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  • 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…

  • Place Value Representation

    Place Value Representation

    Here is an easy way to create and implement strategy to unpack place value for students (created by one of my former graduate students). I suggest using this after manipulatives and visual representations (drawing on paper) in a CRA sequence. It is hands on but it includes the symbolic representation (numbers). Hence is another step…

  • The I in Instruction can be the same I in IEP and IDEA.

    The I in Instruction can be the same I in IEP and IDEA.

    I am consistently surprised by the reliance on canned items for students who struggle. There are different reasons students struggle but we know that there are secondary characteristics and factors that inhibit effective information processing that can be addressed with some Individualization. In a math intervention graduate course I teach at the University of Saint Joseph,…

  • Long Division for Students who Struggle

    Making the concept of long division accessible: Start with simpler problem Use base ten blocks (and later with drawings as seen in the photo) and have students model each step of the long division with the base ten blocks. Do this for each step. Follow with more complicated problems See link  to document with full explanation.