Every student has unique abilities and learning needs. Dyslexic students, in particular, often require specialized instruction to master subjects like math. For students who are homeschooled, creating an effective math program tailored to meet these needs is essential.
In this article, we discuss in detail ways families can ensure the math program they develop is successful in helping dyslexic students excel.
1. Understand Your Child’s Dyslexia
Before starting to develop a math program, parents should get to know the specific way their child’s dyslexia impacts their learning. Every student with dyslexia has different strengths and weaknesses, and teachers should attempt to understand these.
It is also helpful to note how their dyslexia manifests in math classrooms in the past and the areas their dyslexia has caused them the most difficulty. Parents should be aware of the tools, strategies, and accommodations that are most successful for their student and build those into their math program.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Different Math Concepts
To create an effective math program, parents should be familiar with multiple math topics and understand the basics of each. Identify the math concepts your student struggles with the most and choose to home school these topics first. Spend extra time when teaching these concepts to make sure your student has a solid understanding before moving onto the next one.
Also research helpful strategies dyslexic students can use when tackling difficult math concepts.
3. Utilize Technology Resources
Technology can be a powerful tool when teaching a student with dyslexia. Technology resources like online math tutorials or adaptive computer programs can be a great way to supplement your student’s math instruction and provide them with added support.
You can also find technology resources designed specifically for students with dyslexia that teach concepts like time and fractions. Utilizing these types of resources can help your student gain a better understanding of the topics.
4. Create an Individualized Math Curriculum
Create an individualized math curriculum that better suits your student’s unique learning needs. This curriculum should include materials and activities that will help your student build a strong understanding of math fundamentals and encourage them to think and problem-solve independently.
Incorporate teaching strategies and resources your student is most comfortable with and encourage them to ask questions and receive feedback along the way.
5. Take Time to Review and Revisit Concepts
When teaching math to a student with dyslexia, be sure to spend ample time reviewing and revisiting concepts. Doing so will help your student understand how math is interconnected and lay the foundation for higher-level math courses. It is also a great way to identify any gaps in knowledge and provide additional instruction when needed.
6. Utilize Hands-on Activities
Hands-on activities are great when teaching math to a student with dyslexia. These types of activities help to build and strengthen the connections within the brain and can encourages students to think and problem-solve independently. Games, projects, cooperative learning, and manipulatives are all great ways to keep dyslexic students engaged and excited about learning.
7. Incorporate Different Visual and Auditory Components
When teaching math to a dyslexic student, it is important to incorporate different visual and auditory components. Pictures, diagrams, and videos can be effective ways to provide visual representation of math concepts. Using multi-sensory teaching approaches, like pairing words with pictures or reading instructions aloud to students, can also help to reinforce concepts.
8. Allow Plenty of Time for Mastery
Allow plenty of time for mastery when teaching math to a student with dyslexia. Math concepts need to be consistently practiced and revisited for learning to take place. Giving your student plenty of time to practice, make mistakes, and get help when needed is essential for helping them understand and master math topics.
9. Break Lessons into Smaller Sections
Breaking lessons into smaller sections can help to make the learning process easier for a student with dyslexia. Teaching math in manageable chunks prevents students from feeling overwhelmed with the material and helps them retain the information better. This can also help them to better understand each concept before moving onto the next one.
10. Look for Other Resources
Parents should also look for other resources that may help to improve their student’s math skills. Tutoring, online courses, and math camps can all be great options for providing additional instruction to dyslexic students.
Other activities like playing board games, puzzles, and even cooking can also help to reinforce math concepts and keep students motivated.
11. Make Instruction Adaptable
Given the unique learning needs of dyslexic students, it is important to make math instruction adaptable. This means being flexible with the materials and resources used, adjusting the pace as needed, and providing alternative methods of mastery.
Additionally, incorporating different types of assessments and using a variety of mediums can help to ensure your student’s understanding of the material.
12. Provide Encouragement and Support
Dyslexia can present challenges in math classrooms and students can often become frustrated. It is essential to provide encouragement and support to dyslexic students and help build their confidence.
Celebrate successes and provide positive reinforcement when possible. Additionally, tone can be a powerful tool when teaching math so be sure to be positive and patient throughout the instruction.
13. Access Available Accommodations
Dyslexic students are often entitled to certain accommodations for math classes, such as extra time to complete tests or having the material read aloud to them. Understanding the relevant policies and lawyer-approved accommodations for dyslexia in the school district your student would attend, makes it easier to access these opportunities. Be sure to take full advantage of available accommodations when needed.
ConclusionCreating and implementing an effective math program for a student with dyslexia is not easy, but it is certainly possible. Understanding the needs of dyslexic students, familiarizing yourself with math topics and incorporating technology resources, can all be helpful when developing a math program.
Additionally, incorporating traditional, hands-on activities, providing encouragement and support, and taking advantage of available accommodations, will ensure your student has the best chance of success.