;
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016
14
strengths in visual processing as well as mild to moderate learning
disabilities, Dana initially models how to obtain the correct answers with her
manipulative. When the students have their turn, several important steps
occur. First, the students work to solve the problem with their manipulative.
Then, they have to explain their answers to Dana's interpreter. Students not
only learn their math standards, but they also must consistently work on their
communication skills so that their explanations are concise and accurate for
the interpreter to translate to Dana. As a result of better communication skills,
Dana believes that their math and writing will improve and hopefully help
them at their jobs during and after high school.
Because Dana's classroom is multi-grade
level and has students at
many different academic ability levels, her paraprofessional frequently assists
Dana by providing additional individualized and differentiated instruction for
other students. Because Dana and her paraprofessional understand the
versatility of the manipulatives, as well as the tendencies of their students'
mistakes, they are able to ask specific questions, such as "What are the
numbers at the beginning or end of your number line?", and "Is your finger to
the right or left of the line in the middle of your manipulative?".
23
