As a certified teacher, I had experience conducting math interventions in the classroom, but lacked the education on dyscalculia specifically.  When my own child started to struggle in math, and nothing seemed to work, that is when my intensive research on math learning disabilities began, and I learned all the things I wish I knew before!  

Every child learns differently, and students with dyscalculia are also individuals.  But they do have some things in common that are known to waste their time (like memorizing math facts or focusing on speed).  My goal is not to waste any more precious time, make sure my learners have the tools they need, know how to use those tools, and have the opportunity to move forward by focusing on conceptual understanding and experiences they will remember.  Assessments will be interactive, where the student demonstrates they can do the skill.  Once a skill is adequately mastered with accommodations in place, we move on.  

My methods are multi-fold.  I use Google Slides to ensure that the students and I can interact in the same way.  I have a document camera that I use to show math manipulatives such as base-ten blocks and fraction circles.  (If the student has a document camera as well, this would be fantastic, but not required).   Depending on how the student learns, I may recommend specific visual supports or tools as needed, we may spend time drawing, or maybe listening to catchy songs.

Since this class is one-on-one, and can be used as a  supplement with an already-in-use math curriculum, as homework help, or as a stand-alone daily math tutor.   This class is for 30 minutes, but if 15 or 45 minutes better suits your needs, I have those options available as well, just let me know.   

NOTE TO PARENTS:  Most student who struggle in math, do so either because of or alongside math anxiety.  Math anxiety is real.  The stress and anxiety they associate with doing math actually keeps the child from being able to learn while in that state.  It can be completely debilitating, and destroys their confidence.  As we begin to work together, my number one priority is to establish a safe, stress-free space, where they are allowed the time to think, the freedom to make mistakes, and hear only positive feedback.  Please refrain from repeating my directions, correcting your child, or telling or showing them how you think they should complete a task.  I know this is HARD at first, I have been there, but the best way to help is to give them as much space as possible.  Being around to help with supplies or technical issues when needed is wonderful, but I don't want the fear of disappointing a parent to be involved in the lesson.  The fear of getting something wrong keeps many students from trying.

Full transparency:  Please keep in mind that I follow Outschool's policy for no-shows, which is that I wait 10 minutes for a learner before logging out.  If you are going to be late to a meeting or have technical issues, reply to a post in the classroom or message me directly as soon as you can. If I do not hear from you within the first 10 minutes of class, I will close the Zoom meeting.  If I do hear from you, I'll stay and try to help troubleshoot the best way I can, which oftentimes may be directing you to support.  There are no refunds/reschedules for cancelling within 48 hours or for not showing up to class.  There are no hard feelings either.  I know that life happens, and do not take it personally at all.