How to Teach Numbers to Kids with Special Needs
Use Tactile Activities and Movement to Build Number Sense
Nov 15, 2008
State learning standards include “number sense” – the ability to understand and use numbers, understand mathematical concepts, and computation. Even a basic understanding of numbers can be difficult to grasp for child with a disability. Parents can help their child understand what numbers mean by using these methods.
Plan Activities with Touch
Feeling the shape of the number can help some children learn to recognize it. These ideas can also be used to practice identifying shapes or letters of the alphabet.
- Cut numbers out of sand paper. Encourage your child to run his index finger along the shape.
- Draw a large numeral on sturdy paper. Help your child dip cotton balls in glue and place them on the numeral to make a fuzzy number.
- “Write” numbers in shaving cream on a table or countertop. Do the same with a shallow container of flour or sugar.
- Show your child how to roll a rope of modeling dough that can be shaped into a number.
- Work number puzzles that require matching a picture of a certain number of objects to the related numeral.
Plan Large Muscle Activities
Some children learn from “putting their whole self into it”. Plan some physical activities to reinforce number concepts.
- Write giant numbers with chalk on a level surface outside. Jump or bounce a ball the number of times specified on each number.
- Use outside play items to count out each number. For example, two large plastic bowling pins can be placed on the number two.
- Pretend that you are writing in the air. Use the whole arm (elbow or foot) to write out the number being practiced.
- Use number songs on CDs and DVDs for number movements and dancing. These can be done together. Many children also enjoy doing them again and again on their own.
Small Steps Add Up
Remember when planning number concept activities to start slow and add more. If the child does not have a concept of numbers, begin with one number. Add a second. Add other numbers only after you see that the child has a concept of the ones already introduced.
A knowledge of numbers can seem like a simple thing to learn. To the child with a disability, it is no small accomplishment. Make the number teaching activities fun. Involve both parents as well as siblings. Make sure that it is a time to laugh and be a little silly. The enjoyable experience of learning numbers through tactile activities and large muscle movement will be sure to help the child with special needs build a solid concept of numbers.
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