Education Station

Math in particular places a premium on demands for flexible problem solving, using language as a problem solving tool, and making sense of all the numerical details. By using the verbal strengths of a student with NVLD and providing problem solving scripts can reduce the stress of math problem solving.  

Typical NVLD Math Strengths:

1.      Likely to memorize facts quickly

2.      Acquires whole number operations

3.      Prefers the predictability of calculations

Frequent Math Struggles for the NVLD Student:

1. Confuses visual details such as:

·        Vertical vs. horizontal presentation of algorithms

·        Distinguishing the different visual symbols for the operational signs and knowing where to write the answer. “showing their work”.

2. Arithmetic procedures:

·        Conceptualizing that numbers are read left to right and calculations are written right to left.

·        “Reading” place value for decimals.

·        Understanding the part to whole concept of decimals, percents and fractions.    

      3. Word Problems:

·        Learning the meaning of math “talk”: greater than, less than. fewer, more, the comparative (er) and superlative (est)

·        Knowing what details help solve the problem and what details to take out.

·        Understanding rounding and estimating to estimate if their answer “makes sense”.

Math Support Can Help the NVLD Student:

·        Teach verbal mediation (self talk). Talk-aloud while problem solving uses the NVLD student’s verbal strengths.

·        Give the NVLD learner a cue card with the math “Plan”, e.g. write steps, clue words, etc on cards that provide written recipes for action.

·        Use pictures, models, counters, to make new concepts concrete.

·        Use consistent wording for word problems.

·        Show the student how to substitute a smaller number for a bigger number

·        Always re-teach errors. The error tells how the NVLD student.

·        Limit the number of problems. NVLD students work math slowly.