At Educational Pathways Academy, a private school in Florida dedicated to students with learning disabilities, we transform math learning into an engaging and effective experience through our creative, research-based approaches. Let’s take a look into one our specialized math classes to see some of these innovative strategies in action!

In this lesson, students are learning to solve for the area of a trapezoid using interactive, multi-sensory techniques. By incorporating Thinking Maps, accommodations, and kinesthetic learning, we make mathematical concepts clear and engaging, enhancing our students' understanding and retention.

Thinking Maps: Visual Tools for Organized Thinking

To start off the lesson, students are provided with a Thinking Map— a visual tool designed to help them organize their thoughts and make the material easier to understand and remember. This flow map guides the students through the process of solving for the area of a trapezoid. Together with their teacher, they walk through each step, breaking it down in a clear, visual format. This approach not only simplifies the problem-solving process but also helps students to better understand the formula and the reasoning behind it. By using Thinking Maps, students can better grasp and recall the concept in the future.

Accommodations: Templates Supporting Students in Problem Solving

Next, students use a template to practice the formula for the area of a trapezoid. This template serves as an accommodation, designed to remove potential barriers to learning, such as difficulties with processing speed or working memory. By offering a structured guide, the template alleviates the cognitive load required to recall the formula, allowing students to focus on applying the concept. This scaffolding technique ensures that all students can access and engage with the material, building their confidence as they work toward mastery.

Kinesthetic Learning: Enhancing Understanding with Interactive Activities

For the final part of the lesson, students participate in a scavenger hunt. Math problems are placed around the room, and students use their templates to solve each problem. They then search for the card with the answer to find a new problem. This kinesthetic learning approach not only makes the activity fun but also reinforces their understanding of math concepts.

How Our Innovative Math Strategies Support Success for Students with Learning Disabilities

Students with learning disabilities often have challenges with processing and retaining information, making abstract concepts like math particularly challenging. These students may find it difficult to remember formulas, organize their thoughts, and stay focused during traditional lessons. To address these challenges, we use a variety of innovative strategies that specifically support their needs.

Thinking Maps offer a visual structure that helps students organize and understand complex information more concretely, making abstract concepts more accessible.

Accommodations, such as templates, reduce the cognitive load associated with memorizing formulas, allowing students to concentrate on applying concepts and building their skills.

Kinesthetic learning activities, such as scavenger hunts, incorporate movement to boost engagement and cognitive function. These activities increase oxygen levels in the brain, enhancing focus and memory retention. By combining physical activity with problem-solving, kinesthetic learning reinforces mathematical concepts in a dynamic and interactive way.

Together, these strategies address the unique challenges faced by students with learning disabilities, creating a learning environment that supports their needs and enhances their ability to succeed.