Math for dyslexic kids?

[Chris-AL]

We've been using Saxon and I'm pretty sure it's not best, considering the dyslexia. MUS comes to mind because of the video part and the fact that it masters one concept at a time.

Any suggestions? This is for Noah.

[LeanneNZ]

ds has dysphraxia which is actually maths dyslexia (prob spelt it wrong) (he also is dyslexic)
It was great to get labeled as one can then begin to understand why no matter what we do the times tables wouldn't stick.

We have used mathusee - mainly for ds. A bit of singapore maths when younger he liked as pretty to look at, saxon would be burn out for ds.

We have just kept at a snail pace with mathusee - he really understands when you times, divide etc.... Finally after much trying we have given him a calculator & it has taken all the stress away - when higher up in our NZ system kids uses calculators - so there be it. He probably will never know all his times tables in life.... so what!

He is a whizz with the calculator, as he understands maths concepts he can work out the questions.

We are now doing life with fred (fractions) and loving it. We will use bits of mathuse as fred goes faster than a dyslexia brain - but we are really enjoying the change.

Plus we are doing lots of work on life maths - ie money & budgets something I read said this is one area that these kids really struggle in. He has a clothing, spending, music lessons & gift budget that he manages (he is a good saver & saved up & brought a jeep at 12 wow he always said he wanted a car at 12) now he wants a road car for when he is 15...

We will be also working on Mathusee stewardship - I think for ds understanding & knowing about money & finances is going to be help for him in life than algebra. And if he needs to know algebra he can probably learn it then.

Not sure if I have helped or not.

I know it is frustrating... we have tried many maths programs - I would say mathusee helped the most, we also play lots of board games. The times tables delux didn't help either.... I thought it would as if ds hears a dirty joke from the men in barn - he can re tell it really well... always frustrated me that he can memorize a joke but not times tables..:roflol:

Love Leanne

[Chris-AL]

Thanks Leanne! Thanks for posting under Linda's post also.

We are at the very beginning of this. I'll attend a workshop on dyslexia Sept 1st, and I'm scheduling his 9yo doctor appointment and dyslexia testing after that. I know Scottish Rite tests, but want to find out if that is the best way to go.

We are looking at ordering all new math and phonics stuff to cater to his need.

[Esther-Alabama]

Chris,

I have used Math U See from the beginning with John Henry. He has a firm understanding of math and has progressed very well with MUS. BUT, just know that things that require rote memorization (like times tables) will be a struggle regardless of the method. We used Times Tales and Times Attack with great success there, but he still forgets sometimes even though he KNOWS how, he forgets these.

Also, multiple step problems are difficult. I am in the process of making a mini-office for my ds of HOW to do each type problem, like multiple digit subtraction with borrowing, and multiple digit multiplication with carrying, etc... He knows how, but forgets what step is first, is next, etc...

We have drilled and drilled and he STILL gets them out of order, so I decided this is the best thing for him.

We did Scottish Rite testing and we've come a long way in the past two years, but I am constantly learning how best to teach a dyslexic.

I cannot recommend AVKO resources enough and Dianne Craft's resources also.

[Chris-AL]

Leanne and Esther,

Thanks for commenting. Both of your posts are very helpful! I'm still in research mode and hope to have him tested in September.

I'm pretty sure we'll switch to MUS and I'm looking over the other sites (AVKO and Diane Craft).