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 coordinators, 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.

About the author PART ONE - ABOUT A SPECIAL CURRICULUM Chapter 1: What this book is about Chapter 2: About Curriculum attitudes and mindsets Chapter 3: The place of maths in a very special curriculum Chapter 4: Sensory Beginnings Chapter 5: Introducing the Parts of Learning PART TWO - TOOLS FOR LEARNING Chapter 6: Introducing the Tools for Learning Chapter 7: Physical Skills at the beginning of Thinking Chapter 8: Schema – First Patterns of Thinking Chapter 9: Introducing the Senses Chapter 10: About Vision Chapter 11: Hearing Chapter 12: Touch and Movement Chapter 13: Attention Chapter 14: Perception PART THREE - PROCESSES OF LEARNING Chapter 15: Introducing the Processes of Learning Chapter 16: Learning to Play Chapter 17: There are Many ways of Playing PART FOUR - THINKING ABOUT THINKING Chapter 18: About the Development of Thinking Chapter 19: Thinking with Objects and Fingers Chapter 20: Visualisation – using all senses Chapter 21: Thinking with Graphic Representations Chapter 22: Using Numerals - A medium to abstract thinking Chapter 23: Language and Thinking PART FIVE - DEVELOPING MATHEMATICAL IDEAS Chapter 24. Introducing Aspects of Mathematical Thinking Chapter 25: Some sensory beginnings Chapter 26: Comprehending Space – Shape – and Measures Chapter 27: Learning About Size and Comparisons Chapter 28: About Number Sense Chapter 29: An Exact Number Sense Chapter 30: An Approximate Number Sense Chapter 31: Understanding Comparative Value - Including Exchange and Money Chapter 32: Number is Like Space Chapter 33: Subitising – Connecting Perception with Number Chapter 34: Counting Chapter 35: Calculation and Big Ideas.

Les Staves has over 45 years of experience working within special education. He is recognised internationally as a freelance writer, consultant, and trainer.