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  • Addition: Concept and Mechanics

    The graphic organizer below is used to show the student the steps for addition. It also addresses the concept of addition (which I have addressed previously) as an act of pulling “together” two parts to form a whole. The student is prompted to move the first part (set of coins in this case) to the…

  • So Easy?!

    So Easy?!

    Problems like the addition problem below are often viewed by adults as straight forward. This perception can make it difficult for adults, including teachers and even special education teachers to help students who struggle with it. I find that the math teacher candidates and special education teacher candidates struggle with breaking down math topics, especially…

  • Adding ones digits in 2 digit numbers with carrying

    Adding ones digits in 2 digit numbers with carrying

    A major obstacle in math for many students with special needs is carrying in addition problems. Below is a task analysis approach. First, I target the step of identifying the ONES and TENS place in the 2 digit sum in the ONES column (below it is 12). In a scaffolded handout I create a box…

  • Assessing the Concept of Addition

    Teaching students to add appears to be a very linear, skill driven endeavor. Hidden in this is the concept of what it means to add and how to assess this conceptual understanding. Here is an approach to address and assess the concept of adding. In the photo above a student is prompted to pull both…