[NIFL-FOBASICS:1158] Re: Long division --HELP!!!!

From: Anne Murr (anne.murr@DRAKE.EDU)
Date: Tue Nov 16 2004 - 10:26:18 EST


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From: Anne Murr <anne.murr@DRAKE.EDU>
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Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:1158] Re: Long division --HELP!!!!
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Michele,
I have no specific suggestions for math instruction.  However, I can share 
some thoughts from our experience teaching reading and spelling to adults 
with learning disabilities.  One significant aspect of LD is difficulty 
processing symbolic information.  Numbers are symbols for quantity, letters 
are symbols for speech sounds.  Make everything as concrete as possible and 
practice, practice, practice!

- Break every process down into its most infinitesimal parts.  Be sure that 
every step in the process is specifically stated.

- The information must be presented visually, aurally, tactilly.  Yes, 
continue to use with math blocks, graph paper (what else?!!).  Persons with 
learning disabilities can learn -- they simply need the information 
presented through every sensory mode possible.  (and then practice, 
practice, practice some more!)

- Use LOTS of repetition.  Don't expect the learner to "get it" -- even 
after several weeks of lessons.  Independent understanding can take months 
of intensive, step-by-step skill work.

- Don't stress because it takes so long.  The LD learner is often happy 
that you take the time to let them really learn.  In school they were 
pushed on through and are grateful to have someone give them the supports 
so they can become successful learners!

Anne Murr, MS.
Coordinator, Adult Literacy Center
Drake University
Des Moines, IA 50311
anne.murr@drake.edu

At 09:26 PM 11/14/2004 -0500, you wrote:
>Dear Colleagues,
>
>I need some ideas for teaching long division to ABE students who probably 
>have learning disabilities. At the moment, I have two in my classroom who 
>are really not getting it. We have tried math blocks (to show how it works 
>visually), I have tried having them use graph paper for the problems. They 
>do it fine one day and then come in the next day and can't remember the 
>process again. Since I have been encountering this problem over and over 
>again with various students, I need some tools. I remember I saw a 
>kinesthetic way to teach long division at a Montessori school. Does anyone 
>have any ideas?
>
>Thanks
>
>Michele Craig
>Woodland Adult School
>



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