Does anybody use a math intervention program that they really like? I am looking for something hands on for at risk students. It could be for either whole group or small group instruction, as I will be doing both extensively next year. Thanks for any input or ideas! Lisa
My school seems to have fallen in love with Rocket Math (I haven't used it...), there is also a program by Marilyn Burns out there that they are enjoying. Our elementary buildings also use touch math with the really struggling learners (maybe your bottom 5%).
A few websites that might be helpful: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Topic.aspx?sid=9 http://www.rti4success.org/instructionTools Hope that helps!
Last week was my first training to be a "Math Intervention Specialist" for my grade level, and I learned how to use these kits, which my district just purchased: http://www.origoeducation.com/the-box-of-facts/ I was given the addition and subtraction kit. I have not had a chance to use it yet, but it basically contains lessons and materials, and teaches basic number sense and strategies. It is very hands-on, and seems like a great tool. You can use it small-group or whole-group. My district is also piloting iLearn: http://www.ilearn.com/ . I am not one of the teachers who is piloting the program, but I do know that it is a computer intervention program. The Box of Facts is not scientific and researched-based, so it does not count as an RtI intervention activity. ILearn, however, is scientific and research-based.
Thanks for the feedback. I wish I could afford the Marilyn Burns stuff, but I can't since I'm paying out of pocket. I am thinking of trying Rocket Math, though.
We use Rocket Math in our elementary buildings beginning in second grade I think. We also use this in some of our sixth grade classrooms.
Yes; Origo (e.g. the "Box of Facts") has some strong materials that link number sense with visual models, like the ten frame for addition and subtraction within 20. The Box of Facts also breaks down different basic addition strategies nicely (e.g. count on 1, 2 or 3, doubles +/- 1 or 2, bridging to 10, etc.). In terms of 'bang for buck' ratio, I also highly recommend the Origo Fundamentals game books (you'd want the yellow[K/1] or orange[1/2] levels for primary-grade intervention). They're cost effective, promote mental math strategies, often link to visual representations (to create more robust internal number structures), and kids like them. There are also some mental math worksheet books if you're more into that and the Box of Facts feels out of your price range. I have also trained RTI instructors to use Kathy Richardson's "Developing Number Concepts" materials for primary grades RTI, for which there is actually some research and data supporting its use. The Kathy Richardson materials are also very cost efficient! Basically, you will need the books (~$30/each) and then a ton of unifix cubes, and access to a photocopier. The clinical interviews (which we used as screening tools) cost a little more. We have used Marilyn Burns' "Do the Math" more for upper elementary (gr 3 - 5), although they did just come out with a beginning module addressing numbers within 10. I like the program, but it, too, is quite pricey!
Hi! I'm currently a math interventionist. I use two specific programs in addition to activities I've just put together. I use Origo for addition and subtraction; it's a FANTASTIC program. I also use Advantage Math Recovery for basic concepts. This program is simply amazing. You're supposed to be specially trained in it, but I can attach a website later that gives activities from the program. I highly recommend seeing if your district will pay for training in Advantage Math.
For intervention we use Camelot math with the first graders. They love it. It's really scripted but other than that its awesome.
