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Should (or can) I find a tutor for (re)learning Basic Math?
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| wombats |
Posted on July 09 2012 10:42 PM
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Member
Location: USA
Posts: 2
Joined: 2012-07-09
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I think I have a less severe form of Dyscalculia that if I had someone to actually explain things to me and literally start from square 1 (like when you begin teaching kids basic things) I think I could actually learn it and put it to use. Numbers simply confuse me. I know they work but I don't know how to make them work. Does that make sense??
This has held me back for a long time because of my overwhelming fear and anxiety. I could have gotten a job when I was 16 but I was so scared of even possibly having to do math on the spot without a calculator I couldn't do it. I'm 20 now and am not terrified anymore. It's mostly a depressing subject and still causes a lot of anxiety it's just not overwhelming because I know of more job options out there.
But I still feel my lack of knowledge and understanding is holding me back and will hold me back in the future. I want to run my own business at some point so I'm going to need to know more but I don't know where to go for help because I don't know if this is an actual learning disability I have or what.
The only place I've come up with for learning basic math is through Adult Secondary Education (ASE) but I can't learn that just on it's own which is the problem.
Are there tutors that teach basic math? I didn't want to go that route because they cost so much my Mom can't afford to pay for one and neither can I.
Can anyone help me out? I need an outside point of view!!
Thanks!
Edited by wombats on July 09 2012 10:42 PM |
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| RottieWoman |
Posted on July 11 2012 02:40 PM
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Member
Location: No value
Posts: 3044
Joined: 2008-12-31
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I'm sorry if I've missed this, but do you have an official diagnosis? I ask because that can let in many possibilities that may not be present without it - including access to some classes or programs specifically for people with math LD to learn basic math.
There are tutors who can teach basic math but the question is, can they teach it to someone with an actual learning disability, as opposed to someone for whom math just isn't a "strong point" or who is "just ok" at math and wants to strengthen their skills.
That is not to mean anything against you or math tutors, just that there is or could be a differentiation there.
Looking back at your post again, it seems you maybe you don't have an actual diagnosis - is there a university or school near you which has either a Special Education school <for their students, to be Spec. Ed teachers> and/or a Disabled Student Services Center <for enrolled students who have disabilities> - maybe contact them and see about a number of things, including resources for your question? |
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| justfoundout |
Posted on July 11 2012 03:49 PM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6103
Joined: 2008-05-25
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7/11/12
Thank you so much RW for answering wombats. Those were good suggestions that you made. - jus' |
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| heathermomster |
Posted on July 11 2012 10:02 PM
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Member
Location: No value
Posts: 217
Joined: 2010-09-08
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Recently, one of the members of the forum hired a tutor to help review math to prep for the ASVAB test, and I don't recall that individuals name. He lives in San Diego and hired a tutor there. Perhaps he will share his experience.
Last Summer, I exchanged e-mails with a reading specialist who used O-G techniques to seriously help a highly motivated 20 yo college student with dyscalculia. The student had some success, so I think you can definitely improve your math skills; however, don't expect miracles.
If you look for a maths tutor, seek someone who has experience working with people diagnosed dyscalculia, knows multisensory teaching techniques, and uses concrete manipulatives. The tutor will need to start by helping you with subitizing and basic numbers sense activities. You can google the words "subitizing" and "ten frames" and get free information.
Here are some books and authors that I use with DS. A few books have been suggested to me by other homeschool moms.
http://www.educat...boxed.com/ ---awesome site for c-rods
Ronit Bird
Kathy Richardson
How the Brains Learns Mathematics by Sousa
Math U See curriculum
Right Start Math curriculum
On Cloud 9 math
The forum administator recommends using a Japanese aka Soroban Abacus. A company called Aloha Math teaches its' use.
I can't think of any additional resources and I need to go.
Good luck and Blessings, Heather |
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| wombats |
Posted on July 12 2012 12:42 AM
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Member
Location: USA
Posts: 2
Joined: 2012-07-09
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Hmm I guess I should call up my local education office and see if they know where to find information on LD tests? |
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| justfoundout |
Posted on July 12 2012 01:13 AM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6103
Joined: 2008-05-25
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7/11/12
I think that getting tested is a good idea. It will let you know what you are really up against. It's liberating because you don't blame yourself for the things that you realize you just can't do any better at. And then, if you decide to go ahead and try to do something that you already know is difficult for you, if you succeed, that's great. Pat yourself on the back. But if you can't succeed, you won't feel so bad as if you are comparing yourself to people who aren't dyscalculic. 'They' have something to work with that you don't have. - jus' |
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| RottieWoman |
Posted on July 12 2012 01:28 PM
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Member
Location: No value
Posts: 3044
Joined: 2008-12-31
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hi 'jus, heathermomster and wombats!
'jus, thanks 
testing really can open up a lot of things for you, wombats |
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