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Kristie 4
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| Posted: June 20 2007 at 2:16pm | IP Logged
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HI There,
I didn't know how to label this post- 'math issues' is a bit of a funny title, as it is probably only an issue to me.
My ds12 is at MUS Decimals right now (new program). We are doing quite well and the format is much better for us than the old program (more focus on new lessons than review). However, this child tends to forget math constantly. I know some forgetting happens and am not expecting perfection (although as a math person, and one who came by it easily, this is absolutely my least favourite subject to help him with-very low patience....sigh and sob), but he seems to forget large amounts all the time. For example, today on a word problem he had to multiply fractions and started doing the 'RULE of 4', than when it came time to subtract, when he got the the tens place and 0-5 he put 5. When I said no, not 5 (not very kindly and with much head nodding and that exasperated look...sigh again) , he said oh yeah =0.
I think in these moments I start to worry- I think, "If he has forgotten these little things what else has slipped??" or something along those lines. I have never had a need to 'stay on grade' etc. and am not worried that way. It is just so frustrating at times and I make the child feel obviously somewhat less than stellar.
We have decided to keep up a bit of math in the summer as it might help with the learning curve when we start up again.
Have any of you found this??? (He may, and probably does have some 'learning difficulties' (has tourettes intensity tics) but I have never had him tested.)
Have you found any math programs, approaches, ideas or inspirations for helping with this??
It has been such a hard spot here... the area where mom goes from sweet to screaming very quickly. BTW, by 10y0dd is a math wiz so we have quite an fine time there. I so want to give this child the opportunity to feel good about wherever he is in math (I know in the grand scheme of things math is not important), or in other things, but so often my actions are so contrary.
Thanks for being able to let this out and hoping for some wisdom,
Kristie
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Kristie in Canada
Mom to 3 boys and one spunky princess!!
A Walk in the Woods
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JuliaT
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| Posted: June 20 2007 at 2:43pm | IP Logged
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Kristie, I have this same issue with my 8 yr. old dd. We could be doing a concept and she would totally understand it. Then the next day, it was as if she had never seen it before. It has been very frustrating. She also can not remember math facts. This concerns me a great deal. For my dd, (I am not insinuating that this is the case for your ds) I think she may have dyscalculia (dyslexia with numbers.) I looked at the characteristics of dyscalculia and my dd had many of them. I have not had her tested. At this time, I don't see the purpose of it. Even if she doesn't have it, she is benefiting from the tips that they give for helping dyscalculics.
We use RightStart math. This doesn't help you because your ds is too old, but maybe if you could find something that was similar. RS is very visual and hands on. This helps a great deal. Also, RS teaches various strategies in dealing with the various concepts. She has a hard time time remembering the strategies. I have started writing them down and letting her look at them while computing to figure out which one she should use. I am seeing that in keeping things as visual as I can, helps a great deal.
Blessings,
Julia
mom to 3 (8,6,4)
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Juliainsk
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Kristie 4
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| Posted: June 20 2007 at 3:17pm | IP Logged
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Thank you Julia.
I had forgotten that I had this idea earlier of helping him create a math journal (from looking at Leonie's posts/blog). For him I thought this could be a place we put down the nuts and bolts for reference: ie. for adding, subtracting and dividing fractions we need common denominators (one that comes to mind to me in a snap... I wonder why  )
Thanks for bringing this to my mind by your comments.
Kristie
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Kristie in Canada
Mom to 3 boys and one spunky princess!!
A Walk in the Woods
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Leonie
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| Posted: June 20 2007 at 6:38pm | IP Logged
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Kristie, I think the maths journals are a good idea.Definitely have helped my sons to recall concepts and processes.
A little bit of daily review often helps - doesn't have to be workbooks, games are good for daily review,too.
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Leonie in Sydney
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Kristie 4
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| Posted: June 20 2007 at 8:20pm | IP Logged
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Thanks Leonie. I find with more children I tend to get a wee less creative with some things
I will have to look at some creative venues for some of the topics- any ideas for games for fractions??
Kristie
A Walk in the Woods
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Kristie in Canada
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A Walk in the Woods
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cathhomeschool
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| Posted: June 22 2007 at 10:20am | IP Logged
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My 13yo struggles with math as well, while my 11yo catches on quickly. At first, this was so frustrating to me, because math has always been a no-brainer for me. Slowly I have come to acceptance and now work more deligently with older son and also review much. With fractions, we had to go back three separate times and basically start over. Finally, this year he "got it."
I think that your attitude is key. How can your son feel good about math if, whenever he struggles, you get frustrated?  And even when we try not to show that we're frustrated, it shows! They can sense it. I say all this from personal experience.  So I would go way back and review older concepts to see what he understands and what needs more work. I would also pray for patience before each lesson! 
Fraction games: Hive Alive (which is OOP, but I found it used on Ebay) is a version of Stratego that uses fractions. (You can also use different inserts to practice decimals, whole numbers, negative numbers, or a combination.)
Online fraction games. Some are worthwhile, others aren't.
Board games. I don't own any of these, but have some on my wishlist.
You can also play games with cards, dice, or dominoes -- each turn over two cards/roll 2 dice/flip one domino. The person whose fraction is closer to one wins.
Another idea would be to roll 4 dice. Then combine the dice into fractions and add the fractions up, trying to come up with the combination that keeps the answer as close to one as possible. Then the next person rolls the dice and does the same. The person with the fraction closest to one wins. (The answer could be greater or less than one.)
You could also roll 2 dice and then see who can convert the fraction into 3rds (or 5ths or whatever) fastest.
Other ideas, ladies??
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Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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Leonie
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| Posted: June 23 2007 at 1:32am | IP Logged
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I'd do general review, including fractions - games (great ideas, Janette!),journalling, quick review sheets, use those inexpensive grade level books from local stores.
visual fractions
lots of maths sites and games here
Fabulous fractions - a games book - we have used the multiplication one in this series, from our local library. Very good!
maths games to make
free printable maths sheets
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Leonie in Sydney
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Kristie 4
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| Posted: June 23 2007 at 9:17pm | IP Logged
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Thank you ladies.
Yes Janette..I needed to be reminded again 
I am off to a date (an at home one) with my hubbie tonight so I will check out those sites tomorrow.
Kristie
A Walk in the Woods
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Kristie in Canada
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A Walk in the Woods
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cathhomeschool
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| Posted: June 24 2007 at 1:24pm | IP Logged
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Oh Kristie, after I posted it dawned on me that you might misinterpret what I'd written and take it personally! As I said, I speak from our experience, and at times must still remind myself. I just hope that my straightforward comments didn't offend you in any way. Sometimes (too often) I am rather insensitive. Please forgive me Anyway, sorry if I did offend. 
Leonie -- We just checked out Fabulous Fractions from the library and I can't wait to take a look.
Another nice little book that we just checked out is Fractions and Decimals Made Easy.
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Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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Leonie
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| Posted: June 24 2007 at 5:12pm | IP Logged
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cathhomeschool wrote:
Leonie -- We just checked out Fabulous Fractions from the library and I can't wait to take a look.
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Hope you like it - we loved the one on multiplication. I wouldn't mind owniong the whole series.
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Leonie in Sydney
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4Real Forums : Living and Loving Numbers
Topic: Some Math Issues
