Math+Tools+&+Strategies

Tools for Mathematics Success

** Low-Tech Tools **

**Math Manipulatives **
[] Grades: K-12 Ability: Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills required to manipulate objects User: ALL STUDENTS and any child who struggles understanding mathematical concepts ---Learning Things has several manipulatives for purchase.

LoTTIE Kit
Grades: K-12 Ability: Variety User: Any child who struggles with any aspect of mathematics ---Onion Mountain has the LoTTIE kit which stands for Low Tech for Inclusive Education. This kit consists of a variety of adapted manipulatives including over 25 low-tech tools to assist students in paper-pencil math skills as well as hand-held mid-tech electronic tools and two software based tools.
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Master Innovations
[] Age: K-12 Ability: Able to use User: Any child who needs adapted traditional tools used in math ---Master Innovations sells adapted measurement tools including the Master Clock, the Master Angle,the Master Fractions, and the Master Ruler. Each consists of overlays.

**Finger Grip Ruler **
[] Grades: All Ability: Able to grip ruler and ability to use ruler User: Any child who needs assistance in grasping a ruler ---This ruler allows students to grip raised plastic piece. Great option for students who do not have physical skills to use basic ruler.

Math Stamps
Grades: K-12 Ability: Must be able to grasp stamps and stamp onto paper User: Any child who needs larger stamps for grasping or who struggles with writing ---Variety Stamps: Clock face, Coins, Numbers, Math symbols, Unifix Cubes, & Patter Blocks. [] Perfect for students who are unable to draw or trace. ---Jumbo Number Stamps [] Great option for students who are unable to write numbers. ---X-Y Axis Stamp [] Excellent tool for students who are unable to draw axis lines.

Adjustable Book Stand
[] Grades: K-12 Ability: Able to read math text to have use stand User: Any child who struggles with holding a math textbook ---Independent Living sells a few different book stands to assist students in reading math text.

Math Graphic Organizers
[] Grades: K-12 Ability: Students who need assistance in organizing mathematical concepts. User: Any child who needs help organizing mathematical concepts ---Scroll down to Math Graphic Organizers section. Organizers include place value chart, ten frames, Venndiagrams, and much more. Higher level graphic organizers for upper ages: []

TheraPro Raised Line Paper
[|http://www.therapro.com/Raised-Line-Writing-Papers-C307821.aspx**] Grades: K-12 Ability: Able to write using paper User: Any child who struggles with lining up math problems ---TheraPro offers lined and graph raised paper products to assist students in lining up math problems.

Free Printable Graph Paper
[] Grades: K-12 Ability: Able to write using paper User: Any child who needs assistance lining up math problems or laying out other problems in an organized way. ---This site offers a large variety of free graph paper.

 Mid-Tech Tools

Math Facts Practice
1. Express Math Keyboard [] Grades: Early Elementary Ability: Cognitive ability required in addition & subtraction problems as well as ability to use buttons. User: Child who needs support in math facts or who struggles using traditional flashcards ---This keyboard helps students practice addition and subtraction facts 1's - 9's. Each fact has a button which students push to hear the answer. 2. Flash Master [] Grades: Elementary Ability: Cognitive ability required in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as well as ability to use buttons. User: Child who needs math facts support or who struggles using traditional flashcards ---Flash-Master is a small electronic version of flashcards. Students may study addition, subtraction,multiplication, and division facts quickly and easily.

Adapted Calculators
Grades: K-12 Ability: Able to use buttons on calculator (see High-Tech for switch usage) User: Any child who is visually impaired or who struggle with fine-motor skills 1. Big Number Calculator [] 2. Talking & Low Vision General and Scientific Calculators [] 3. Big Number Talking Pocket Calculator [| http://www.maxiaids.com/store/prodView.asp?idproduct=2961&idstore=6&product=Big-Number-Pocket-Talking-Calculator-with-Clock] 4. Sci-Pod Low Vision Scientific Calculator []

Adapted Clocks
Ages: K-12 Ability: Cognitive ability to grasp concept of time User: Any child who is hearing or visually impaired 1. Watches: Braille, Low-Vision, Talking, Special Function, and Vibrating [|http://www.independentliving.com/departments.asp?dept=111&deptname=Watches] 2. Wall Clocks: Large Number Digital & Analog [] 3. Timers: Talking, Tactile, & Large Number []

[] Ages: K-12 Ability: Able to use a ruler & tape measure. User: Any child who needs tactile support or who have visual impairments ---Independent Living provides measuring devices for students with visual impairments or students who need tactile reinforcement. Talking Tape Measure, Tactile Measuring Tapes, & Braille Ruler

Money
Grades: Elementary Ability: Able to use buttons User: Any child who needs support in money concepts 1. Coin-U-Lator [] Coil-U-Lator is a hand-held, talking electronic device that both adds and subtracts money amounts. The buttons uses realistic coins and dollar buttons. 2. Money Calculator [] This calculator automatically converts numbers entered into dollar format, using dollar signs, zeros and decimal points. Adding and subtracting may be displayed horizontally or vertically. Also functions as traditional calculator. 3. Coin Abacus [|http://www.pcieducation.com/coin-abacus.aspx#bottomTabs] The Coin Abacus is an electronic device that uses a hands-on approach to counting money. The Coin Abacus does talk and has a display screen.

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Children Speller & Dictionary
[] Grades:K-12 Ability: Able to use buttons and somewhat spell correctly User: Any child who struggles with vocabulary, spelling, or using a traditional dictionary ---Franklin Electronic Publishers have this speller/dictionary which contains over 40,000 definitions. This electronic devise a great tool for a student who struggles with mathematical definitions. There is also a talking version on the site.

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Verilux Page Light
[] Ages: K-12 Ability: Students need additional light for vision User: Any child who has a visual impairment ---Independent Living offers a tool to assist low-vision students. The Verilux lights up and when pages are placed on top of it the background light makes it easier to see the page.

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Step Pad
[] Grades: All Ability: Able to follow step-by-step directions User: Any child who struggles with following directions ---Step Pad allows teachers to record step-by-step directions for students to play back as needed. This tool is great in developing independence with students with special needs.

Virtual Manipulatives
Grades: K-12 Ability: Use a computer User: Any child who struggles using traditional manipulatives 1. National Library of Virtual Manipulatives [] ---This website provides an interactive means of utilizing manipulatives online. Categories include Number & Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis & Probability and range in level from K-12. This resource is a great option for individuals who do not have the ability to manipulate real manipulatives but who are able to use a computer. 2. McGraw-Hill Virtual Manipulatives [] ---McGraw-Hill provides several virtual backgrounds, such as grids and place-value mats, as well as numerous virtual manipulatives, including pattern blocks and currency. This tool is fun, interactive, and will provide hours of learning fun! This site is great for students who need additional support in mathematical concepts or for students who struggle with the mechanics required in mathematics.

Interactive Tools
1. Number Navigator 2 [] Grades: K-12 Ability: Able to use computer User: Students who have difficulty lining up arithmetic problems or students who struggle with the mechanics required in completing arithmetic problems using paper and pencils will benefit from this tool. Students who use switches may also use this program to complete arithmetic problems. ---Number Navigator is a Windows Program that allows arithmetic via rows and columns. This program allows students to use the button bar, keyboard, or switches to enter numbers into grid locations on the screen to complete arithmetic problems. [] 2. Create A Graph [] Ability: Use a computer User: This tool is great for students who struggle with organizing information required in graph creation. Students with mechanical issues in creating numbers and graphs will also benefit from this tool. Understanding graphing concepts is still achieved as students are still required to input data, choose labels, and understand the differences among the graphs. ---Create A Graph is a website that allows students to create five different types of graphs. Students may create bar, line, area, pie, and xy graphs using simple, step-by-step procedures. Students may also print their graph. 3. E-Tutor Graphing Calculator [] Ability: Use a computer User: E-Tutor is a great solution for students who struggle with the mechanics required in completing graphs using pencils. However, the user does need to understand basic equations because the site requires students to enter the function in a standard mathematical format. ---E-Tutor allows students to input one or more equations into a box, click the graph button, and the calculator will graph the equation. <span style="background-color: #800000; color: #ff9400; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 260%;"> High-Tech Tools

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Math Talk with Scientific Notebook
[] Grades: 6th- Adult Ability: Pre-algebra and above mathematical concepts & voice abilities User: Students who cannot access traditional math skills or a computer. Voice reliant. ---Using Dragon Naturally Speaking and this tools, students can voice high-level math. Students have over 60,000 choices.

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Eye Scan Reader Reading Machine
[] Grades: K-12 Ability: Various User: Students who struggle with reading ---Using Eye Scan, teachers can scan math text and Eye Scan reads it aloud.

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Touch Window
[] Grades: K-12 Ability: Able to touch screen User: Students who struggle using a typical keyboard ---The Touch Window tool provides an keyboard alternative for students who are unable to use a typical keyboard. Mathematical software to accompany Touch Window can also be found on the Edmark website.

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Track Ball
[] Grades: K-12 Ability: Able to scroll ball User: Students who struggle using traditional mouse ---Trackballs are alternative devices to a computer mouse. Students use their hands or fingers to roll over a ball devise to operate the computer just as a typical mouse would. = = <span style="background-color: #800000; color: #ff9400; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 250%; text-align: center;">Math Software

[] Grades: K-12 Ability: Use computer and cognitive ability to complete tasks User: Students who needs additional support in math or students unable to use typical math tools (compass...) ---This program is an add-on to the Smart Notebook. Students are able to use virtual math tools to explore concepts. Students who are typically unable to manipulate standard math tools are able to use this program to create perfect circles using a compass, straight lines using a ruler, and much more!

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Michigan Curriculum associates
[] Grades: Various Ability: Various ---The Michigan Curriculum Associates has several books and programs specific to Tier 1-3 of RTI interventions. <span style="background-color: #800000; color: #ff9400; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 250%;"> General Online TOOLS 1. Web-math [|http://webmath.com] Grades: K-12 Ability: Use a computer ---This website provides support in all areas of mathematics fields for grades K-12. A student is able to choose a math category and input a math problem. This site provides the answer to the problem as well as the steps to complete the problem. An individual who is physically able to use a computer will benefit from this support! 2. Voice Thread [] Grades: K-12 Ability: Use a computer or have assistance in creating responses ---This website is a great resource! It is a way to use dialog through various medias. Teachers are able to develop a Voice Thread in which students may then respond. Students have the option to respond using a telephone, voice recording, text document, or video recording. What makes this site unique is that the child can doodle on the thread while responding. This tool really creates a community among students regardless of ability. Students who have speech difficulties may use text-to-sound programs and upload the voice over. Students who would rather create a text document can type their response. Check it out and see how this tool can be used in mathematics! [] This link has several mathematics voice threads by grade levels [] 3. Real World Math [] Grades: 5-12 Ability: Use computer User: Students who have limited experiences would benefit from this tool. Students who lack interactive experiences in daily life will gain a deeper understanding of mathematics in the world. <span class="style_2" style="line-height: 16px;">---Real World Math extends textbook math to include real-world implications using an interactive <span class="style_2" style="line-height: 16px;">approach through Google Earth. The lessons are appropriate for grade 5 and beyond, but may be <span class="style_2" style="line-height: 16px;">adapted for younger grades. This site provides extensive lesson plan ideas using Google Earth, a <span class="style_3" style="line-height: 17px;">community <span class="style_2" style="line-height: 16px;"> page for collaboration among educators, <span class="style_3" style="line-height: 17px;">an update <span class="style_2" style="line-height: 16px;"> page which contains new and updated <span class="style_2" style="line-height: 16px;"> lessons or resources added to the site, and a re <span class="style_3" style="line-height: 17px;">source <span class="style_2" style="line-height: 16px;"> page with links to other sites, blogs, and materials. 4. Braining Camp [] Grades: 6-8 ---Braining Camp is an interactive website specifically tailored toward middle school concepts(Grades 6-8). Nine topics are free to use and schools have the option to purchase a membership which includes dozens of additional topics. Each topic has a lesson which provides visual models and audio narration, an interactive portion where students may manipulate materials using learned concepts, a questioning section in which understanding is assessed through multiple choice questions, and finally an application portion where students learn how the concepts apply in real-world settings. Teachers may also choose their state and grade level to find corresponding standards for each topic. User: Students who struggle with manipulative usage in the classroom will benefit immensely from this tool. In addition, this tool provides additional support to students who struggle with understanding mathematical concepts. This tool is fun, interactive, and a great motivator for all middle school students! 5. A Math Dictionary For Kids [] Grades: K-12 Ability: Use a computer User: Students who struggle with math vocabulary ---A Math Dictionary For Kids offers math definitions in a fun, interactive manner. Each definition is alphabetized and provides an interactive understanding of specific math concepts.

**<span style="background-color: #ff9400; color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 400%;">Strategies for Mathematics ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">~Determine Area of Need <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[]  <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Georgia Department of Education offers a wide-array of information on Math Assistance. Pages 11-21 discusses various needs and support options. Pages 22-69 has several assisted technology tools to use in math remediation. Great Resource! ~Special Needs [|http://web.ku.edu/~spedres/cat_math_science_ss.html] This is a must have resource. It provides links for math strategies organized by areas of disabilities. ~Autism & Math Support [] Provides a great snip-it of some math strategies to use with ASD students. http://www.specialconnections.ku.edu/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/specconn/main.php?cat=instruction&section=teachertools ~ASD Teaching Math [] This site is simple and to the point. It is organized by strands and offers great tips for each. ~Touch Math [] Touch Math is a math curriculum that is multi-sensory. If you click on "Learning Differences" on the main page, you may choose "Special Ed" or "Autism". Each category provides information and gives several products particular to disabilities. ~LD [|http://www.as.wvu.edu/~scidis/learning.html] This website offers some great tips for working with children with disabilities. Tips are general yet can be applied to any subject. ~Special Education Teaching Strategies [] About.com offers some very simple, yet effective strategies for working with special education students. Again tips are general, but beneficial in all areas. ~Dyscaculia [] This link offers quick strategies to address a mathematical disability. Very basic, but good points. ~Teaching Strategies for Students with Learning Disabilities in Mathematics [] This article discusses math disabilities and offers great suggested activities for working with students. ~National Council of Teachers of Mathematics [] This is the main page of NCTM. However, if you search "special needs" some great articles and strategies are provided.

~ESL [] This site offers step-by-step tips for teaching math to ESL students. ~ADHD [] This is a great resource in general but if you scroll down you will see some great tips specifically for math. ~Visual Impairments [] Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired offers suggestions for teaching math using technology. ~Hearing Impairments [] This link is very interesting. It is an article about the benefits of using origami in teaching mathematics to deaf students. If you scroll down you will also find general teaching strategies for math. ~CI [] This link is actually to information on a book called "Teaching Language Arts, Science, and Math to Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities. If you scroll down you are able to view the table of contents. This book seems to have some great information to assist in teaching math to CI students.  ~Gifted [] Math Education for Gifted Students is a book that provides strategies for teaching math. Section one discusses strategies for differentiating instruction and section two discussions specific strategies for teaching.