Developmentally Delayed Kids

Posted by Lynn Moore Dec 28, 2007

Many IEP goals include math skills. Certainly math is important for day-to-day functioning in our society, Everything from money and calendar skills to setting the table for dinner involves math.

The words Let's count are a simple lead in to a critical math skill for kids with special needs. Parents have many opportunities to practice counting with their kids in real life. . . after all, no one wants to learn math that they will never use again!

Start in the morning, and look for those counting practice times throughout the day. Have fun with it! If your child sees that you enjoy the activity, if it seems almost like a game, he will most likely be drawn into the practice.

Use your counting. Don't forget to let your child see the importance of counting. This may most clearly be communicated at mealtime and when paying for things. Let your child help you count the things that you need. Make counting a useful activity.

Learn more with counting. Don't underestimate books that focus on counting skills. They offer a tie-in with literacy as well as a visual representation of the numbers.

The holidays don't have to be regimented school times, but they can offer practice and reinforcement of the basic skill of counting.