Touch Math a Review

Touch Math is a multisensory approach to teaching math. Each number has TouchPoints that help children understand that numbers represent real objects. The developers believe that if a child can count he can do math. It is a complete math program for grades preschool through third grade and is used in special education.

The Process

The program helps children develops number sense.

Children learn to do math problems by counting dots or pictures that are located on numerals. The dots are called TouchPoints. The child is encouraged to touch the dots while counting

To add 1 + 2, count all of the dots on the two numerals. The one has a dot on the top. The two has a dot on the start of two and at the end.

For subtraction the child learns to count backwards.

Multiplication is easy when your child learns to skip count using the dots on the numerals. One of the numerals in the problem will not have dots. It will be the number that will be counted by. The numeral with the dots will be how many times the number is counted.

Division can also be done with counting. Your child will look at the divisor and count up to the dividend. Each time he says a number he is to record it on a tally sheet. The number of tallies is the answer.

Preschool

In preschool your child will learn;

• How to count using TouchPoints
  
• Shapes
  
• Sorting
  
• Graphing

I like the preschool program because does not require writing. It does have a writing element for children who are ready to write their numbers.

Kindergarten

The kindergarten program teaches children to;

• How to count by ones and tens to a hundred
  
• How to add and subtract
  
• More about geometric shapes
  
• How to measure
  

First Grade

In first grade your child will continue to learn about;

• Adding and subtracting
  
• Shapes
  
• Measurement
  
• Your child will also learn about how to tell time.
  

Second Grade

Your second grader will continue to practice;

• Addition
  
• Subtraction
  
• Shapes
  
• Measurement
  
• Telling time

Your child will also learn about;

• Place value
  
• Money

Upper Grades

The third grade is called upper grades in touch math. It is for anyone who struggles with basic math.

Your child will learn how to use the method for;

• Regrouping
  
• Multiplication and division
  
• Telling time to the minute
  
• Making change with money
  
• Fractions
  

Special Education

I used Touch Math in an autistic classroom. It can also be used with children who have other types of disabilities.
The dots make numerals more concrete. Children can better understand what numerals represent.

The program is multisensory which help children learn. The child is encouraged to touch the dots while counting out loud.

With the unique dot system the numbers become the manipulative. The child does not have to have a number line or other manipulative on their desk.

When a child encounters a math problem that does not have dots he can still do it. Have the child visualize the location of the dots. Some children will continue to touch the locations of the dots.

Touch Math for Homeschool

The company does have homeschool packages from pre-kindergarten through upper grades. The upper grade material is for anyone who struggles with basic math skills.
 
If you do not want to buy a complete package you can download worksheets from the internet. The worksheet bundles are reasonably priced. You can also download sample pages to see if the system is right for your family.

I thought that the Touch Math was very easy to use. I would have considered using it with my children. It would be good for parents that want to use worksheets with their preschool or kindergarten aged children.

The materials are only available on their website.

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