Introduction
If you can’t explain something in simple terms, you don’t understand it. –Richard Feynman
Mathematics is a fundamental subject in education, and for children with additional educational needs, it can be an especially challenging topic. As a teacher, you have the power to help these students unlock their potential and succeed with mathematics. However, with such a diverse range of needs in your classroom, it can be tough to know where to start. This is why I wrote this book—to help you teach math to children with special needs effectively and efficiently.
You may be feeling overwhelmed and isolated in your teaching journey. You spend countless hours planning lessons but still feel like you're not making the progress you hoped for. You're frustrated by the lack of resources and support available to you. You may even be tired of hearing teachers of typical students complain about their workload when you're dealing with so much more. I understand your struggles, and I'm here to help.
The catalyst for writing this book was seeing special needs students struggle with math concepts and recognizing the need for a better approach. The educational system is flawed, and it's not fair that your students should suffer because of it. Your students' experiences in school can influence their future outlook on life, so it's essential to make it as positive as possible. This book will give you the tools and strategies you need to do just that.
By reading this book, you will gain valuable shortcuts to make your teaching experience more efficient and enjoyable. You will learn how to use technology to your advantage, how to put math concepts into their real-world contexts, and how to engage your students in fun, interactive projects. You will be able to create a classroom environment that fosters success and supports the individual needs of each student.
I have been teaching for nearly 20 years, and during that time, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience. However, I continue to learn and grow as a teacher, constantly seeking new ways to improve my students' outcomes. The strategies and techniques I share in this book have been tried and tested, and they work.
The end result of reading this book is simple: You will become a better teacher. You will have the tools and strategies to help all of your students succeed in mathematics, and you will feel empowered and supported in your teaching journey. Nobody goes into teaching for the money; they do it to make a difference. This book will help you do just that.
I have the expertise and experience to guide you through the challenges of teaching math to children with additional academic support needs. I have seen firsthand the difficulties that come with teaching this subject, and I have developed strategies to overcome them. It's not easy, but with the right tools and approach, you can help your students achieve their full potential.
Before the information in this book was available, teaching math to special needs children was a daunting task. It was a process of trial and error, and many students fell through the cracks. But with the strategies and techniques outlined in this book, you can create a positive and productive learning environment for all of your students.
It's time to stop teaching on autopilot and start educating in a way that supports the unique needs of each of your students. With this book as your guide, you can make a difference in the lives of your students and help them succeed in mathematics and beyond.
Throughout this book, you will gain a deep understanding of teaching strategies from the new perspective of a special needs teacher and learn how beneficial each of the strategies can be. I have implemented these strategies and seen positive results without overwhelming my workload. Your learning will be based on proven strategies that can make a classroom inclusive to all, where neurodivergent and intellectually disabled students feel comfortable, safe, and supported. These strategies not only improve math skills but can also be transferred to other areas of learning to boost confidence and independence. You will be able to get more out of your time in the classroom, making the most of the materials and resources available. By implementing the strategies in this book, you will be able to manage your classroom more effectively and improve the educational experience for all of your students, regardless of their abilities. This book is the right choice for any teacher who wants to make a positive impact on their students' lives and become a more effective educator.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get learning!
