So, on to something else I've been wanting to share. I mentioned earlier in the fall that Henry was having trouble with math. So his teacher has started "touch math" with him. This is what it looks like:
(I'm sure I'll do a terrible job of trying to explain it in writing, but here goes...) As we know, each numeral represents a quantity of a thing. Some kids seem to have trouble grasping this concept, so touch math puts dots (and circles) on the numeral to try to bring this point home. In the beginning they use the dots and physically tap on them with their fingers. Over time, the concept just becomes memorized, so that a numeral 4= 4 dots/4 things.It sounds like Henry is making good progress so far using this technique. She plans to send home some touchmath homework next week, so I'll be able to see firsthand.
Another tool they've been using at school is a computer program to encourage Henry's writing. I believe it's called story writer. (I can get more info from his teacher if anyone would like- a quick google search didn't bring up a good link). Although Henry looooves to read, he does not like to write. I was amazed when I started seeing papers like this in his backpack:
At our parent/teacher conference, Mrs. C showed me how it works. You type in the first letter of the word (W, for example) and several word options pop up for you to choose from (they might be watch, walk, went, work). Then you take your cursor and click on the word you choose.
Right now Mrs. C and Henry write his stories together. She does most of the typing and he selects the words. I'm sure she prompts him a bit on what to write as well. But we hope that before long he'll be using the program on his own and writing longer stories.
(This story is one of my favorites because you might remember that it rained when they went to the football game and they left quite early. I knew Henry would remember it with rose-colored glasses!)
9 comments:
Oddly enough I do remember that [although I thought it was a different sport] I was so in awe of you even attempting it, the leaving early was still a triumph in my eyes.
As for the writing we are still struggling.
Best wishes
wow. that's wonderful! i'm always interested in strategies that work on writing since this is so hard for fluffy.
I used to use touch math with my students and it is so helpful for so many kids.
The writing program seems great. I am looking forward to some future writing examples from Henry, so we can see his progression.
Another great idea for me to file away to use with Nik when the time comes. He is very tactiley (??) oriented.
I'd never heard of touch math before, but it sounds terrific.
I'm going to look into getting that Story Writer for SB.
Thanks for sharing.
NEED MORE INFO ABOUT STORY WRITER!! Santa wants the dirt!
Miss M has been talking about Alpha Smarts at school - same thing?
Wow! Sounds like great ideas!
I love the story! Isn't it so amazing when we get a glimpse into those thoughts that they have but don't share with us.
I also look forward to future writings!
I remember the story! The good things are what get kept in mind. Great progress.
The first time I ever saw touch math was while working with a waitress who used to use it to add up her checks!
Would definitely love to hear more about the Story Writer program. Will have to research that a bit.
And hey -- Henry didn't remember the day with rose-colored glasses; he remembered it just right. :-)
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