๐งฎ Making Math Fun: A Glimpse into Touch Math
๐งฎ Making Math Fun: A Glimpse into Touch Math
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✨ What is Touch Math?
Touch Math introduces students to numbers through “Touch Points”—visual and tactile cues that help them understand quantities and operations like addition and subtraction.
Each number is assigned specific touch points that children count using their fingers while saying the number out loud. This method integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning, making abstract math concepts feel more concrete.
Six instructional strategies used in the TouchMath program
๐ 1.
Concrete–Representational–Abstract (CRA) Approach
TouchMath is deeply rooted in the CRA
learning model, which guides students through three stages of understanding.
First, learners engage with concrete materials like counters or
manipulatives to physically explore math concepts. Then, they move to the representational
stage, where they draw visual models to represent their thinking. Finally,
they reach the abstract stage, where they use numbers and symbols to
solve problems. This progression helps students build a strong conceptual
foundation and makes abstract math more accessible, especially for those with
learning differences.
๐งฑ 2.
Build It, Draw It, Write It (BIDIWI) Model
The BIDIWI strategy reinforces the CRA
approach by encouraging students to interact with math in three ways. In the Build
It phase, students use tactile tools like base-ten blocks to construct math
problems. In the Draw It phase, they sketch visual representations to
deepen understanding. Finally, in the Write It phase, they express their
solutions using numbers, symbols, or words. This method supports diverse
learning styles and helps students internalize math concepts through multiple
modalities.
๐ง 3.
Modified Frayer Chart
To strengthen math vocabulary and conceptual understanding, TouchMath uses a modified version of the Frayer Chart. This graphic organizer includes five sections: the math term in the center, a definition, characteristics or facts, examples, and non-examples. By exploring each term from multiple angles, students gain a clearer and more nuanced understanding of mathematical language. This strategy is especially helpful for building procedural fluency and supporting students who struggle with math terminology.
๐ฉ๐ซ 4. Explicit Modeling and Guided Practice
TouchMath emphasizes explicit instruction, where teachers model problem-solving steps clearly and systematically. During guided practice, students work alongside the teacher, gradually taking more responsibility for solving problems. This scaffolding approach ensures that learners feel supported while building confidence and accuracy. As students become more proficient, they transition to independent practice, reinforcing their skills through repetition and feedback.
๐️ 5.
Multisensory Engagement
One of TouchMath’s most distinctive
features is its multisensory approach. Students are encouraged to see,
touch, say, and hear math concepts using TouchPoints—visual
dots placed on numerals that represent quantity. This tactile method helps
bridge the gap between abstract numbers and concrete understanding. It’s
particularly effective for students with dyscalculia or other learning
challenges, as it activates multiple senses and reinforces memory through
physical interaction.
๐ 6.
Progress Monitoring and Differentiation
TouchMath incorporates ongoing progress
monitoring to track student growth and adjust instruction accordingly.
Teachers use data to identify skill gaps and tailor lessons to meet individual
needs. This strategy ensures that every student receives the right level of
challenge and support. Whether used in whole-class instruction, small groups,
or one-on-one settings, TouchMath’s flexible design allows for differentiated
learning that adapts to each learner’s pace and proficiency.
We explored various strategies to make math stick:
- Touch Point Coloring: Children color dots on numbers to reinforce quantity visually.
- Number Card Games: Fun matching and sequencing games using cards.
- Real-World Math Play: Using everyday objects like apples or blocks to demonstrate operations.
- Repetition with Variation: Practicing familiar patterns with different numbers.
- Movement-Based Activities: Tracing numbers in the air while counting aloud.
- Storytelling & Numeracy: Embedding math within simple stories to create meaningful connections.
These activities help build mathematical intuition while keeping students engaged.
๐ฏ Tips for Effective Learning
- Begin each session with a quick review of touch points.
- Let children talk, touch, and move freely during lessons.
- Share simple worksheets with families to continue learning at home.
- Add music or movement breaks to keep energy levels high.
✨ Effectiveness
of TouchMath
TouchMath is a proven multisensory math program designed to support students who struggle with foundational math concepts. By allowing learners to see, touch, say, and hear math using TouchPoints, the program makes abstract concepts more accessible. Grounded in the Concrete–Representational–Abstract (CRA) model, TouchMath helps students build strong number sense, especially in special education settings or intervention programs. With its hands-on approach and alignment to educational standards across the U.S., TouchMath has shown positive results in improving math skills and confidence.
๐ฅ Visuals & Videos: Bringing Learning to Life
๐ธ Image Example
๐ฌ Classroom Demonstration Video
These resources offer a clear view of how touch points are used, and help parents and educators see the method in motion.
๐ Summary
Touch Math isn’t just a technique—it’s a gateway to confidence in math! By combining sensory pathways with engaging strategies, children begin to view math not as a hurdle but as a playful puzzle they’re excited to solve.
Whether you're a teacher, parent, or curious reader, this method will change the way you think about teaching numbers!
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