Guide for Help with Addition and Subtraction for Elementary Students

Guide for Help with Addition and Subtraction for Elementary Students
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Using Manipulatives to Teach Addition and Subtraction

When students struggle with addition and subtraction concepts, the use of manipulatives is helpful. Some children learn through

hands-on study instead of the traditional “display” of numbers on a paper or chalkboard. Special needs children will often times learn math concepts much better with tools and games that they can get a hands-on feel to grasp the ideas through a much more solid method of learning. Manipulatives allow the students to learn through the use of a more concrete method, bringing the equation to “life” so to speak. Tools and various methods are discussed in this guide, to help with addition and subtraction for elementary students.

Addition and Subtraction for Special Needs Children

Children with special needs require a more specialized learning environment. Students with dyslexia or who are blind can be taught math problems through Braille or methods that are variations on regular teaching techniques. Opening the world of math for these students can be a challenge, though highly rewarding. Learning a new approach to teaching children with disabilities can allow the caregiver, tutor, parent or teacher a more relaxed atmosphere. Knowing the child is not as frustrated in the math environment and is finding joy in the skills they are learning creates a more pleasurable, valuable atmosphere, where the child comprehends the lessons on a much higher level. This guide presents an innovative approach to teaching those that have special requirements that need to be met.

Lesson Plans

Getting children excited about math is frustrating for the educator and student both when the child is having a difficult time. One of the main necessary life skills, math opens many possibilities in the child’s adult life and while we know it is a necessity, a mind cannot be forced to comprehend. If there is no interest, there is no learning. The simplest tasks such as cooking or purchasing an item in a grocery store with success relies on the most basic math concepts. Without these basic skills, the student cannot thrive in an everyday life environment.

Innovative lesson plans assist teachers, homeschool educators and involved parents who wish to get children excited about the vital learning process of mathematics. Addition and subtraction are simply the beginning, but creates the foundation for having an interest in math processes later in life. Make learning math skills an interesting hands-on project, and little minds open to the world of mathematics with very little effort on the educators part. These links provide useful lesson plans for anyone undertaking the task of teaching the basic skills.

Using Technology to Teach Math Skills

When most of us adults attended elementary classes, we were told we could not use calculators. Now, schools are asking parents to purchase these tools for use by students in math classes. Applications on iPhones and iPods, as well as calculators and hand-held games are prominent in marketing throughout various venues and can be quite an asset when teaching math skills. Online math games keep children invested in their mathematical skills, while having the opportunity to advance in their quest, they learn, learn, learn!

Several sites invite youngsters to conquer the games they host. This guide includes a couple of the best sites to help learn the basics of math. Online games are a tremendous help when it comes to teaching math skills. It keeps the attention focused and the learning process takes place, without the student even knowing most of the time!

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