Help for a Child Who Has a Math Disability

Question: Hello to the Austin family! My 11 yo son is in Preparing… in Heart of Dakota now and doing great going full-speed! However, math is another story.  Could you please help me with placement in Heart of Dakota’s Singapore Math for my son with a math disability?

A Little Background on His Math Struggles

My 11 yo son used another math program (ACE) this year and has 1 ½ books left before he is done with the 2nd grade level. This has not been the best math curriculum for him. But, we used it as he could do it by himself, due to other time constraints I had. I now have more time to spend with him on the subjects in which he struggles. I am considering the Singapore math Heart of Dakota recommends. My question is if Singapore can be used successfully with a child who has a math disability? Thank you for help in pondering this placement!

Reply:  Thanks for sharing about your son’s math background!

This is an interesting dilemma. With the age of your son in mind, and considering the challenges he has had in math thus far, Singapore Primary Math could work well. The reason for this is because it is easier to move at a varying and/or accelerated pace through Singapore than it is with other programs that are more lock-step and have large volumes of daily work for each level.

Be sure to give the Singapore Math placement test first!

Singapore Math has a free and accurate placement test.  I would definitely give him the placement test, by clicking here.  Be sure to give him the placement test for the U.S. Edition. I would begin with the 2A test and see how he does. I would be inclined to think he might begin in 2B, but with testing you will know better.

Be sure to assist your son during math time by sitting near him and drawing his attention to the word bubbles!

Since math is a challenging area, I think you will have to commit to sitting with him or being available nearby to help often as needed. Be sure to teach the Singapore method in the word bubbles of each lesson, as this will help! Then, I would move quickly through what your son knows and spend longer on what he does not. In this way, you could cover more ground. Be sure to use the U.S. Edition of Singapore, as the other editions have too much volume added to them which will slow you down.

Once you place your son, you can order the needed levels of Singapore here. This honestly may be a good option with only a semester or so of instruction time to move forward. I hope this helps!

Blessings,

Carrie