Very Special Maths: Developing Thinking and Maths Skills for Pupils with Severe or Complex Learning Difficulties

All children require mathematical understanding to access as full a life as possible. This practical book explores the curriculum required to accommodate the various difficulties faced by children with severe and profound learning difficulties. It describes how children's mathematical thinking first develops and how it can be nurtured to ensure real understanding and support essential life skills. Chapters explore key concepts including: • quantity recognition and counting

• sequence and measurement
• comparisons
• space and shape
• time
• monetary value. Mindful of the diverse challenges faced by teachers and pupils, the book explains the neurological and pedagogical theories that underpin the development of early mathematical thinking. It considers how mathematical skills that will best support children's everyday functioning can be developed. Practical ideas and activities for application in the classroom are further supported by illustrative diagrams, case studies and detailed online reading to deepen teachers? understanding and confidence when working with pupils. An essential and inspiring guide for teachers, special educational needs co-ordinators, teaching assistants, and parents, this text proves that with the appropriate strategies, each child is able to develop the mathematical skills essential to everyday living.

Table of Contents

About the author

PART ONE - ABOUT A SPECIAL CURRICULUM

1. What this book is about
2. About Curriculum attitudes and mindsets
3. The place of maths in a very special curriculum
4. Sensory Beginnings
5. Introducing the Parts of Learning

PART TWO - TOOLS FOR LEARNING

6. Introducing the Tools for Learning

7. Physical Skills at the beginning of Thinking

8. Schema - First Patterns of Thinking

9. Introducing the Senses

10. About Vision

11. Hearing

12. Touch and Movement

13. Attention

14. Perception

PART THREE - PROCESSES OF LEARNING

15. Introducing the Processes of Learning

16. Learning to Play

17. There are Many ways of Playing

PART FOUR - THINKING ABOUT THINKING

18. About the Development of Thinking

19. Thinking with Objects and Fingers

20. Visualisation - using all senses

21. Thinking with Graphic Representations

22. Using Numerals - A medium to abstract thinking.

23. Language and Thinking.

PART FIVE - DEVELOPING MATHEMATICAL IDEAS.

24. Introducing Aspects of Mathematical Thinking.

25. Some sensory beginnings

26. Comprehending Space, Shape and Measures.

27. Learning About Size and Comparisons.

28. About Number Sense

29. An Exact Number Sense

30. An Approximate Number Sense.

31. Understanding Comparative Value - Including Exchange and Money.

32. Number is Like Space.

33. Subitising - Connecting Perception with Number

34. Counting

35. Calculation and Big Ideas.