Teaching MATH to your Speller
When it comes to teaching math to your speller, it can feel so overwhelming!
When we began spelling with my son Zeke at age 9 (almost 10), I was encouraged to presume that he can do basic math and move from there to age appropriate learning. So, we started in 4th grade! I was quickly FLOORED by his ability to answer math questions with his number board. It’s not all been sunshine and rainbows, but it’s clear he loves math.
Some important tips:
#1 - Focus on INPUT still. If you’ve been around a bit, you’ve heard me use this phrase already. Input is the goal in math too! Impart age appropriate knowledge and content to your speller, and then utilize the number and letter boards to practice spelling with that content.
#2 - Rote practice may not be necessary! So many math programs have many math practice problems on each page. This is simply redundant for many spellers. Rather than asking them 20 questions about a topic, maybe focus on the content (like definitions, etc that can be spelled on the letterboard) and then choose 5-10 math practice problems for the lesson.
#3 - Struggling with the number board? Use the Letterboard! Sometimes spelling numbers on the letterboard may be more accessible due to our kids’ motor planning difficulties. They are spelling on the letter board more frequently, so this makes sense to me. Especially when starting out with math, if you can ask questions that are spell-able on the letter board, go for it!
#4 Age appropriate. Let’s chat about this. A child who is 7 and starting spelling - this is easy to do. Start in 2nd grade math and prepare to be amazed! A child who is 15 and starting spelling - I’ll give you the same advice I received when we began - presume that they can do basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) in their heads, and go from there! An older student starting out in spelling and just gaining access to age appropriate curriculum can feel so daunting. The resources in this blog can be a great starting point before jumping into an age appropriate full math curriculum. These books can help close the knowledge gaps (math is one of the few areas that may need some catching up as we jump into age-appropriate academics!)
#5 Other adaptive methods? Every child is different. I hear many parents will write answer choices on a large whiteboard and have their child point to the correct answer. For my son, he cannot usually point accurately like that. However he surprises me sometimes. The other day he used his hand to make the sign for greater than and less than, and for each fraction problem he used his hand to show me which sign I should write down. That may never happen again! Use what you’ve got, the motor skills of your child, and be creative!
Resources:
*note - I receive NO affiliate income from these links. I am sharing because I think these are great options! That's all!
Paper Pie has fantastic books related to math! These 1-2 page lessons lend themselves to spelling so easily.
Economics (ages 10+)
Illustrated Mathematics (ages 12+)
Math of a Milkshake (ages 12+)
Illustrated Elementary Mathematics (ages 8+)
Understanding Mathematics (ages 10+)
Understanding Money (ages 10+)
Managing your money (ages 11+)
Lift the Flap Addition and Subtraction (ages 6+)
Lift the Flap Multiplication and Division (ages 6+)
Lift the Flap Math Shapes (ages 6+)
Lift the Flap Measuring Things (ages 6+)
Lift the Flap Mental Math (ages 6+)
Getting started with Math (ages 5+)
Look Inside Math (ages 5+)
FREE Curriculum:
Khan Academy - videos in most lessons. Can answer the questions using spelling or other adaptive methods
Good and Beautiful - FREE pdf of their math ages K-5th! 4th-5th levels have excellent math videos that go alongside their math books. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing the math book, but instead consider downloading the FREE pdf so you can pick and choose what activities to do.
Full curriculum options
This is actually what we're using currently! Zeke is 11 and in the 9-11 math level. We use the lesson to teach the concept, watch any videos and play any appropriate games. Then we typically do 1-2 of the worksheets/activities using the number board as needed to answer, and I write the answers down. One thing I love is there are often more hands on activities, such as cutting out fractions and putting them in order from smallest to largest. This kind of activity is more accessible for Zeke.
Youtube Videos:
Math and Learning Videos for Kids
Feeling overwhelmed with how to begin in math? Take a look at our Mentorship Package! The goal of the Mentorship program is to help provide clarity of goals and resources so that you can confidently homeschool your speller! Whether you're new to homeschooling or need a reset, this could be a great tool for you.
Schedule a free 15 minute call to discuss the program and see if it's a good fit! I absolutely LOVE talking to other speller parents, we always have so much fun!
