Please tell me what math program worked for your dyslexic kid...

[lisabees]

I am driving myself crazy! DS is 13 and likes math. Math ideas come naturally to him. But, of course, memorizing math facts, like multiplication tables, is a struggle because of his dyslexia. His working memory and processing speed are slow, so he eventually gets the answers correct. It just takes longer than my other three kids.

I showed him sample lessons (online) of Teaching Textbooks and Math U See. He said the lessons went too slowly. He just wants to do the problems. Did he just have a bad attitude or should I take that as a sign of what kind of curriculum will work for him?

Is there a test online that identifies mathematical strengths and weaknesses?

He is a rising 7th grader, so I'd like a curriculum that is challenging for him (since it's the one subject he feels good about) and will prepare him for more difficult math work in the future.

Thanks! :)

Lisa

[Momto2Ns]

What level of math are you looking for? Straight math, pre-algebra, algebra?

MUS has very short lessons, but he might find Steve Demme very annoying if he wants to get straight to it. TT allows you to skip the lessons (I think), but then he might do too much of that and have trouble learning the material.

If he is ready for algebra, I might consider a book approach. Lials, which has optional videos available inexpensively could be a good option. He could mostly look at the samples, and move ahead if he gets it watch a video or read more if he needs more help.

[EKS]

What level of math does he need?

[lisabees]

Guess I forgot that important fact. :D He would need pre-algebra.

[Momto2Ns]

Pick up a Lial's Basic College Math Book. It is highly recommended on the high school boards. I have it myself and my ds is using it now. It starts with basic math (as the name says) addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. Then moves to fractions, decimals, geometry and algebra.

On the high school boards, the recommendation is to use the chapter tests as placement tests for where to start. Let him try working through this and see if he likes it. It is consumable, you use it as a workbook. No rewriting problems. The only downside for a dyslexic is that the book is big and the print is small. Here is the great thing, get the 6th or 7th edition on Amazon used for $10 or less. Let him try it. If it doesn't work, then try one of the others and you have lost very little. You can always use it as some practice pages. If it does work for him, he can continue with Lials for Algebra the following year.

If he didn't like the look of MUS or TT which are the standard recommendations for dyslexic math students and math is his strength - I'd give it a shot.

[LizzyBee]

My dd13 is mildly dyslexic. We used a couple things in the earlier years, but Singapore worked best for her. She is currently using Life of Fred with the Key To series. She loves Fred!

[Renee in FL]

My dd13 is mildly dyslexic. We used a couple things in the earlier years, but Singapore worked best for her. She is currently using Life of Fred with the Key To series. She loves Fred!

Does the fact that it is so reading intensive not bother her?

[MicheleB]

I showed him sample lessons (online) of Teaching Textbooks and Math U See. He said the lessons went too slowly. He just wants to do the problems. Did he just have a bad attitude or should I take that as a sign of what kind of curriculum will work for him?


My 10yo dyslexic son is also like this, Lisa. He likes math a lot and just wants to do it. He has his "own" way of figuring it out and if I try to show him, he seems to find it more than he can mentally digest.

However, his dyslexia is dyseidetic, and it's very difficult to do things in print for him. So thus far, he can only get as far as addition and subtraction.

I have heard good things about the Key To series as well. :)

[elegantlion]

My dd13 is mildly dyslexic. We used a couple things in the earlier years, but Singapore worked best for her. She is currently using Life of Fred with the Key To series. She loves Fred!

Does the fact that it is so reading intensive not bother her?


We used/are using Singapore as well with my ds who is mildly dyslexic. We also have started with LOF. My ds is younger but I still read the LOF lessons to him and he works the problems in a separate notebook. I know not everyone can do that, but we really like the way Fred explains the problems so I think it's worth it.

[LizzyBee]

Does the fact that it is so reading intensive not bother her?

No, she has overcome her reading difficulties. At this point, the dyslexia mainly causes spelling issues, and she also struggles with organization and problem solving.

[lisabees]

Lizzybee, I am so glad your dd's reading has been remediated! That is wonderful news. I am holding out hope for ds!

I just attended a homeschool fair and bought a Singapore workbook and textbook. We'll start tomorrow. If we stick with that, we'll probably use the Key to... series.

Lial's sounds good, but I've read that is can be overwhelming for the "younger" kids. I'll probably check it out anyway.

Honestly, I really like ChalkDust. I wonder if he would. Of course, I'd want to know before I spend the money!!!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! ;)

[home2333]

My student did Bob Jones Pre-Algebra. I showed her Teaching Textbooks and Keys to and several others, but she chose BJU, it worked very well for her. You might consider trying Multiplication Camp to help your student learn the multiplication table.

Grace

[Momto2Ns]

Lial's sounds good, but I've read that is can be overwhelming for the "younger" kids. I'll probably check it out anyway.

Honestly, I really like ChalkDust. I wonder if he would. Of course, I'd want to know before I spend the money!!!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! ;)

My DS is only 12 and is immature for his age. When he looked at Lial's his response was "I am not in college. I shouldn't have to do college math!" :lol: Once we got past that, he has done very well with using it this summer. The explanations are great, very clear and I pick and choose word problems that make sense. There are typically 100+ word problems per section (not chapter, but section within each chapter). We only use a few of those so, it is easy to use ones that work. I was worried when I saw some of the comments about younger kids, but I haven't found it to be true and for the money it is great!

For Chalkdust, be sure to read the thread on getting Chalkdust for less $$. You can buy the DVDs and books separately on Amazon and make this program cost less than $100 and resell it for what it cost if it doesn't work for you. My son is too ADD to watch the videos or I'd try it :001_smile: