–Triveni Goswami Vernal
Registered Special Educator (A64010)

In the previous blogs, in this series, I have written about the Pre-Number concepts, that are a pre-requisite for teaching Numeracy Skills, as well as the awareness of Math Learning Differences and the need for Subitization, in building the numeracy concepts.  In today’s blog, I will write about Functional Numeracy skills that are an essential component of Functional Academics.
Functional Numeracy skills include concepts of numeracy that will help an individual navigate his/her life, independently as far as possible, with minimal assistance.
Functional Numeracy skills include identification of numerals, basic mathematical operations (addition/subtraction), concepts of time, identification, counting and using money, distance, understanding volume, calendar (days of the week, months of the year) etc.

1) Number Concept: This would include teaching the identification of numerals, numbers by rote till 9, ordering of numerals: 1 to 9 in order, putting in missing numerals, number concept—counting out specific number of objects and stopping etc.

2) Basic Mathematical Operations:  Introduce the concept of Subitization to help the child develop a mental representation of numerals as well as the concept of estimation (to understand concepts of More & Less). Several strategies can be utilized to teach the concept of Place Value, using concrete manipulatives, such as Base 10 blocks (for 10s), and cubes (for units), Subitizing Cards. Once a child has developed a mental representation of numbers, the concept of estimation and Place Value, the basic mathematical operations of Addition and Subtraction, can be taught.

3) Calendar: This would include teaching the child the concept of 7 days of the week, 12 months in a year and 30/31 days in a month. The concepts can be taught as a daily activity with a fun, colourful, interactive all in one calendar or if it is too visually overwhelming for the child, then all these concepts can be introduced individually initially and then combined in a single mode, later.

4) Concept of Time: This would include teaching the individual to initially read the time in analog or a digital clock. Initially this can be done concretely with a real clock, and then it can be illustrated on paper, or worksheets can be used. First, they can be taught to identify the hour hand and minute hand, then identify the time at every hour (12 o clock, 1 o’clock, 2 o’clock etc), then they can be taught to identify the time at half past the hour, quarter to and quarter past the hour, and then subsequently, every fraction to or past the hour etc. They can then be introduced to the second hand. And then be taught the concept of 24 hours in a day etc.

5) Identification, Counting and Using Money: The currency used in the given country, has to be taught to the child. This would involve teaching the child to identify the various denominations of the currency, count them to form a given number / subtract an amount to arrive at a given number, teaching them transaction (in a real-life setting, like a shop) of currency while purchasing an item and understanding the change that one would be left with (if at all). Identification of numerals, number sense, and number bonds (eg. 5 can be 4+1, 3+2, 1+4,2+3, 5+0) are pre-requisites to teach the concept of Money.

6) Measurement & Volume: The concept of Measurement for distance (Near, far, Long, Short, Wide, Thin, Height etc), as well as Volume (Heavy, Light etc).

All these are essential numeracy skills that can help individual with disabilities navigate their day to day life, as independently, as possible.

RESOURCES:
https://www.hand2mind.com/glossary-of-hands-on-manipulatives/base-ten-blocks#:~:text=Base%20Ten%20Blocks%20provide%20a,10%20cm%20are%20called%20flats.
https://autismclassroomresources.com/teaching-money-engaging-functional/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/teaching-addition-to-students-with-special-needs.html
https://www.pinterest.com/adaptforautism/special-education-math/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/telling-time-file-folders-for-special-education-with-color-support–468937379930398297/
*****

Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 12 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

---

Artwork Hollyhocks
Acrylic on Canvas
Artist Kabir Vernal