Hope Schools: Special Education: K-5

Math, Reading, and Writing Tips!

by Heather Barkley

September 13, 2007

Math Practice

• Touch Math for Addition and Subtraction

~ The following pictures show touch points for numbers 1-9. Each number has certain points in a specific spot that students are to count. For example, number 2 has 2 dots, number 3 has 3 dots, etc. If a number has a dot that is circled, that means it is counted twice. If a student is doing 8 + 9, they will put touch points on the smallest number. Then they will start at 9 and count forward 8 times on the dots until they get the answer. It will be the same with subtraction, except the students will count backwards. Students can practice putting touch points on the numbers, as well as practicing their facts. To help at home, print the following sheets off, have your child practice putting the touch points on the numbers, and make single digit addition and subtraction problems for them to do. This will help with the memorization of facts, as well as speed. No more adding and subtracting with fingers!

Once they master single digit addition and subtraction skills, move on to double and triple digits.
If students are struggling with multiplication facts, I have songs and charts that will help to learn them quicker. Email me or call me if you'd like them.

Reading Practice

• Practice reading short passages over and over and over to increase speed.

• To increase comprehension, ask your students questions after each paragraph or page they read in a story.

• To practice sight words, make flashcards of the words students don’t know. Have them practice saying them and writing them in complete sentences.

Writing Practice

Have your students write for three minutes everyday on a topic that they choose. Stress capitalization, punctuation, spelling, complete sentences, and staying on topic. To organize writing ideas, try using a graphic organizer or web.

Spelling Practice