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Teachers are more than a little busy right now getting their classrooms ready for that first day of the new term. Parents are organizing their to-do lists preparing their children for a great academic year. Students are anticipating that first day with a new teacher. Challenged learners may actually be a bit anxious about the approaching weeks. However, everyone is getting in gear for the new school year!

Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, you are most likely interested in helpful apps and ready-to-use resources to help learners of all kinds and of all ages. We thought as a follow up to last week’s article entitled Math Made Easier for Challenged Learners, we would provide you with a list of direct links to all types of math apps, worksheets and other activities that would also be helpful for struggling learners. These can be used before or during the approaching fall term.

Please let us know if you are aware of other apps, downloadable worksheets or printable math activities of this kind. We will be more than glad to add them to the list below.

Have a great school year, everyone!

Helpful Math Apps

Math Apps for Children with Special Needs---from Dr. Gary James
Summaries and direct links to math apps for all kinds of learners
http://a4cwsn.com/tag/math/

Math Apps and Learning Tools for Kids (Apps listed for ages 2-14 years)
Learning and practicing math is always more fun when it’s part of a game. We like these apps and other related learning tools for how they use creative methods to teach kids math concepts.
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-app-lists/math-apps-and-learning-tools-for-kids

Apps for Special Needs (Math)
Download a complete list of Apps for Special Needs (PDF). Direct links provided to iTunes App Store for each app. When accessing the apps through this link, your will be helping to raise funds for special needs each time you purchase.
http://www.ihelpforspecialneeds.com/iHelpWelcome/Math_Apps.html

Helpful Math Worksheets & Printables

FREE Printable Math Grids and Other Math Helpers-from Do2Learn
These grids are easy to print and help to keep numbers in the correct column when adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. You can write the problem in colored pencil or ink and have the child use a regular pencil. Dot-to-dot number worksheets, a printable multiplication table and number lines are also available via this link.
http://www.do2learn.com/activities/mathhelpers/

FREE Math Worksheets-from K5 Learning
Printable worksheets for each grade level from K-6 are available via this site.
http://www.k5learning.com/free-math-worksheets

FREE Math Printables for Special Needs-from SENTeacher
Many excellent math printables are available here for all kinds of learners.
http://www.senteacher.org/print/mathematics/

Helpful Math Activities & Other RelatedResources for Special Needs

Math for the Fun of It!-from www.math.com
Here you will find a variety of enjoyable activities to assist you in teaching your child a few basic math concepts.
http://www.math.com/parents/articles/funmath.html

Math activities for special needs children
Here you will find e-books available online that include math activities and related resources for children with special needs.
http://www.mybookezzz.com/math-activities-for-special-needs-children/

Make Math More Fun for Your Special Needs Students with These Card Games!-from BrightHub Education by Anne Vize
Most teachers in special education like to have a grab bag of ready-to-go activities they can pull out at a moment’s notice. These card games and activities work well with high school learners with low numeracy skills. Kids love playing with cards, and they provide age-appropriate learning skills.
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-inclusion-strategies/12360-five-great-math-card-games-for-special-education-learners/

Reading Focus Card (Model #001) can be used in many math applications, too.(Photo at right)

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: www.BrennanInnovators.com

Effective Math Resources ALL in One Place!

In our most recent articles, we have been offering tips and resources to help make the Back-to-School “journey” just a little bit easier. However, those offerings have been related to literacy and study skills. This week, we wanted to provide some effective yet easy-to-access resources for sharpening those math skills that may have become dormant over the summer break.

Over the past several weeks, we have been working on what we think is a great list of math links for parents and teachers of challenged learners to provide just this kind of assistance. In addition, we have categorized the resources according to learning style and level of technology. We hope you will find what we have here for you to be just the kind of math resources you need to help your child or your students get back into the math groove!

A. Math Resources for Visual Learners (Spatial) – For these learners, visual information (e.g. printed words, maps, charts, environmental cues) are needed for ease of learning.

Visualizing Multiplication
This is a great tool for those children who are struggling with multiplication facts.
http://www.classroomfreebies.com/2012/12/visualizing-multiplication.html

FREE Montessori Math Videos
YouTube has become a wonderful resource for parents and teachers searching for information on Montessori education. The math videos via this link can provide very helpful instruction.
http://sulia.com/livingmontessorinow/f/a0561600-00b3-40eb-bbc8-ceefe3651285/

B. Math Resources for Auditory Learners (Linguistic) – For these learners, spoken language is a preferred way of taking in and responding to information.

Auditory: Math Resources
A list of 9 resources to help teach math concepts via auditory methods
http://www.riverspringscharter.org/elementary-k-6/curriculum/learning-resources/learning-styles/Auditory-learners/auditory-math

Math and Skip Counting (Prices vary)
Here is a variety of math CDs from which to choose.
http://www.singnlearn.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=math&sid=pc2l04513d0y84d7a20l5n7za3299vk2

C. Math Resources for Kinesthetic Learners (Physical/Tactile) – For these learners, engaging in hands-on activity and getting feedback from physical sensations are important and helpful in facilitating learning and in demonstrating mastery of skills.

Turning Non-Traditional Games into Learning Fun
Take regular games that students are already familiar with and give them an educational “twist.” What’s the result? Math learning becomes FUN learning!
http://www.theorganizedclassroomblog.com/index.php/blog/turning-noneducational-games-into-learning-fun

Lego Math Game {Greater Than or Less Than}
Adding Lego to math learning can be much more fun for children. This activity is also quick and simple to put together – always a plus!
http://www.oneperfectdayblog.net/2013/03/27/lego-math-games/

Lego Math That Kids Love!
More math activities involving Legos
http://bestactivitiesforkids.com/lego-math/

D. Math Resources for Social Learners

How to Teach Math as a Social Activity
A master math teacher in Anchorage, Alaska, establishes a cooperative-learning environment in an upper-elementary classroom.
http://www.edutopia.org/math-social-activity-cooperative-learning-video

Cooperative Learning Techniques
by Gisele Glosser
Cooperative learning should not be used haphazardly. However, when used with a plan, it can offer many educational benefits. Most of all, it is just plain fun. Recommendations for implementation are provided in this article.
http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/coop_learning.html

Instructional Strategies
The strategies in provided in this article support active student participation in math lessons and allow teachers to assess the developing proficiency levels of all students in the class by walking around to monitor student responses.
http://mathwire.com/strategies/is.html

E. Tech Resources for Math (Apps, etc.)

Math Apps (for Apple devices)
By Sandra Fleming (Aug 8, 2013)
Reviews of and links to the BEST math apps for Back-to-School 2013
http://bestappsforkids.com/?cat=407

10 Outstanding Android Math Apps (2013)
For Android fans, here is a list of some great MATH apps to share with their students and kids. Includes basic math levels to algebra.
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/02/10-outstanding-android-math-apps.html

Other Related Resources

Learning Styles vs. Learning Disabilities – from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
Individuals respond to and use different types of information and approaches when engaged in learning. In addition, no one uses only one approach to learning all the time. This article presents basic information about learning styles and learning disabilities.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/what-is-ld/learning-styles-vs-learning-disabilities

Hear It, See It, Feel It – 24 Math Strategies for Your Auditory, Visual or Tactile Learner
Posted by Caroline Mukisa
http://www.mathsinsider.com/hear-it-see-it-feel-it-24-math-strategies-for-your-auditory-visual-or-tactile-learner/

30 of the Best Educational Tools for Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic Learners
A great list of technological tools for ALL kinds of learners
http://diplomaguide.com/articles/30_of_the_Best_Educational_Tools_for_Auditory_Visual_and_Kinesthetic_Learners.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: www.BrennanInnovators.com

Sure enough! As soon as the July 4th weekend was history, the “back-to-school bosses” got busy. In a visit this week to several of our local stores, we witnessed quite a few sales associates stocking shelves with the latest school supplies, backpacks and even some “goodies” for Halloween! Aren’t they rushing things? Phew!

We certainly know that many families (and even teachers!) are still enjoying the summer break and will continue to do so for the next couple of weeks. However, we also know of a few families (and teachers!) who have incorporated some learning opportunities into their summer vacation time. One family told us that a trip to Washington, D.C., is planned so that the kids can see for the first time the Washington Monument, the Senate and House, and other landmarks so important to American History and Government. An experienced teacher mentioned to us that she and her husband had just returned from Charleston, SC, and had gathered Civil War information, materials and literature for her middle school students when the new academic year begins in mid-August. So, you see, the summertime can present an excellent opportunity to gather the right materials and resources to “kickstart” the skills needed for the new school year. At the same time, you and your family can still enjoy the great days of summer.

Consider ways to help your child or student hone and further develop these important skills, especially if reading and learning challenges are involved (ADHD, LD or other learning issue). To help you in this effort, we have collected some special resources here and have divided those resources into specific categories to make it easier for you to locate and access what is needed. We hope the children and teens you care about will benefit from these special resources and be ready to start the new school year better prepared for ALL subjects!

Kickstart Reading Skills for Challenged Readers

17 Ways to Teach Vocabulary Skills to Students with Special Needs
by Thomas Armstrong
http://institute4learning.com/blog/2013/02/12/17-ways-to-teach-vocabulary-skills-to-neurodiverse-students/

Reading Together: Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD
by Reach Out and Read
If your child has ADHD, paying attention for long periods of time can be a challenge. So, meet the challenge head-on — make reading time fun time for you and your child.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/41119/

Kickstart Math Skills for Challenged Learners

10 Helpful Dyscalculia Resources
by National Center for Learning Disabilities' Editorial Staff (NCLD)
Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities (LD) involving math. There is no single type of math disability. The resources in this link can help those struggling with significant math challenges.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/helpful-math-resources

More resources (on same site): http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia

Math.com---Website that presents FREE resources for practicing mathematics from basic math to calculus. Takes a student of any ability at his present level and allows him to “level up” as math skills are developed. (A student-driven resource)
http://math.com/

Kickstart Organizational & Study Skills for Challenged Learners

A Toolkit for School Success: 15 Study Tips for Students with ADHD
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/a-toolkit-for-school-success-15-study-tips-for-students-with-adhd/all/1/

Apps for Students with LD: Organization and Study
by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-organization-study

Other Related Resources for Challenged Learners

Back-to-School: Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Kandace Wernsing (LD Online)
http://www.ldonline.org/article/38406/

8 Skills That Can Help Your Special Needs Child in School
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/01/22/8-skills-that-can-help-your-special-needs-child-in-school/

Teaching kids with special needs interdependence skills through play
by Ellen Metrick
Helping with meals is just one way to help build skills
http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/special-parent/winter-2013/in-our-shoes/day-of-play

Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Reading Rockets
Our Top 8 back-to-school tips for parents emphasize communication, organization, and staying up-to-date on special education news.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/38405/

Handouts and Resources for LD/ADD (for Secondary and College Levels)
Many FREE printables and links to a wide variety of resources related to academics and student life, including resources on LD/ADD in college. In addition, there are numerous publications on LD/ADD and the college student which you may find helpful.
http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k73301&pageid=icb.page416014

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.brennaninnovators.com

The NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) describes dyscalculia as “a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities involving math. There is no single type of math disability. Dyscalculia can vary from person to person. And, it can affect people differently at different stages of life.

Two major areas of weakness can contribute to math learning disabilities:

• Visual-spatial difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing what the eye sees
• Language processing difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears

Using alternate learning methods, people with dyscalculia can achieve success.”

As with many learning challenges, specific strategies, accommodations, tools and other resources can enable affected students to experience more learning success. It is no different with dyscalculia. Because of this, and as a result of several inquiries at Brennan Innovators for teaching materials and resources for dyscalculia, we thought this would be a very good time to provide a few apps for teachers and parents of children with this learning challenge.

Apps for Dyscalculia

Math Teacher by Gianluca Puggelli (for iPhone---price $.99)
This is an application that helps kids work with basic mathematical operations. It supports multiplication, division, addition and subtraction tables. The app can be of particular benefit to those challenged with dyscalculia.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/math-teacher/id419156026?mt=8

Telling Time by My Turn Mobile (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.0 or later---price $1.99)
This app has three levels allowing students to advance their skills. It compares the analog clock to the digital clock.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/telling-time/id346913342?mt=8

Coin Math by Recession Apps (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 4.3 or later---price $1.99)
This app begins with identification of coins, counting coins, making change, and shopping. This app allows users to advance levels.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/coin-math/id296596459?mt=8

A Math App: Multiplication Simplified – HD by App-Zoo (for iPad--Requires iOS 3.2 or later--price $.99)
This is a visual app that uses skip counting and is particularly good for those students who have difficulty with memorizing facts.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-math-app-multiplication/id392185727?mt=8

Algebra Touch (for Phone, iPod Touch, iPad--- Price: $2.99)
ALGEBRA TOUCH allows kids to manipulate and solve single-variable algebraic equations and terms in a very creative way. Kids drag their finger on the screen to move terms from one side of the equation to the other, or they can tap to factor or solve. A list of other algebra apps is also under development via this same link, so stay tuned!
http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-tools/apps-4-math/math-apps

A Collection of Multiplication Apps (for Apple, Android, Kindle Fire, & Nook devices-prices vary)
http://www.rocknlearn.com/html/multiplication-apps.htm

Other Resources for Dyscalculia

LDOnline Definition of and information on dyscalculia
http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709/

NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) Additional information on dyscalculia (includes warning signs and symptoms, treatment options, parent/teacher forum comments and other information)
http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia

Dyscalculia.org Website with “Math Learning Disability Resources”
http://www.dyscalculia.org/

References
1. LDOnline http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709/
2. NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia
3. Dyscalculia.org http://www.dyscalculia.org/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia

It's the middle of summer, and for many parents right about now, the summer vacation days may be getting a “little long in the tooth.” The children have already spent many hours in the pool. Picnics in the park and play dates at friends’ homes have become the order of most days when parents can manage them. By mid-July, well, the kids often begin to take the lazy, hazy days of summer for granted.

If you are a homeschooling parent, however, your children may still be learning and doing their lessons even though it’s quite a few days after the 4th of July. That is because as a home educator, you can choose to homeschool or “unschool” your children the year round. As a result, your children are with you throughout the regular school year as well as over the summer.

There are many reasons why you may have chosen to homeschool. You may see it as a unique opportunity to address the special needs of a struggling learner or to provide a gifted child with “worthy” and challenging lessons and activities that will “stretch” him or her. You know (and love) your children best, and so you can be particularly suited---and motivated---to provide exactly what your child needs for learning to be most successful.

Patience is the virtue that you as a homeschooling parent have in abundance, and it is a good thing when you are BOTH parent AND teacher to your children---year round! It is almost a certainty that fortitude and determination play major parts in some of your days, especially when learning is not easily achieved with difficult math or science content. Creativity and resourcefulness cannot be far behind as you daily design lessons and create materials to reach and teach your child within the limits of a reasonable or low-cost budget. These are just a few of the many virtues and attributes you have to do what you do for your family.

So this article is written for the purpose of recognizing the special gifts and unique sacrifices you make daily as moms, dads, and even grandparents in the U.S. who have chosen to educate your children or grandchildren in your own homes. I tip my hat to each of you and in praise of your stamina, persistence, and enthusiasm given to homeschool your children---each day. Keep up the great work, homeschoolers!

To show our sincere appreciation of you, we have included the following educational resources that we hope will help make your good work just a little bit easier in the days ahead:

Special Needs Resources

An opportunity to level the playing field for diverse learners has arrived. With the use of mobile devices and a set of apps, barriers to learning can be removed and we can now set the stage for access to learning by all students. (by K. McClaskey)
http://pinterest.com/kmcclaskey/leveling-the-playing-field-with-apps/

A collection of resources for sensory learners
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/06/more-resources-for-sensory-readers.html

An exceptional library of resources for parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum (from AutismSpeaks.org)
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-library

A variety of special needs resources all in one place (ideas, tools, publications, and more!)
http://pinterest.com/brennajn2000/special-needs-resources/

Gifted Resources

This all-things-gifted site is full of resources, articles, books and links to help and support parents, teachers, and gifted children alike. Explore them all!
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/

Literature and other resources for parents and teachers of twice-exceptional children (gifted with special needs)
http://www.uniquelygifted.org/

Math Resources

Marvelous Math Morsels for Young Mathematicians---math resources for all age and grade levels
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2011/06/marvelous-math-morsels-for-young.html

Math Is Fun---Math resources for K-8 (includes Geometry, Algebra, worksheets, etc.)
http://www.mathsisfun.com/

MathBits.com---Offers fun yet challenging lessons & activities in secondary (& college level) mathematics & computer programming for students & teachers (Created by 2 math teachers)
http://mathbits.com/

Science Resources

TryEngineering.com offers a variety of lesson plans that align with education standards to allow students to apply the principles engineering, math, computer science, and physics through hands-on activities.
http://tryengineering.com/lesson.php

Links to almost 200 sites about general science, science education, and science topics for students of all ages
http://www.science-resources.org/resources/sci-links.shtml

Reading Resources

Customizable tools and strategies to help readers challenged with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, low vision, stroke recovery or TBI issues and other conditions that affect reading ability.
www.FocusandRead.com/products

From ed.gov: Includes a reading checklist, typical language accomplishments for different age groups, book suggestions, and resources for children with reading problems
http://www2.ed.gov/parents/read/resources/edpicks.jhtml

Reading resources, tools and related articles, etc. from Scholastic
http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/

Information about dyslexia
http://www.readingresource.net/

Teacher’s Blog: Help for Struggling Readers--60 articles with hundreds of reading resources ALL in 1 place! (includes info & resources for readers with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, low vision, and other issues that can affect reading ability)
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/

Other Resources for Home Educators

The Home School Legal Defense Association is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms.
http://www.hslda.org

DonnaYoung.org---Printables & resources for home, homeschool, and classrooms
http://donnayoung.org/index.htm

FREE information and access to many homeschooling resources
http://www.homeschool.com/

This site offers articles on a variety of curriculum, homeschool ideas, statistics, and more. These include how-to articles, informative articles, and other homeschool issues. (Created by homeschooling parents to help fellow homeschoolers)
http://www.letshomeschool.com/

Current statistics on the number of homeschoolers in the U.S.---provided by Ann Zeise (2011 data--includes number of U.S. children who are homeschooled and individual state totals)
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/weblinks/numbers.htm#how_many

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.letshomeschool.com/