How to Teach Math to Middle School Special Education Children

Teaching mathematics to middle school students with special needs can be a rewarding experience. It can also be challenging and frustrating for both parties involved too. Thankfully, for teachers, there are many strategies that have emerged that make learning enjoyable and more meaningful for students.

Things You'll Need

• Games
• White board
• Marker for white board

Instructions

1. Understand that more time should be granted when completing class work assignments. Students may find it hard to remember all the steps involved in solving mathematics problems. They may need more time to mentally process what was learned before they can begin to apply the concepts. Teachers should also allow more wait time for students to answer questions during lessons. Wait time is when a teacher asks a question to the class or a student and then waits for a response. Allowing more time for students to solve problems can help to increase their self-esteem.

2. Try modifying or changing the workload. Consider giving special needs students a few less problems to work out than regular education students. Special needs students may get easily frustrated if the workload appears heavy. Consider changing the assignment to best meet the students' needs. You may allow the students to verbally answer questions versus a pencil and paper activity. Or the students could work on a slate whiteboard to solve problems instead of using paper.

3. Keep in mind that everyone loves a good game. Why not use instructional games to teach important concepts, skills or new strategies? Better yet, use a game as an assessment instead of the traditional paper and pencil tests. By using mathematics games in the classroom teachers are able to assess students on their understanding of a skill in a very non-threatening manner. Games can include using card decks, playing Around the World, Jeopardy, or making up your own game based upon recent skills.

4. Use a manipulative to explain a new lesson. Students tend to learn more when they can use their hands and visually see the answer. A manipulative is anything a student can use to count. Students can use a manipulative when adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing. Examples include pennies, blocks, M&Ms or basically anything teachers have a good supply of in the classroom. For special needs students, a manipulative allows them to understand new concepts more easily.