MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

If a child is having difficulty because

Overall skill levels are lower than grade level:

• Assess the level for instruction.
• Provide small group instruction on needed skills.

Of difficulty remembering facts:

• Separate the basic facts into “sets” or “fact families” – each to be memorized successfully by the students.
• Make sure that the student has appropriate references/materials to assist in fact calculation.
• Use manipulative objects (e.g. abacus, base ten blocks, number lines, etc.).

Of inability to read text:

• Align material with the student’s independent comprehension level.
• Highlight key words in math problems.

Of difficulty attending to important details:

• Highlight key words in math problems.
• Use a window overlay or Tachistoscope to isolate individual examples.
• Use vertical lines or graph paper to help with organization of productions.
• Reduce the number of problems/information on a page.
• Highlight important information on a page

Of slow completion of work:

• Reduce the number of items to compute.
• Use manipulative objects (e.g. abacus, base ten blocks, number line, ect.).

Of problems retaining and sequencing for math computation:

• Review on a consistent basis those skills, concepts, tasks, ect which have been previously introduced.
• Use a math reference sheet for the student to keep at his/her desk.
• Verbalize steps of the computations (if this is a strength).
• Use manipulative objects.
• Use color coding, gradually reducing the use of colors as the student demonstrates success.
• Use a calculator.

Of failure to visualize concepts:

• Use simple and consistent language.
• Use visualization and verbalization techniques.
• Assess and teach concept terminology.

Of inability to solve word problems:

• Use concrete experiences.
• Use verbalization and/or visualization strategies (if these are strengths).
• Use calculator

Of inability to compute time, money, and measurement problems:

• Use manipulatives.
• Verbalize the concepts taught (if this is a strength).

Of slow completion of work:

• Reduce the number of items to complete.