Using Assessments to Tailor Instruction
During a discussion about educational strategies, it was emphasized that leveraging assessment to drive targeted instruction has been a focus for 12 years. Specifically, the transcript highlighted the importance of using assessments to “be responsive and remediate those gaps for students.” For parents of children with dyslexia, this means advocating for educators to use assessments to identify specific learning gaps in subjects like math. By doing so, teachers can tailor instruction to address these gaps effectively. This approach ensures that students receive the precise support they need to overcome their challenges and progress in their education.
Unlocking Math Success for Dyslexic Kids
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As a parent of a child with dyslexia, you know the unique challenges and triumphs that come with navigating their education. The speaker understands your journey and wants to empower you with three key insights that can transform your child’s math learning experience. You’ll discover how to leverage assessments for targeted instruction, emphasize number sense over procedural math, and make math visual and engaging. Armed with these strategies, you have the power to advocate for your child and create a more accessible and enjoyable learning environment.
“Exploring Alternative Math Methods”
A teacher once shared an experience about a student who chose to add numbers starting from the hundreds place, then the tens, and finally the ones. The teacher initially believed this method was incorrect, as it deviated from the standard procedural approach to addition. However, the student demonstrated that as long as place value was correctly applied, the method yielded the correct answer. This example highlights the importance of focusing on number sense and conceptual understanding rather than strictly adhering to traditional procedures. For parents of children with dyslexia, this insight suggests that encouraging their child to explore different methods of solving math problems can enhance their learning experience and success in mathematics.
Author Quote
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The moments that always stick out for me are the ones where the kids see me in the hallway and they’re like Mrs. Wedner, when are we coming to you next? It’s that feeling of excitement that the kids have about math and knowing that I was a part of it to bring them to that place, especially the struggling students.
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“Visualizing Math for Dyslexic Learners”
In a discussion about supporting children with dyslexia, an educator emphasized the importance of making math visual and engaging. The educator highlighted that “really learning the content and learning the vocabulary and the way to make it come alive for students” by “making it visual” was crucial. This approach led to pivotal moments where students experienced “lightbulb moments” in their understanding of math. Parents can apply this insight by seeking out or creating math learning experiences that incorporate visual aids, such as using colorful diagrams to explain geometric concepts or interactive games to teach arithmetic. For parents of children with dyslexia, this means that by focusing on visual and engaging methods, they can help make math more accessible and enjoyable, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject.
Key Takeaways:
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Focus on Math Content Knowledge: Parents should encourage educators to deepen their understanding of math concepts, as emphasized by Jacqueline's journey in the podcast. A strong grasp of math content allows teachers to better identify and address the specific learning gaps their children may have, tailoring instruction to meet individual needs effectively.
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Implement the Formative Assessment Cycle: The podcast highlights the importance of using formative assessments to monitor students' understanding and progress. Parents can support this approach by discussing with teachers how they use assessments to identify where their child is struggling and how they plan to provide targeted remediation through small group activities or additional practice.
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Collaborate and Find Support: Jacqueline stresses the value of working with like-minded educators to tackle the challenges of teaching math. Parents can facilitate this by encouraging their child's school to foster a collaborative environment where teachers can share strategies and resources, ultimately benefiting their child's learning experience.
Author Quote
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I remember when we were looking at a child’s example and the child had chosen to add starting from the hundreds place and then went to the tens and then the ones, and I remember saying they can’t add that way, that’s not how you know you’re supposed to add, and the child figured out that it didn’t matter which way you added as long as you were using place value and he got the right answer. That’s the moment that stood out for me because it changed my thinking about how math is not a procedure, it’s about number sense.
"Taking Action
You have the power to transform your child’s math learning experience. Start today by discussing with your child’s teacher the importance of using assessments to tailor instruction and emphasizing number sense over rote procedures, which are key components of the Core Skills of Math. The journey ahead may have its challenges, but with your advocacy and support, your child can thrive in math. You are not alone, and together, we can create a more inclusive and empowering educational environment for all children with dyslexia.
Empower your child’s math journey today by advocating for the use of the Brain Bloom System, which can help tailor instruction to their unique learning needs and make math more accessible and enjoyable.
