Any Suggestions Fo Third Grader Struggling?

Updated on March 02, 2012
T.M. asks from Livonia, MI
5 answers

So I have posted on this before, and did the things suggested, nothing is better. My daughter is in third grade and is struggling in math. She can not memorize her addition facts, she always uses her fingers. Now they are supposed to be memorizing their multiplication facts, well she is using her fingers for that too. The school signed the kids up for xtramath, she tells me straight up that she is going to count on her fingers. We see the same problem over and over and she still gets it wrong. One of the support teachers at the school gave her a pass to Education City, which she doesnt give to hard of a time with. Ww have done flashcards, fact triangles, timed worksheets, computer math games, using counters, and nothing seems to help. Most of the time we try to practice math, it ends up with me screaming because I am so frustrated with her not getting it, and her crying. Obviously I feel horrible. It is to the point that it is effecting the whole family, because I am always helping her with math. And now, she is giving me a hard time doing any kind of homework. She has always been pretty good at spelling, now everytime I say lets practice spelling words she whines and crys and gives me attitude. She has never really like reading, so it is very hard to get her to read anything. I am going to lose it. I am about ready to take her out of Livonia schools. I have never said anything bad about Livonia schools, but this year dont have anything good to say about them. This is ridiculous that my daughter has made it to third grade and still cant add, and the school has done nothing. So I beg you, please somebody help me. What should I do? BTW Livonia uses Everyday Math which I hate.

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L.B.

answers from Detroit on

Ok, here's my guess at whats going on - Sounds like your describing Dyscalculia (Math Dyslexia). If I were to further guess, your daughter is very bright little girl - it is because of this that she has found ways to work around to get to the answers up until now. I suggest googling dyslexia & dyscalculia and read the descriptions. If it all rings true to you give Michigan Dyslexia Institute in Berkley a call. If this is what is going on with her, there is hope. She can be taught "tricks" for getting the job done. Btw, public schools generally don't consider evaluating for these things until the third grade. They will tell you accurate testing can not be done until 3rd grade. Funny thing though, the professionals that conduct the testing , teachers & tutors for this will tell you they have worked with kids as young as 4 years. Good Luck!

2 moms found this helpful

R.H.

answers from Houston on

You cannot have it all your way. If you hate the curriculm of Everyday Math go to Kaplan or Sylvan.

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D.J.

answers from Detroit on

Hugs. We just went through a severe bought of 3rd grade math anxiety ourselves this weekend.

I don't know if this is just for Northville students, but they are starting a, "Let's Read Math" program this Saturday at the Northville library. The web site with the info about the program is at http://letsreadmath.com and it looks like fun. It's geared toward 2nd and 3rd graders and starts this Saturday. It's sponsored by a local organization, and I presume it's free. Let me know if you would the contact info.

Good luck.

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M.S.

answers from Detroit on

Hi,
Been there! My son is dyslexic. Honestly, your daughter sounds mildly dyslexic too. Dyslexia comes in all forms, they may not reverse their letters, but they have a tough time reading and one of the biggest factors is that their procedural memory is quite different than ours. Addition/subtractions/multiplication facts just don't stick. The child appears to be just lazy, frankly. And girls are the least likely to get diagnosed because they are well behaved. If she is just a tad dyslexic - what you are experiencing is what you would see. Is she super creative? Does she tell or enjoy storytelling just hugely so (not reading) - that would be a bit labored and she would tire quickly. Does she take a little longer to get things done, very curious as a child, a little bit of a late talker. Dyslexia affects one in five children, if she is slightly dyslexic - she may never be able to rattle off math facts like the rest of us, but be assured her brain can problem solve more complex problems issues better than most. Albert Einstein was dyslexic - couldn't do his math facts either :). Most of all- you can't get rattled -- she obviously has a different way of learning required, if her brain just isn't wired that way - it isn't her fault. Look into learning disabilities - it is too isolated not to be one :) you may want to look into getting her a tutor - a lot of dyslexics are only diagnosed in third and forth grades. If she is dyslexic as she continues in school it will become more and more apparent as she slowly starts to fall behind the other kids.
Best of luck!!

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K.M.

answers from Detroit on

Call sylvan or go to Barnes and noble they sell math practice books by sylvan and the other one out there kumon. If possible go with the kumon they work it's completely repative. It's awesome. I used it on two of my kids that was struggling. They are high in math now. It's kinda like reading in time it will pop in but needs practice.

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