navajo History

Who is the Real Teacher

The students in Special Education Classes have to struggle long and hard to make progress that other students make much more easily. It is frustrating and discouraging.

Who best to provide the encouragement than family and friends, in a non-threatening environment, at home? The same story can be read by different members of the family until it is nearly memorized.

To start this process, use a small simple book of about 30 pages. Use one with large print, bright
pictures and words repeated often, sometimes several times on one page. For some students, it may take a week for the student to get the idea.
Have your child look at this book list with you.
Children's Books
Find a book that interests them, the process will be lot smoother if they can choose the book themselves.
More choices available at these online book stores.

How to work with a Special School Program

How can you work with a special school program? Show your child that you have an interest in what they are doing in school. Make it a daily habit to have them tell or show you one thing they learned each day. Compliment them on their achievements.

There are many times each day you teach your child.
Some time ago, I entered a store just in time to hear an exchange between a five year old boy and it father. Father was reading a newspaper while waiting for his wife to finish her shopping. The boy said "What are you reading that for? The father responded,"When I read, I always learn new things that interest me."

This was probably the best lesson in learning that he will ever teach his young son as it will last all of his life.

Special Education School Records

I have found the use of plastic page protectors are an asset in keeping some school items.
They can be moved around and better organized. An inexpensive idea is to use the hole punched system in a 3 ring binder.
If your child deals with more than one school employee, request that all attend the meeting. Write information to be presented and receive feedback from the meeting.

If the meeting does not go well, it is possible to request a second meeting to settle differences.
There may be unresolved issues that may also require a followup meeting.

Don't just appear to be organized. Be organized. You will gain more respect and a more postive action plan from your school staff.

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