Maggie Macedonia Kelly Hood

1. Maggie Macedonia Kelly Hood

2. History • Founded in 1975 by the current President and CEO of TouchMath Janet Bullock • Based on theorists Piaget, Bruner, Vygotsky • Meets the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards • Can find TouchMath in all 50 states and in foreign countries

3. What is it? • Multisensory learning approach that caters to all learner styles • Auditory, Visual, and Tactile/Kinesthetic • Used in general education in grades PK, K, and grades 1-5 • Used in special education with programs for gradesK-3, 4-Adult, and an Autism program

4. Features • Computer software equipped with tutorials and educational games for students • Teacher aids: workbooks, teacher guides • Free online trainings • On-Site seminars, University/College trainings (professional development) • Free printables: activity sheets, numbers, worksheets, calendars, fun sheets • TouchMath PLUS: online format of program

5. How it Works • Each digit from 1-9 has TouchPoints corresponding to the digit’s value • Digits 1-5: single TouchPoints • Digits 6-9: double TouchPoints • By touching the points, students begin to associate numbers with real values • Addition: count forwards • Subtraction: count backwards • Always have student repeat the problem and answer aloud • This will reinforce basic fact memorization • Channels all 3 learning types (A, V, T/K)

6. Pros and Cons Advantages Limitations • Multisensory-caters to all learning styles • Eliminates guessing • Reduces errors • Increases independency • Scaffold instructional approach • Students will all abilities can use this program • Students may grow dependant on the numbers limiting their abilities to perform mental math • Confusing • Limited to elementary mathematics

7. Ideas for Elementary Teachers • Able to use throughout math curriculum • Very easy to create activities • Can use fuzz balls, dot stickers, Bingo markers, stickers, buttons, bingo chips • Theme and unit related: Apples, pumpkins, spiders, planets, trees, fish • Have students create their own TouchMath numbers for extra reinforcement

8. What Does it Teach? • Addition • Subtraction • Multiplication • Division • Skip counting • Money • Shapes • Time • Story Problems • Sizes • Pre-Algebra • Place Value • Fractions

9. TouchMath Statements • The pattern in which the student touches the TouchPoints is crucial in obtaining the correct answer. • Addition: “I touch and count all the TouchPoints on the numerals” • Subtraction: “I touch the first numeral, say its name, and count backward on the other numeral.” Remember: More on top, no need to stop! More on floor, go next door! Numbers the same, zero’s the game!

10. Addition • Line up the numbers • Draw place value line • Start by voicing the largest number • Continue counting by using the TouchPoints dots • Record number below the line • Regroup and carry over if needed • Count the TouchPoints including the carried number • Record final number below the line

11. Subtraction • Line up numbers • Draw place value line • Start by voicing largest number • Count the TouchPoints • The answer is the last number spoken.

12. Subtraction with Regrouping • Voice subtraction saying. • Line up the numbers • Draw place value line • Say the top number and count backwards on the TouchPoints of the bottom number. • If you cannot touch all the TouchPoints you must regroup. • Say its new name, and count backwards on the TouchPoints of the bottom number. • Record number below the line. • Move to tens place. • Say top number and count backwards on the TouchPoints of the bottom number. • Record number last spoken below the line. • Repeat the problem and answer.

13. References www.touchmath.com Google Images