Teaching algebra with manipulatives

by Kathy Kuhl Teaching parents in Fort Worth last month, I promised to explain bean algebra—a way to solve linear equations using beans. (I learned this when I was a new public school math teacher in 1979, and I cannot remember or find the source. If you know, tell me.) What manipulatives you’ll need Manipulatives are […]
Adding negative numbers using manipulatives
by Kathy Kuhl When we teach math, we must show why things are so, or better yet, help our children to discover them for themselves. But how can we show negative numbers with manipulatives—counters or some other tokens that help our kids discover what’s true? It’s easy to show addition and subtraction with positive numbers. […]
Find the Gaps in Math

by Kathy Kuhl Last week I explained how to fill in the gaps in your child’s math learning by adding customized daily review of those gap areas. But how do I know what to put on the cards, asks one parent. That depends on what’s missing from your math curriculum. From where I sit, I […]
Filling in the math gaps

by Kathy Kuhl Make Your Own Math Review Cards for Systematic Refreshers Ever noticed a topic is missing in your child’s math curriculum—or in your child’s general math knowledge? “What? He still doesn’t know days of the week?” “She has no clue how long an inch is.” How do you fill in those gaps? Write […]
Review: The Mislabeled Child by Drs. Brock & Fernette Eide

The Mislabeled Child by Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide. Review by Kathy Kuhl Whether you want clear explanations of particular learning problems, their causes, tools for identifying them, or practical solutions, The Mislabeled Child by Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide is a helpful and clear guide. They help families identify and build on their children’s […]
Math memory trouble? Great resources

Christopher Woodin, the chair of the math department at the Landmark School and a pioneer in teaching math to children with challenges, has many valuable resources on his website here. The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity has an article on math and memory challenges about Mr. Woodin’s work here.
Math Links
ALEKS online math instruction is offering a free 48 hour trial. Several homeschoolers have found this helpful for young students and teens. My favorite website for help teaching math is Chris Woodin’s. He is one of the nation’s experts on teaching math to children with challenges. A teacher at the Landmark School, his website is full of […]
The Mislabeled Child by Brock Eide, M.D., M.A., and Fernette Eide, M.D.

Looking Beyond Behavior to Find the True Sources—and Solutions—for Children’s Learning Challenges Hyperion, 2007. 510 pages. ISBN: 978-1-4013-0899-5 Review by Kathy Kuhl Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide have tackled a tough task: explaining many different kinds of learning problems in clear language with practical advice. The result is impressive. If the size—over 500 pages—puts you […]
Mastering Math Facts
Teaching Math Facts to a Struggling Learner Try to work on facts every day for 5 to 10 minutes. Some days, let the child pick which method to drill with. Here are a few suggestions: Flash cards, (If you make your own, write answers on the backs, but make sure the answer can’t be read through […]