Fustration w/ math

Hi Misty,

Our son has struggled with math from the very beginning (he is 10 now). It has always helped him if I turn the plain number problems (like 55+31 or 121×8, etc.) into word problems (like sister has 55 jelly beans and you have 31. How many do you have together?) For some reason he needs to know the purpose behind the numbers. I have also relaxed a bit in trying to “stay on level” because it really stresses him to think he’s “behind”, which inhibits the learning process even more. He also gets overwhelmed when he sees a page full of problems, almost like the number of problems distracts him from just doing the task. So to change things up a bit, maybe once a week we do math on the dry erase board. I give him the problem to be solved orally and he writes it down and solves it. That way he doesn’t see how many problems are ahead of him.

Our son would also do very well when I would sit with him and read the problems, but struggled when left to himself. So, for a time I knew that math wasn’t something I could have him do independently. He did get over the hump and even would start his math without me, coming to me only when he had questions. It seems to happen when learning a new concept, like he needs a lot of reassurance before he feels comfortable on his own. Don’t misunderstand; he still doesn’t LIKE math, but he is excited to try the Pet Shop business math from SCM. He knows that when he gets his division down pat, we will break from the dreaded math u see (he calls it math u hate!) and do a more fun version!

By the way, our daughter is 7 and she has to tell her brother what time it is if the clock isn’t a digital one!! Since they have a tendency to fight ALOT, I’m always thankful when his heart is open to his little sister teaching him something! LOL

Blessings,

MJ

Hi!

My son is 7 1/2 and is having a horrible time with reading and seems extremely distracted when it comes to any sort of sit down work, i.e. crafts, coloring, mazes, handwriting, reading. He is an extremely bright and intelligent little boy but he just doesn’t get it. I recently had his vision tested and although he has 20/40 eyesight (normal for his age) it’s with how he is processing the information that he sees that is giving him a difficult time. We just completed a visual perception test that also included some auditory and gross motor skill assessments. We go for our consultation in 2 weeks. I’m sure that they are going to recommend something called Vision Therapy for him. They gave me a book to look at titled “When Your Child Struggles, The Myths of 20/20 Vision” by a Dr. David Cook. It explained the type of testing he went through, what it’s looking for and what problems can be seen when a child has problems with how they are receiving and processing the information. Difficulties with handwriting, spelling, reading and math are addressed. Please feel free to e-mail me privately if you would like to talk more at luvusborne@yahoo.com and I hope this helps. Good luck.

Vision therapy can be very helpful! we have not done it but considering it. also- do include Living Math books in your schedule. My mom is a retired elementary math teacher. She pass along some resources which i go thru once a year to see what i might use the next year. i found about a dozen living books- so score one for mom in the PS! going outside the box. but i’m revamping before I start what we are doing. I”m doing formal math 3X a week…and then a living book the other day or two… just to put some variety in it and give DS something to look forward to. he does love books. just another idea to put into the mix. there is a living book math site as well as a yahoo group on the subject