I have had a the opportunity to learn about many devices and software in my assistive technology class. I happend to stumble across computer software program called TOUCHMATH. Touchmath helps assist young children with basic math operations. Students with disabilities or struggling individuals ranging from pre-k to third grade can benefit a great deal from its activities. According to Touchmath.com,the trick to is quite easy. "For a matter of fact it can be described in one word: Touch Points. Each number 1 through 9 has touch point locations equivalent to each digits value. Numbers 1through 5 have single touch points, while 6 through 9 have double touch points When children count the touch points, they make the connection relating the numbers with real values." Children begin to understand that a number for example 3 is not just a funny shaped , but instead a quantity such as 3 oranges, three bugs, 3 eyeballs, or 3 touchPoints. Picture objects are used in this software which is an excellent method for children who are visual learners, especially those with disabilities. According to touchmath.com, "Children use a multisensory approach which requires them to count aloud the single Touchpoints once and double Touchpoints twice. This strategy engages students on various levels including visual and tactile, kinesthetic’s, and auditory."
In order for students to get the correct answer, it is essential that they put their finger on the touchpoints using the appropriate touch and counting pattern for each number. Counting is the solution. Computations are simple because they engage the individual in TOUCHMATH. All operations are related to counting. In TOUCHMATH addition, children count forward. With subtraction problems they count backward. In multiplication and division, students count in sequences. Students touch and practice counting each problem repetitively.When they answer aloud, it helps strengthen basic math facts. Touchmath is also well-suited for Interactive Whiteboards for classroom lessons. Students become fascinated with the pictures as they count and play with touchmath. According to touchmath.com it involves a pre-test and post-test. Also students can be evaluated on the student assessment screen. I think this program is great for young children because it connects an images to numbers. This software program takes into consideration the diversity of of learners (auditory and visual). Again remember this program is a great assistive technology tool for young learners and students with disabilities. Hopefully you have learned more about this software. If you decide to use it, I'm sure you will find out the impact that it can have on young children.
In order for students to get the correct answer, it is essential that they put their finger on the touchpoints using the appropriate touch and counting pattern for each number. Counting is the solution. Computations are simple because they engage the individual in TOUCHMATH. All operations are related to counting. In TOUCHMATH addition, children count forward. With subtraction problems they count backward. In multiplication and division, students count in sequences. Students touch and practice counting each problem repetitively.When they answer aloud, it helps strengthen basic math facts. Touchmath is also well-suited for Interactive Whiteboards for classroom lessons. Students become fascinated with the pictures as they count and play with touchmath. According to touchmath.com it involves a pre-test and post-test. Also students can be evaluated on the student assessment screen. I think this program is great for young children because it connects an images to numbers. This software program takes into consideration the diversity of of learners (auditory and visual). Again remember this program is a great assistive technology tool for young learners and students with disabilities. Hopefully you have learned more about this software. If you decide to use it, I'm sure you will find out the impact that it can have on young children.
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