Kindergarten math for non-writing dd?

[Annette]

I am starting to get in a panic! I can't find anything to do with her this year. She normally goes to OT, but I decided that I could do just as good of a job, but here I am with no idea!

I want a specific program, laid out for me. But...it can not include any writing. My dd can not write at all, only scribbles. I know there are lots of books out there that are manipulative based, but I want it spelled out for me, like Saxon does, minus any writing. I don't want 200 pages of counting bears, I am looking for some variety.

Does this exist?

[hsmamainva]

Saxon Kindergarten math involves no writing. It's very scripted and uses manipulatives for certain things like pattern blocks and things like that. They sell a kit of manipulatives for it, or you can just pick up what you need, as you need it, at any educational / teaching supply store.

Another option is to use any math curriculum you'd like and you would do the writing (just have your child answer the questions). I did this with my oldest son, as he didn't like to write at all....he still doesn't, and he's 14!

I'm using Abeka math for my 1st grader, as she's VERY visual and loves color. She used it for Kindergarten as well. I couldn't use Saxon Kindergarten math with her, even though I own it, because, with her language delays, she couldn't follow along with a scripted, oral math lesson.

(Btw...if you're interested in purchasing a never-used Saxon Kindergarten math kit, send me a private message! The kit includes the meeting book and teacher's manual -- I don't have the manipulatives though! Honestly, she's my youngest child... she's already in 1st grade...I would never use it...and I'm willing to sell it cheap, especially to someone who would give it a good home! :D)

[Annette]

pm'd you.

[Terabith]

What about Right Start math? Can you do the writing for her? Or, can you get the number stamps (0-9) and let her use those? My 4.5 yr old is doing kindergarten math but she can't write either.

[EKS]

Back when my son had writing issues I just filled in the Saxon worksheets for him (Saxon K doesn't have worksheets). I think it is important for *someone* to do whatever writing is required but that could be you. When you do this you are modeling proper worksheet filling in behavior. Seriously! Then when your daughter is ready you can turn the writing over to her. This might have to be done in stages because the writing requirements increase as you go up in grade level. It has only been in the last year or so that my 12 yo has been doing *all* of his own writing.

[CactusPair]

You've gotten some good advice about programs. RightStart is a good one to consider bec. of the abacus. You could also do MUS with her showing you the answers with the blocks and you writing them down.

I'll just add that this may be something that continues to challenge your dd in the next few grades.

I would pick the program you like best and do it orally, with her pointing to the answers/using manipulatives to demonstrate & you writing them down for her.

You may have to continue this way for a while, depending on how she progresses. So, you may want to keep that in mind when choosing the math curriculum if you like to stick with the same program through the grades.

My ds has made a lot of progress with writing, but he has his limits. He is going into the 3rd grade. Many days I still write the answers down after he has done it orally. Actually, this has developed his mental math skills quite a bit, so it has it's benefits. He is very fast at figuring. Better than me.

Best wishes

[Annette]

Thank you for sharing your ideas, I am going to try saxon K for now. I know that we are probably going to deal with this for quite some time, if not always! I am going to do some research on right start and mus. I appreciate the ideas. I feel better that I have something to go from now and that I have at least decided on something to start with.

Cactuspair, do you still use right start? Have you used a specific writing program to help your ds to form letters and numbers? Our OT recommended HWT, so we are going to begin working on that this year too.

[newlifemom]

My ds now 6 was only writing his initials prior to K last year. OT used HWT and he is writing all of his letters both upper and lower case. Actually had gotten them all down by Dec. and that was doing OT at the school 2x week. I would suggest you use HWT very much and good luck.

[Lizzie in Ma]

I thought it was great.
http://www.raysarithmetic.com/