Special Education – My Child Confuses Math Signs

TutorGiant

     For younger students, math signs can sometimes become confusing.  We take for granted the differences between the math operational symbols (e.g. +,-, X, ) because we are used to them but we have to remember that it is new and/or confusing for some students.

     You can help your child recognize and correctly use math symbols.

·         Make or buy flash cards with the operational symbols.  Use the cards any way you can to help your child learn the signs (e.g. play a hide and seek game or a game of concentration with the cards).

·         Color code each math symbol beside your child’s math problems.  This will bring your child’s attention to the symbol.

·         Have your child underline, color, or highlight the math symbol in his/her workbook BEFORE answering the question.  This will force your child to pay attention to the sign.

·         Have your child (especially younger ones) become familiar with the language of the symbols (e.g. + is addition).

·         Work on one symbol for an extended period of time in order to reduce confusion.  For example, work on subtraction and focus on the (-) sign for two weeks, then move to addition.

     These steps are not difficult to follow.  The highlighting and calculator techniques are tried, tested, and have worked many times with students.

©Tutorgiant.com

Learn'Em Good        Learn'Em Good         

    ADD/ADHD             Math                  

by Stuart Ackerman      by Stuart Ackerman        

     MSc.Ed.,B.A.            MSc.Ed.,B.A.