Teaching Math to a Visual Learner?

[LMsMum]

I am looking for the best system to start gently introducing more math to my daughter who just turned 4. I have not followed any system so far and at this stage she can count to 20, count objects and pictures up to ten (she then loses track), can associate the symbol with the quantity (e.g. match the written number 5 to, say, 5 apples), can differentiate a few patterns and knows a few geometric shapes. She is not ready for workbooks and she has not responded to Doman-style math. She is also a very visual learner so I thought a system which uses manipulatives would be most appropriate.

I have found Dr. Jones' dot matrix system for teaching math quite interesting. I was also very impressed with the Numicon system, which was mentioned in the thread on Dr. Jones' Geniuses Programme. There have been many discussions here on the Abacus approach too.

I would really like her to get the best possible grip of the basics and I am looking for the most visual approach to do so (my daughter is language delayed, but she responds very well to visual prompts). While Numicon is probably the most visual, I don't think it really marries very well the manipulatives to the actual numerals, which Dr. Jones' system does. However, here again, I am not sure whether the visual dot concepts extends much further than addition and subtraction of small numbers at a more advanced stage (do you still count dots of you have, say, 15+11 problem??).

If there are any parents here familiar with these systems and can share their opinion, I would greatly appreciate it. Or, perhaps, you know any better visual systems?

[LMsMum]

Just bumping it up hoping to get replies, please. 

[waterdreamer]

Call Dr Jones and ask him.
To my understanding to 15+11 with dots you would add 5+1 with dots and write the answer(6) underneath, then add 1+1 and write it under that column giving you 26. The child will need to learn the order you do addition any how.
But like I said I'm not that far in the course with my son.

[LMsMum]

Thank you, waterdreamer! It does make sense. I wonder though if once past the very basic stage, she would start struggling to understand the concept behind the math as she would not be able visualise it... I guess it would be worth asking Dr. Jones.

Anyway, my best wishes of success with the programme to you and Wesley. I am sure both of you will do great. I will keep checking your blog for the updates!

[TristanR]

I'm very new here, so I've not used the systems available.  However, I'm a homeschool mom and my 4 and 5 year olds are enjoying Math U See Primer.  It is hands on using block manipulatives, comes with a dvd lesson pointed at mom that my kids even like watching, and they offer levels beyond that as your child grows.  (My oldest is using the Gamma level right now, she's 9).

Interested to hear the responses on this!

[waterdreamer]

I was using math u see primer with my son but just stopped at lesson 23 because I don't think questions like _+3=5 should be introduced before basic addition and subtraction is mastered. But I've heard lots if people have great success with this program, but I personally like the idea of children learning basic math in an accelerated way like with Dr Jones program.

[TristanR]

I was using math u see primer with my son but just stopped at lesson 23 because I don't think questions like _+3=5 should be introduced before basic addition and subtraction is mastered. But I've heard lots if people have great success with this program, but I personally like the idea of children learning basic math in an accelerated way like with Dr Jones program.

I am sure it comes down to personal preference, however, as I said, I am not familiar with the Dr. Jones program or many others.   

When you are looking at the bare numbers  _+3=5  that could be offputting, but children naturally solve algebraic equations like that in daily life.  Think of it this way instead:  "Bobby, here are three forks from the drawer, can you get some more out of the dishwasher and set the table for dinner, we'll have 5 people tonight."  Or "Susie is making invitations for all her friends at ballet to come to her birthday party.  She just finished three cards.  If there are 5 children in her class, how many more invitations does she still need to make?"

Just another way to look at it.

[waterdreamer]

Oh for sure but for my son who is overcoming autism, changing the question like that can be confusing. I find with him we have to master one topic at a time. It was working extremely well until we hit that chapter. I'm not bashing MUS at all it's just not working for us right now

One website I really like right now is IXL Math.

[LMsMum]

Thank you for your opinions, TristanR and waterdreamer. I also found this list of links to reviews of different math programmes, in case it may be of interest:

http://www.homeschooldiner.com/subjects/math/reviews.html

[2010BEBES]

TristanR,
i agree with you in the fact that those math situations are present in every day life. I like your examples and will use them with my 3 yr old grandson (4 yrs in january).
Thanks for the recomendations LmSMom and waerdreamer. i too like IXL very much.

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