Handwriting — is the one attribute that is crucial to all humans. To learn the same, one can look into various strategies, books, and pedagogies to brush up on their special skills. Apart from this list,  special individuals may need to focus on their shortcomings related to writing. Along with hacks and activities, they also may need some assistive tools to make them compete with others. 

The handwriting tools that we have listed not only are easy to use but also add great value in improving the efficiency of writing. Traverse through the following lines to acknowledge all the insights about these tools to choose and apply now. 

Handwriting tool for the special- How does it help?

Handwriting tools are assistive aids for special children to make the learning of the same easier. These may either provide better grip and strength to hand or make writing easier in any other form. Here are a few insights that outline the importance of handwriting tools:

• These tools are designed to integrate with the writing flow of the special aspirants. By this, they can ensure independence in their writing tasks. 
• With handwriting tools, individuals can get closer to the competition by facilitating faster and more efficient output. 
• Special individuals can become reliable employees with a warranty on their tasks. 
• Apart from self-dependence, these tools offer relatively inexpensive and quick solutions for handwriting-related challenges. 
• Longcamp^[1] right marks that the ability to recognize shapes of letters and other attributes is ensured through handwriting. With assistive handwriting tools, individuals can ensure to grasp all of these effortlessly. 

Handwriting tools for assisting special needs individuals 

Handwriting tools must be picked according to the specific needs of the special child. Most of these tools work on the fine motor controls of the hand and wrist, which strengthen the way the child writes! Let’s have a look at some of the handwriting tools that have proved to be helpful.

1. Hand and wrist cover without weights

Sometimes, special individuals may need more power in their forearms to bring about better handwriting on paper. They can use hand and wrist covers to aid their condition.  This tool basically provides deep pressure input to the forearms of the student. This can improve the kinesthetic feedback and sensory awareness- thereby better writing. 

This tool is easy to carry and can be used in any place like a classroom, or in ant therapy sessions too, They are skin-friendly and water-resistant and come with quality elastic straps for long-lasting grip. 

2. Weighted gloves 

When the individual needs support in both wrists and ankles, they can look into using weighted gloves. These come with multiple support systems to aid fingers, ankles, and wrists- providing a better grip on the hand to write. 

This glove comes with a unique weight proposition that can assist motor activities and exercises related to handwriting. These come in varying sizes to fit various sizes of hands. These are often made of good quality to ensure durability.

3. Slant Writing slope

Some disabled may feel it arduous to write on a horizontal surface like a table. They can assist by elevating the plane to a comfortable degree. To ensure the same, a slanting writing slope can be used to give out a specific slant to the writing plane.

These tools come with varying options to slant. This means that the users can change the orientation if needed.  They are durable and are collapsible to easily store and carry into places. They are handy and can be an alternative to ordinary writing boards 

4. Writing Grips

Most pens and pencils come in a specific size and width. Some special students may face problems getting a grip on the thin tool. To assist this, writing grips can be placed on them to add to the breadth. This way, the individual can better hold the pen/pencil to write better. 

They are made of safe materials and can be used by toddlers as well. These often come in different sizes, from which the user can choose one.  Also, these tools answer chronic hand pain issues. 

5. Graph paper

Graph paper is often an unnoticed assertive tool for handwriting. While graph sheets are often used to draw statistics and other graphs on paper, they can be helpful for better handwriting tools. These come with grids of varying sizes, which the special children can abide by while writing. This way,  they can gradually learn to write proportionate letters, numbers, and symbols. 

Students can either procure graph sheets, or books to proactive their handwriting. Later they can shift to other sheets to learn proportional handwriting. The users can also make use of rulers to organize things better. 

6. Pencil/pen  Holder

Some individuals may face problems holding the pen/pencil in the right direction while writing. Holders can be used to keep them in place at a predetermined angle. Basically, these are wrist banks with an extension to place a pencil/Pen in it. On the other side, there is a string that the writer holds for writing. 

People can learn writing with a better grip on pencils with proper implementation. It comes with trendy color and light right- making it easy to carry and use anywhere. Also, this can be used for longer durations, as it is made of smooth cotton Knit material. 

7. Chewy Tops For Pencils

Some special students may have a habit of chewing pencils while they think of writing something.  It is an unhealthy habit. As a solution for the same, the caretakers can use chewy tops for pencils. 

These tools are prism-shaped soft chewable caps that can be fitted to the back of the pencil. 

Next time, if the student wants to chew, they can act on these caps instead. What makes them preferable is that they are safe for children. These chewy tops are free from harmful latex and are a reliable product.

Features of these handwriting tools

Logically, handwriting tools are made to assist individuals with their challenges. To add convenience to the users, here are a few noteworthy features that our suggested tools offer:

• Create a scope for better writing practice. These tools when appropriately chosen can assist in better handwriting. Be it in any form, they not only add to the comfort but also create better scenarios to write.  For instance, Slanted writing slopes can elevate the paper for easy writing. 
• They are made of safe materials. All of our handwriting tools are made of safer materials. This means that they can be reliable for use by young students too.  Say, Chevy pencil in our suggestions is latex-free therapy is safe. 
• These tools are often durable. The choices that we have provided here are meant to be used for longer durations and thereby are often made durable. With appropriate use and maintenance, they can last decently long. 
• Easy to carry wearables. Most handwriting tools are convenient to use. When it comes to wearables, they are easy to put on remove and can be placed in bags after use 
• Can be used anywhere. These tools are often decent in their looks and thereby special individuals can use them almost anywhere. Also, they offer the next level of confidence to start.

Concluding thoughts…

For any special person with handwriting issues, assertive tools can come in handy. The underlying motto is to improve the grip of the person on the pen/pencil or to create a scope for better writing. All the above picks adhere to these postulates and can prove to work almost instantaneously when appropriately employed. Traverse through the above picks and see which of these can be a suitable solution for you. 

References:

1. Longcamp, M., Zerbato-Poudou, M. T., & Velay, J. L. (2005). The influence of writing practice on letter recognition in preschool children: A comparison between handwriting and typing. Acta psychologica, 119(1), 67-79

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 7 Helpful Handwriting Tools For Special Needs Students appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

While there are multiple writing tools available in the market, it may be ambiguous to choose the apt one for you. The insights and our picks provided in the following lines can make up a noteworthy guide towards better writing with assistance. 

What are adaptive writing tools, and why do we need them?

We know for a fact that adaptive tools come into being when there is a gap that needs to be filled between the potential functioning and the actual functioning of an individual. Multiple conditions can affect the muscles, tendons, and even bone joints of our hands, affecting the grip of the fingers in holding things, the weight a person’s hand can hold, or the duration for which any object can be held. All of these hurdles diminish the potential of an individual to write or type for that matter. This is where the function of Adaptive Writing Tools comes into being for Adults. 

Adaptive tools are simple assistive pieces of equipment that can add support to the individual to retain better writing for longer durations. Also, here are some other benefits that highlight the importance of these handy tools. 

• They are often easy to use and carry. Most of the assistive tools come in the form of special pens, grips, or wrist assistance. These are often lightweight and can be easily carryable by placing them in school bags or office suitcases. 
• Made up of quality materials. Apart from varying prices, these come with good quality materials to ensure durability and flexible implementations for the users. 
• These tools offer instant results. These wearables or tools often can fit the gap to make writing effortless, With these, the user can see an instant difference in their performance. 
• Provides a definitive Framework for Writing. Tools like weighted pens (explained below) are flexible to use with varying customizations, that way a certain style and regulations can be ensured.

With that being mentioned, one has to make sure that the assistive device that is being used here for an adult, is the perfect match for their needs, and the assessment for the same has been done by a professional. 

Research and development behind the curation of assistive Tools for writing 

With different sorts of writing tools available, not all of them are suitable for a new particular condition. Analyzing the restrictions and the dexterity of one’s hand the decision of the tools can be taken. 

Similar points have been put forth in research by Freeman and Miller^[1] in 2004, where it has been seen that in light of the rapidly increasing use of technology in the world, occupational therapists have begun to prescribe and suggest the use of technology-based assistive handwriting tools, over tools that are solely speech-based because of their lack of accuracy and gap in fulfilling the promise they used to aid with earlier.

Considering the widespread demand for assistive technology and tools for writing amongst adults, research by Marshall Raskind^[2] identifies the growing need for knowledge and accessibility around these assistive tools and enlists them while elaborating their usage at every stage of writing. 

Also, the difference in the requirement of these tools for children and adults was not clear. These areas were explored when a research^[3] study was done among students with learning and writing compromises, to explore the effects of the usage of assistive technology.

It was found that there was a significant and almost equal increase in learning and studying motivation with the use of assistive technologies among the students with learning compromises, in comparison to the control group of students, who simply carried out their academic duties throughout a year with no assistance.

Tools and technologies for assistive writing 

Considering the wide array of low and high-tech assistive writing tools available, here’s a list of the most accessible tools and technologies :

1. Weighted pens and pencils

Weighted pens are specially designed alternatives to pens that come with better grips and are lightweight. What makes it distinct is its flexibility to add weight based on the user’s needs. The weight of these specially curated pens and pencils allows the hands and fingers to create awareness and press more firmly onto these objects for writing.

The additional weight also stabilizes the object in the hand and reduces the possibility of tremors while writing. It works on improving fine motor control as well as hand-eye coordination for rather legitimate writing. For example, A pen comes with a weighted grip at the front end, which allows a strong grip of the pen, and easy writing efficiency. 

2. Ergonomic grips

Unfortunately, individuals with poor motor control are unable to maintain an adequate grip over writing utensils, and these adaptive grips and holders, allow these individuals to achieve better hand positioning and movement, thereby making the writing more legible and improved. Most of these grips are made of soft and pliable materials that provide comfort and convenience together. 

For example, Adaptive grips for pens and pencils are designed by doctors and provide ergonomic handgrips. Writing with it eventually becomes natural and easy and provides for more control and less fatigue. 

3. Abbreviation expanders

This tool is used for the word processing stage of writing and is a software-based program that allows the individual to create abbreviations for the most frequently used words and phrases, thus minimizing the effort and time required. It also helps in eliminating any potential spelling mistakes in the abbreviated content.

4. Weighted gloves

It is a weighted pouch that is uniquely designed to rest on the back of the hand and is constructed of compression fabric. It is held on the hand with elastic finger loops and a hook and loop closure around the wrist. It is known to help reduce tremors in the hand and provide strength to the hands while doing activities. 

5. Paper-based computer pen

While it can be difficult for some individuals to listen and write simultaneously, It can be even more difficult for those who have writing compromises, thereby, these paper-based computer pens allow the individuals to write on a specialized paper that can record the audio of a speaker (if required), as well.

It can be used later by touching a part of the content and listening to the audio associated with that part of the notes, thus eliminating any loss of information due to poor handwriting, or mistakes. The livescribe pen is a good example of this.  

6. Egg pen-pencil grips

A slip-on cushioned foam grip is made to keep hands and fingers comfortable. It is developed to improve grip strength and control. It also helps in improving hand posture while writing and provides enhanced stability. 

These egg grips have three arches that help strengthen the small muscles of the hand. It can also help individuals with fine motor issues, or poor muscle tone. Not just stationary tools, they can be used on sleek objects to improve grip holding them, like crochet hooks as well. 

Assistive technology-based writing tools

1. Speech-to-text software Programmes

There is software available for individuals with writing compromise, that allows them to dictate their content to software that can eventually convert the speech to text with almost as much as 97% accuracy. This software is the most incorporated technology in the present scenario with its existence in our mobile phones to our smart television AI-assisted tech too. A few examples of this software include Converse Smartly, Microsoft Dictate, and Speechnotes. 

2. Word prediction software Programmes

Again, a widely used tool, word prediction software uses the knowledge of syntax, spelling, and the most frequently used vocabulary to predict the words intended to be written. It reduces human effort and error and creates space for better word choices, reduces spelling and grammatical mistakes, and thereby aids the process of writing. Light key is one such program that assists in writing and typing tasks.

3. KurzweilL 3000

It is a software-based system available on both Windows and Macintosh, where the program integrates speech-to-text technology but in 18 different languages thus, allowing a wider horizon for individuals to not just improve their expression through writing but also offering literacy aid for those with both a writing compromise and language difference. With features like text magnification, it also helps in checking to spell, drafts the notes in a more curated fashion, and provides a multisensory approach to learning and writing.

4. Customized keyboards

For individuals with writing and reading compromises, this tool might be the best way to move forward and use one’s skills to the best since these keyboards are customized according to the needs of the individual and group the keys according to individual needs rather than the generalized keyboards which might be difficult to learn. It may also group the keys according to colors or even use images or symbols for better understanding.

Some of these keyboards are also built with better softer keys that require less pressure to push them, aiding the motor needs of such compromises too. An ergonomic keyboard is one example. These come with some size and shape changes to make typing easier for users

Here we wind up:

We are running into a world full of opportunities every single day, and it becomes a moral responsibility to keep inventions and discoveries at pace with them which allows equal benefits to those with certain compromises. The tools and techniques shared above are some of the most widely used aids that an individual with writing compromises can adapt.

Through the insights mentioned above, we hope to highlight the roadblocks that have been eliminated and areas that require swimming into lesser-known waters of accessibility and availability of these products among adults and older generations as well. 

References:

1. Freeman, A. R., MacKinnon, J. R., & Miller, L. T. (2004). Assistive technology and handwriting problems: What do occupational therapists recommend?. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(3), 150-160.
2. Raskind, M. (1993). Assistive technology and adults with learning disabilities: A blueprint for exploration and advancement. Learning Disability Quarterly, 16(3), 185-196.
3. Svensson, I., Nordström, T., Lindeblad, E., Gustafson, S., Björn, M., Sand, C., … & Nilsson, S. (2021). Effects of assistive technology for students with reading and writing disabilities. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 16(2), 196-208.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 6 Helpful Adaptive Writing Tools For Adults appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

‘There must be some playful way of teaching new math concepts to first graders.’ If this thought hits your mind often, especially when you see the child struggling through basic operations, here is good news for you! There are manipulatives available as teaching alternatives to help kids do math fluently, and confidently.

Manipulatives for teaching math come as proven solutions for bringing first-grade students and kids closer to each other. Researches reveal that these toy-like, tangible, and easily maneuverable items are quite effective in building math skills at the elementary or primary school level. For instance:

• Catherine A Kelly in her research article ‘ Using Manipulatives in Mathematical Problem Solving: A performance-based analysis’ suggests that manipulatives develop problem-solving skills, which in turn, improve understanding of the concepts.
• Robert Scott Ligget in his study ‘The Impact of the use of Manipulatives On the Math Score of Grade 2 Students,’ cited the work of Driscoll, 1983; Sowell, 1989 who found that the students, by using manipulatives, understand math concepts better than others.
• Ross, R., & Kurtz, R. (1993) in their work ‘Making manipulatives work: A strategy for success.’ have outlined the effectiveness of manipulatives in teaching math concepts as these promote concretization of abstract learning and allow longer retention of the solution methods.

Apart from providing strategy-based learning, the manipulatives act as assistive tools to teach math to children having dyscalculia or other co-morbidities. The learning difficulties require classroom interventions that provide alternatives to reading, writing, and performing operations on numbers. Manipulatives provide those interventions to teach students of first grade and above.

So, what manipulatives can you use for your first grader child or student? To help you with the search, we have annotated here the best manipulatives that can help learn basic mathematical operations, the concept of time and money, place value, and other related ones.

Best math manipulatives to build number skills in first grade students

1. Math Dice

Math dice offers multi-utility learning support to young learners. All the operations expected to be done fluently by a first grader can be taught playfully with this manipulative. So, when you are stuck on the point of teaching double-digit operations, fractions, place value, etc. you can employ this dice set as your teaching companion.

This age-old math manipulative continues to prove its relevance in modern teaching environments, by taking the effort out of the concept dissemination process. Not only that, this dice collection can help revisit concepts learned at the preschooler stage and can ease brushing up the basic skills like counting, subitizing, etc.

2. Alytimes Counting Stick Calculation Math Educational Toy

Anne Lafay, in her work ‘Effects of Interventions with Manipulatives on Immediate Learning, Maintenance, and Transfer in Children with Mathematics Learning Disabilities’ suggests that counting sticks can bring seamlessness in knowledge transfer while teaching math operations to students at first-grade and above.

This research-backed manipulative can augment number sense and supplement conceptual learning in children. It helps encourage kids to coin and implement strategies, enhancing their problem-solving skills in the process.

This manipulative is a befitting addition to the teaching tools that promote an inclusive model of education. It assists in offering students with learning difficulties like dyscalculia a proven tool to accomplish age-appropriate academic achievements.

3. Geoboards

Geoboards are multi-functionality manipulative that offer a deeply ingrained understanding of geometrical figures’ concepts. The first graders can have a visual presentation of basic geometry concepts like line, angle, enclosed area, etc. With its simplicity of application, this manipulative motivates the learners to practice regularly. You will find an improvement in concept retention ability because it engages students deeply in thorough practice.

Instead of drawing the shapes on paper, help children create them on this shape manipulative. It improves fine motor skills and coordination and offers an engaging alternative to spice up a typical geometry session.

Apart from Geometry basics, you can use these to learn fractions and symmetry too at higher levels.

4. Multiplication Addition Subtraction and Division Number FlashCards

Children are expected to become fluent in math operations by the time they reach the first grade. However, if the performance is not up to the mark, they should continue to practice more. The more they practice, the better cranial capacity they attain. These basic operations flashcards offer that required ease in regular practice.

Children can refer to these operations cards to have group study sessions at home. These can make an interesting quiz material too. Teachers can use these manipulatives to boost students’ computation abilities by employing them as quiz material and conducting fast-paced concept recall activities in the class.

5. Time Activity Set

Time is one of the newer concepts that first graders need to master. Though there are digital clocks available, still the classic appeal of analog clocks does not wither away. This manipulative for teaching time comes with matching puzzle pieces that help gain fluency in time identification.

Further, picture cards provided help build understanding about waking time, school time, sleeping time, TV time, etc. Thus, it can build cognitive understanding in children about their normal schedule.

This time manipulative comes with three dice where one represents the hour and the other two denote minutes. Thus, visual representation makes it easier to attain deeper ingraining of time-reading activity in mind.

6. Base Ten Starter Kit

Base 10 blocks is multi-utility manipulative that can acquaint first-grade students with various basic math concepts. Divide each sheet into 1/10th parts or its multiples to introduce fractions to kids.

Or, stack the blocks to teach or practice the concept of bigger and smaller, or greater than and smaller than or equal to. You can even give an introduction of 3D geometry to the young learners and tell them about surface area and volume at higher levels.

This base ten manipulative can help enhance logical reasoning skills useful in solving math problems with ease. Students with learning difficulties can employ this manipulative as an alternative learning intervention and gain the requisite knowledge to excel in basic math.

7. Math Cubes

There is hardly any basic math concept that cannot be learned with these link-building cubes!

First graders can grasp the concepts like single-digit and double-digit addition and subtraction, to start with. Further, they can attach links horizontally and vertically to create hollow and solid figures to develop a deeper understanding of geometry, line, and symmetry.

With simple mental nudges, the teachers can drive kids’ thoughts towards strategic thinking. Hence, it is one of the must-have manipulatives that are sure to boost computational and logical thinking capabilities in math beginners.

8. A See and Build Geometry Set

Trying to make geometric figures manually teases the kids’ brain, improves their spatial reasoning, and enhances their matching and fine motor skills. This manipulative can teach a lot about geometrical figures in a gamified way.

You can give a quick challenge to kids by asking them to make figures using materials provided in this geometry set. It is a perfect alternative to make geometry hour a fun-filled one for kids, laden with added advantages like mental reasoning enhancement, maneuvering skills building, manual grip enhancement, etc.

9.  Wooden Abacus for Math

We all have memories of using abacus in our childhood to solve basic math problems. This fun way of learning math is still prevalent and is loved by students even today! Wooden Abacus is a high-quality abacus that can serve as an effective tool for first graders to master math concepts like basic addition and subtraction.

The manipulative comes with 110 number cards, which can be used to form equations and can be laid on the top slot of the abacus. You also get 100 wooden sticks and 100 beads on the abacus to assist students in counting and finding answers. Overall, this manipulative will thoroughly engage little minds to understand and perform math skills required at their age and lay the foundation for complex operations in the future.

10. Play Money for Kids, Counting, Math, Currency

Play Money is an engaging manipulative that can be instrumental in teaching about money to first graders. You can give young kids a quick review of the currency system. Knowledge of currency bills’ and coins’ denominations help kids shop, design a budget, or manage pocket money rather confidently. And, this knowledge becomes easy to attain when they implement role play activities with this currency manipulative.

Parents can offer an easily comprehensible comparison of barter system days to the modern economy of present times by using these money manipulatives for first graders. They can further familiarize young learners with debit cards, ATMs, etc.

11. Magnetic Fraction Tiles and Circles Activity Set

Kids can use the activity cards provided to build a variety of fractions and display them on the card. There is also space for kids to write fractional equations as they represent them on the card in two different ways. Use this manipulative for individual or small group activities in your classroom and see kids learn fractions in one of the most interesting ways.

How math manipulatives make early math easier for first-grade students?

Teaching math to first graders can become more challenging if they suffer from math anxiety. Manipulatives help ease the learning process and allow us to acquaint kids with math concepts the gamified way. Some of the supportive qualities of manipulatives are:

• Math manipulatives allow giving practice of concepts in various ways. So, the kids become more receptive to the solution methods and try to apply different strategies.
• These manipulatives allow teachers to give a visual presentation of the number relationships when teaching basic math operations, the concept of time and money  (when conducting a counting money lesson plan) , and shapes and patterns.

Wrapping up,

First grade is the crucial learning stage for a math beginner. The manipulatives come as an engaging respite from the conventional methods that may not be easy to comprehend for one and all. With a playful approach, these manipulatives stimulate readiness for learning in kids, allowing them to enjoy math rather than be scared of it.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 11 Gamified Math Manipulatives For First Graders appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

Numbers are physically constructed and manipulated in Abacus. We already discussed different types of Abacus and their uses. Although not included in the regular math curriculum, but kids must try their hands on practicing various math operations with it once in a while.

If you just started learning the abacus, you must first learn the basics of the abacus. After getting your hands on the abacus and playing with it for a little while, its time to practice the basic operations (Addition & Subtraction) on it. In general practice, we take the help of the abacus formula to do addition and subtraction, especially when there are not enough beads in a column to add on Abacus. It involves using the concept of small friends and big friends for solving basic operations.

Look at the abacus formula sheet given below. You can also view/download pdf version by clicking this link.

In the case of Small friend, we take the bead of value 5 as the reference. To obtain the number from the addition and subtraction on abacus, we operate the reference 5 with the small friend. Here, we will explain it with examples of both.

Let’s add 3+4,

1. Place 3 (3 lower beads of value 1) on abacus
2. Now, we have to add 4 but there are not enough beads left, so we will take the help of small friend as per the formula ‘add 5 less 1’.
3. We will add 5(1 upper bead on the same column) on abacus and remove 1 (1 lower bead on the same column )
4. We are left with (1 upper bead of 5, 2 lower bead of value 1). The solution is 5 + 2 = 7

Similarly, Let’s subtract 7 -4,

1. To make 7: Slide 2 lower beads of unit place and 1 upper bead of unit place (value 5).
2. To subtract 4, we have to take the help of big friend as there are not enough beads on the unit place. Use the formula ‘Less 5 add 1’.
3. Now remove 5 (slide down the upper bead of value 5) and add 1 (slide up the 1 lower bead of unit place)
4. We are left with (0 upper bead and 3 lower beads of unit’s place). The solution is 0 + 3 = 3, which is our answer.

In the case of Big friend, we take the bead of value 10 as the reference. To obtain the number from the addition and subtraction on abacus, we operate reference 10 with the small friend. Here, we will explain it with examples of both.

Let’s add 8+9,

1. Place 8 (3 lower beads of value 1 and 1 upper bead of value 5) on abacus
2. Now, we have to add 9 but there are not enough beads left, so we will take the help of big friend as per the formula ‘add 10 less 1’.
3. We will add 10(1 lower bead on the adjacent left column) on abacus and remove 1 (1 lower bead on the same column )
4. We are left with (1 lower bead of value 10, 1 upper bead of 5, 2 lower bead of value 1). The solution is 10 + 5 + 2 = 17

Similarly, Let’s subtract 15 -7,

1. To make 15: Slide 1 lower bead of value 10 and 1 upper bead of unit place (value 5).
2. To subtract 7, we have to take the help of big friend as there are not enough beads in the unit place. Use the formula ‘Less 10 add 3’.
3. Now add 3 (slide up the 3 lower beads of unit place) and remove 10 (slide down the lower bead of value 10 columns).
4. We are left with (1 upper bead and 3 lower beads of unit’s place). The solution is 5 + 3 = 8, which is our answer.

Want more fun printables? Check out PrintablesHub.com for worksheets, charts & game templates.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post Abacus Formula: Big Friend & Small Friend Explained [Pdf] appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

For all of you who still don’t know what we are talking about, the Abacus is a manual aid to calculating that consists of beads or disks that can be moved up and down on a series of sticks or strings within a usually wooden frame. It is considered one of the best ways to develop number sense. Numbers are physically constructed and manipulated in Abacus. Practicing 10-15 minutes daily can effectively build your math calculative skills.

Types of Abacus

The abacus is not a new invention, it dates back to 2700–2300 BC in the Mesopotamian period as a form of Sumerian abacus. It had gone through a series of modifications in different periods of time, in different parts of the world leading to what we call the ‘School Abacus’ that we use today. To understand the abacus, it’s really important to learn about its beginning and how it reached its current state. So, this post is all about the different types of abacus and their uses.

1. Roman Abacus

Instead of rows and strings, Ancient Romans used to move stones as counters up and down on a smooth table for calculation. The Roman Abacus was developed for the work of money changers bankers, businessmen, and engineers. The abacus is made ​​of a metal plate where the big ran-in grooves. Other than this, the Romans also invented three different types of abacus.

1. The Dust Abacus
2. The Line Abacus and
3. The Grooved Abacus

2. The Suanpan or Chinese Abacus

The Chinese abacus, known as the suanpan usually contains more than seven rods with two beads on each rod in the upper deck and five beads each on the bottom. Each of the two upper deck beads has a value of 5, while the lower deck beads each have a value of 1. The wires represent the powers of ten.

It is made out of hardwood. The suanpan abacus was first mentioned in a 190 CE book of the Eastern Han Dynasty, namely Supplementary Notes on the Art of Figures written by Xu Yue.  The similarity of the Roman abacus with the Suanpan sheds light on the inspiration behind its development.

3. Japanese Soroban Abacus

Derived from Chinese Suanpan, Soroban was developed in Japan in the 14th century. Beads in Soroban are made of wood with metal rattan or bamboo rods to slide up and down. Japanese abacus is still used today, however, its legacy is overshadowed by widely used modern electronic calculators.

Each column or rod of the Japanese abacus can represent a number from 0 to 9. When the abacus is set to 0, all bottom deck beads are aligned at the bottom and the top deck beads are aligned at the top. In the respective value of every single rod, each bottom deck bead is worth 1, and the top deck one is worth 5.

4. Lee’s Abacus

Lee’s Abacus is majorly described as an improved version of the suanpan and soroban abacus. It was invented in 1950 by the Lee Kai Chen in Taiwan. It basically incorporates features of both Chinese as well as Japanese abacus. One merit feature of Lee’s improved abacus was that it was really easy to operate and learn for beginners.

The notation system that each rod represents a definite digit and each bead counter, a specific number, leaves no doubt whatsoever even in the mind of the very beginner. Thus, it’s easy to carry out various arithmetic operations through this abacus faster and more efficiently than the old-styled abacus.

5. Russian Abacus

The main difference between the Russian Abacus and Chinese abacus is the position of the rods. The rods are placed horizontally in the Russian Abacus. The beads are slid from right to left. A typical school abacus measures 28 cm wide and 46 cm in height.

It is necessary to put the abacus at such an angle on the desk that the direction of the right-hand movement coincides with the wires of the abacus. This is similar to the direction of a book where you are writing. Also, the rods are slightly curved to prevent back sliding of the counted beads.

6. Arithmetic Rekenrek

Rekenrek or arithmetic rack is not just another type of abacus but its functionality is quite similar to an abacus in learning arithmetic. So, it’s a version of abacus and we have to put it in the list. It is a learning tool designed by Adrian Treffers, a mathematics curriculum researcher at the Freudenthal Institute in Holland, that provides a visual perspective of number relations and various mathematical operations, It consists of two rows of 10 beads.

Larger versions with ten rows of ten beads are also available. Each row is made of five red beads and five white beads. The setup allows students to prepare a mental image of numbers and use it (5 or 10) as an anchor for counting, adding, and subtracting.

7. Binary Abacus

Recent developments have shown that the abacus is no longer limited to performing arithmetic operations. It can also be used to explain how computers manipulate numbers. Binary Abacus performs one such function by teaching the conversion of decimals into binary. A series of beads in parallel wires are arranged on three separate rows, with each bead representing a counter as “on” and “off” or “1” or “0”.

8. Cranmer Abacus

Cranmer Abacus is actually a modification of the existing abacus to support learners with vision disabilities. This abacus was developed by Tim Cranmer. The abacus allows the learners to manipulate the beads which would lead to a more in-depth understanding of numbers than using calculators. This can be used in calculating numbers that involve arithmetic processes like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and to calculate square roots and cube roots as well. 

The idea behind this is to use a piece of soft fabric or rubber behind the beads to prevent any accidental movements. The capabilities are further enhanced if used with Braillewriter for practicing calculations. A typical Cranmer abacus measures 6 1/8 by 3 ¼ by 7/16 inches.  Most of these have 13 rods but some do have 15. In each rod, it contains one bead that is located above the crossbar and the other four beads are located below.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post Different types of Abacus and their uses appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

Today, we are going to talk about possible dyscalculia treatments. How can an individual overcome the daily struggle of this mathematical disability?

But first, we must know what exactly dyscalculia is.

Dyscalculia is a lifelong learning disability affecting a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. It is seen as the mathematical equivalent to dyslexia and hence, the name – Number Dyslexia. It severely affects the life of a dyscalculic (commonly referred to as a person suffering from dyscalculia). An individual may lose the ability to visually interpret data. In severe cases, Number dyslexia may develop into math phobia.

As age progresses, it may severely hinder our ability to do day-to-day calculative tasks. Hence, it’s important that early signs must be identified and necessary counseling be undertaken.

First, let us make it clear that like other learning disabilities, dyscalculia cannot be treated with medication. Rather, specialized learning strategies and strategic accommodations are used to help children and adults with the condition.

The idea is to teach to build the student’s academic strengths and provide accommodations for the disability so that the student with disabilities (in this case, dyscalculia) can be maintained over time at an academic level with his or her peers.

The main goal is to teach calculation techniques and improve the reasoning skills needed to solve math problems. But first, it is necessary that any obstacle hindering the pace of the child’s math learning process must be eliminated. The focus is to make Maths – a fun-to-learn subject for the child.

Dyscalculia treatment at an academic place

Teachers can play an important role in improving the math learning ability of the child. We noted down some tips that schools must consider while dealing with a dyscalculic student.

Learning Approach: Teachers or personal tutors need to approach differently while teaching maths. A relaxed environment is pretty essential. The child must not be forced to be competitive right away. Give him/her time. The stress of competition can hammer any possible interest in studies, especially maths.

If possible, teachers must work out a special plan with the other school officials for dyscalculics. As they need more time in even basic calculations, more time may be provided for math tests.

Any dyscalculics may find it difficult to learn by seeing a lecture just once. It’s highly recommended to provide them with recorded lectures. Repetitive learning is the key to a strong grip on the subject. Moreover, Teachers’ notes may be provided to ease their life a bit.

Tools and Devices: Several tools and devices can effectively improve number sense. Abacus is one of them. Let them play with it. When they get a good grasp of it, encourage them to solve various maths operations through it. Award them on successful attempts and encourage them to do better on failed ones.

Let them use calculators in maths tests. When they get comfortable with the calculators, try to do mental calculations slowly.

Give students individual dry-erase boards to use at their desks. With this tool, students can complete one step of a problem at a time, erasing any mistakes they may make.

Mental support:  Encouragement and appreciation for efforts will motivate students to perform further well in the next task. Students dealing with dyscalculia often feel frustrated or embarrassed when asked to do things — like reciting multiplication tables — that are difficult for them, especially during class or when other students are present. Talk to them about it. Encourage them to participate in other curricular activities. Don’t scold them for getting low marks, instead try to identify their specific strengths and encourage them to follow them.

Frequent classwork check: Teachers must frequently check the worksheet of the student and thoroughly analyze writing patterns. Instead of giving just the right or wrong answer, providing proper feedback on why and how is really beneficial.

Allow them to use calculators for the questions they are troubled with. If the problem with the same question arises several times, Lend a hand by breaking the solution into chunks for the child, or by doing a few problems together so he gets a sense of the required steps.

Visual presentation:  Students must be provided with as much visual presentation of the topic as possible. Our memory can retain charts and diagrams way longer than paragraphs. Help students analyze and jot down important points represented by it.

Stepwise instructions: Instructions related to maths problems must be written in steps on the board. How did we reach the solution to this equation? How did we apply BODMAS?  Everything from the question number to the solution must be written in a clear and stepwise manner.

Dyscalculia treatment at Home

Parents didn’t have to teach maths specifically but could make an environment that effectively builds strong math skills. Trying different types of support can help you and your child find the right tools for his needs

Understand behavior: Parents need to keep a check on the behavioral patterns of their child. The best treatment that you could offer — is to identify the problem early. The earlier the problem is identified, the earlier the child will adapt to a new learning process and will be able to avoid other co-occurring issues. Ask how he/she feels about the school. Which is his/her favorite subject? Which games do he/she like?

As per observations to date,  Most individuals with dyscalculia or dyslexia will show a negative attitude toward school and hesitate to speak about their favorites. Give positive encouragement whenever you can, and try not to get frustrated if your child is struggling with a basic concept — if he senses you’re upset, it will only make him more nervous and unwilling to practice.

Introduce math in day-to-day tasks: Try to teach math with real-life applications. Ask him/her — How many cars are parked? How many spoons of sugar do you want in your tea? How many sides and corners does a kite have?

Once the child gets a good grip on these, move to a little more complicated ones. Doing this repeatedly will build confidence in the child and his/her ability to analyze things both mathematically as well as visually.

Encourage extracurricular activities: Studying is important but so does the other activities. Identify areas of the child in which he/she really good at. If possible, sign up for the classes that they wish for. Extracurricular activities like dancing, singing, and basketball will loosen up their stress and help them relax.

Frequent homework checks: Parents must frequently check the homework of the student and thoroughly analyze writing patterns. Check for any odd similarities. If any, ask about it.

Students, most likely will be hesitant to talk about it. Politely tell the right way to do the questions. Do a couple of math-related questions together daily. Explain solutions clearly and in a stepwise manner. Whenever calculation gets more complex than addition or subtraction, allow the child to use calculators to make basic steps quicker and more accessible.

Self-tips to cope with the dyscalculia

If you’re an adult with dyscalculia, little adjustments can help you cope with this disorder. At this point in life, you are more likely to deal with math at a workplace or money-related activity.

Practice math through Abacus: Abacus is a manual aid for calculating that consists of beads or disks that can be moved up and down on a series of sticks or strings within a usually wooden frame. It is considered one of the best ways to develop number sense. Numbers are physically constructed and manipulated in Abacus. Practicing 10-15 minutes daily can effectively build your math calculative skills.

Frequent use of calculator: Since you’re not being tested for mental math, it’s highly recommended that you take the help of a calculator whenever possible.  If your job requires more complex calculations, request a graphing or scientific calculator.

Plan early: Dyscalculics often have difficulty keeping track of the time. So, plan your day early. Have a reminder app that reminds you to do the respective tasks.

Do yoga and meditation: Everyone is aware of yoga’s potential for our physical and mental health. Yoga is a very effective stress reduction and relaxation tool. Yoga practice draws attention towards breathing, which produces a meditative and soothing state of mind. Practicing yoga every day for about 20 minutes can seriously improve your brain capabilities.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post Dyscalculia treatment – How to effectively build math skills? appeared first on Number Dyslexia.