Multisensory Math is a different way of thinking about teaching math. It uses manipulative objects to teach the concepts of math. Our instructional sequence follows the Concrete-Representational-Abtract sequence which we refer to as CRA though the components of the sequence can also be used in any combination for review. Hands-on instruction using concepts leads to the use of pictures to provide a kind of portable memory which supports processing at the abstract level which uses only numbers. The CRA Instruction Sequence is also a bridge which can be used for repetition and practice with components juxtaposed or in concert for problem solving. One can introduce a concept with all three instructional components and then practice the concrete and abstract side by side, or the abstract to the pictorial to explain reasoning. Evidence strongly suggests that the use of multiple representations is a sound instructional component. These can include manipulatives for a concrete representation, images and then the abstract level where we dispense with manipulatives altogether.
Though the use of manipulative objects is essential for some students, the object of using manipulatives is to get rid of them. Ultimately we want all of our students to be proficient in calculations and applications in mathematics. The underlying concepts must be clearly understood if students are to apply mathematics to a useful purpose.
The research support for this program is grounded in the work of scientists such as Stanisas Dehaene and Brian Butterworth among others. They have helped to establish numeracy as a possible core deficit in mathematics difficulties. We refer to this as automatic recognition of quantity and quantity patterns. It is knowing the "threeness" of three, the "fourness" of four. They have established that the human brain can recognize up to four items without counting. More than that and the human brain needs patterns. An example would be trying to recognize nine items without counting. If those items are placed in a pattern of tally marks (five) and the dice pattern of four, easy.
This entire program uses the goal of quantity and pattern recognition to aid students in using math. The other unique aspect of this program is that it uses strategies from historic multisensory teaching, especially for language instruction. Strategies from Multisensory Language Instruction, which has been around since the early twentieth century, are applied to teaching mathematics. This includes things such as simultaneous processing, pattern recognition and color coding, hands-on instruction and specific retrievable instructional language.
The approach is appropriate for all students, inclusion classes, classes for at risk and LD students, English Language Learners, and for individual private remedial work. It is especially appropriate for working with students who have language based disabilities/dyslexia.
The Multisensory Math Program is offered as classes in two graduate level courses on site and through distance learning at the Multisensory Training Institute of ASDEC in Rockville MD. Graduate credits can be earned. There are three associated blogs and over sixty hours of course work available. The courses are open to the public, to educational professionals such as teachers and tutors, to parents, to academic therapists and MSLE specialists who want additional training in working with students who learn differently.
Though the use of manipulative objects is essential for some students, the object of using manipulatives is to get rid of them. Ultimately we want all of our students to be proficient in calculations and applications in mathematics. The underlying concepts must be clearly understood if students are to apply mathematics to a useful purpose.
The research support for this program is grounded in the work of scientists such as Stanisas Dehaene and Brian Butterworth among others. They have helped to establish numeracy as a possible core deficit in mathematics difficulties. We refer to this as automatic recognition of quantity and quantity patterns. It is knowing the "threeness" of three, the "fourness" of four. They have established that the human brain can recognize up to four items without counting. More than that and the human brain needs patterns. An example would be trying to recognize nine items without counting. If those items are placed in a pattern of tally marks (five) and the dice pattern of four, easy.
This entire program uses the goal of quantity and pattern recognition to aid students in using math. The other unique aspect of this program is that it uses strategies from historic multisensory teaching, especially for language instruction. Strategies from Multisensory Language Instruction, which has been around since the early twentieth century, are applied to teaching mathematics. This includes things such as simultaneous processing, pattern recognition and color coding, hands-on instruction and specific retrievable instructional language.
The approach is appropriate for all students, inclusion classes, classes for at risk and LD students, English Language Learners, and for individual private remedial work. It is especially appropriate for working with students who have language based disabilities/dyslexia.
The Multisensory Math Program is offered as classes in two graduate level courses on site and through distance learning at the Multisensory Training Institute of ASDEC in Rockville MD. Graduate credits can be earned. There are three associated blogs and over sixty hours of course work available. The courses are open to the public, to educational professionals such as teachers and tutors, to parents, to academic therapists and MSLE specialists who want additional training in working with students who learn differently.