Strengthening Foundational Math Skills Through Visualizing & Subitizing
Step into one of our math classes with us and see how our innovative strategies at Educational Pathways Academy, a private school for dyslexia and learning disabilities in Florida, are transforming math education for students with learning differences! By utilizing research-based methods like the Lindamood-Bell On Cloud Nine® Math program and Subitizing techniques, we are helping students build strong math foundations while addressing their unique learning needs. In this blog, we will explore how these methods are making a significant impact in our math classes by helping students with learning disabilities develop essential math skills, improve number sense, and build confidence in their abilities.
Math Visualization
The Lindamood-Bell On Cloud Nine® program uses visualization techniques to help students imagine numbers and math concepts in their minds, making abstract ideas more concrete.
In our math classes, students engage in activities like "Imagining Numerals" to practice this skill. During these activities, students first have a colored circle sticker placed on their finger to help track their finger’s movement. This technique supports them in connecting the visual shape of numbers with their mental images. They then imagine a blank piece of paper where they will "write" their numbers. After viewing a numerical imagery card, students visualize, vocalize, and "draw" the number in the air as if writing it on their imaginary paper.
Subitizing
Subitizing is the ability to instantly recognize the number of objects in a group without needing to count. This technique is key for developing strong number sense, as students begin to see numbers as combinations of smaller amounts.
In our math class, students practice Subitizing through the "Thumbs Up Game." During this activity, students are shown a subitizing card displaying a set of objects—such as fingers, dots, or tallies—for a brief moment before the card is quickly removed. Using their instant recognition skills, the students determine the number of objects in the picture and then give a thumbs up to indicate that they know the answer. After the card is revealed again, they check their responses.
This interactive approach helps students enhance their number sense, improve their ability to quickly recognize numerical patterns, and build a strong foundation for more complex math concepts.
How Visualizing & Subitizing Strengthen Foundational Math Skills for Students with Learning Disabilities
Students with learning disabilities often have challenges with understanding abstract mathematical concepts, as well as visualizing and remembering numbers. This difficulty can impact their ability to develop what’s known as “number sense.” Number sense is essentially the ability to understand and work with numbers in a flexible way—like recognizing patterns, estimating values, and grasping how numbers relate to each other. Without a strong number sense, students may find it harder to keep up with more advanced math concepts.
Techniques like the Lindamood-Bell On Cloud Nine® program’s visualization exercises and the Subitizing "Thumbs Up Game" help address these challenges by offering more concrete ways to grasp abstract ideas. Visualization helps students create clear mental images of numbers and math concepts, making them easier to understand. Subitizing, on the other hand, improves their ability to quickly recognize and understand number patterns without having to count. Together, these strategies build a solid foundation in math, enhance memory, and boost problem-solving skills, helping students gain confidence and proficiency in their math learning journey.
