Visually Impaired Resource Guide Mathematics Grade Five

At this level students practice estimating and use this skill to check their answers. They try new ways of organizing and displaying data and begin to see how probability (chance) works. Students use some basics of geometry and learn how to use formulas to solve problems involving area and volume.

Building upon the student's knowledge of symbols in the Nemeth Code* emerges as students try new ways of organizing and displaying data. Instruction in the use of talking calculators can speed up calculations. The student must have mastered the concepts and accurately performed the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in long hand before they can rely on the calculator. While mental calculation is encouraged the student should recognize his/her limitations in using this strategy with very large numbers. Braille labels can be adhered to the calculator keys, much the same as braille key caps for the typing keyboard. This can facilitate location of the correct keys and helps with speed and accuracy.

At this level students continue to practice estimating and use this skill to check their answers. Estimation will greatly assist the student who uses braille and time should be spent on mastering this skill.

Learning About Numbers

• estimate and calculate the answers to multiplication and division questions, using whole numbers and decimal fractions
• learn to divide, using two-digit divisors (e.g. 423Ö25), and divide and multiply decimals by a one-digit whole number (e.g. 32.16Ö6)
• learn about factors and multiples of whole numbers and improve mental arithmetic skills

Students should actively be using one or a combination of the abacus, brailler, Braille Lite*, Braille 'n Speak * and talking calculator to answer questions. The brailler is especially useful as it is the only tool that allows a student to show all of the steps in their work.

To assist with the mastery of mental calculations, techniques such as "Finger Math"(PRCVI *) and Chisinbop (a method of using one's hands much like the abacus to make calculations) can be useful.

Data Analysis

• do probability (chance) experiments
• learn about displaying and interpreting data to solve problems

For experiments, it may be helpful to pair the student with a sighted peer for visual observations. If possible, the peer should be a good math student with an understanding of the concepts and objectives. The Vision and Classroom Teacher need to meet regularly to discuss the instructional program and allow time for the production of braille materials. This is especially important when dealing with geometry and measurement units. Materials that are prepared in advance of the lessons allow pre-teaching, which is an excellent way of preparing the student for the concepts that will be taught in the classroom. In order to analyze data efficiently, the information must be displayed in an organized and legible format. The student may require additional instructional time to master these skills.

Geometry

• learn about parallel and perpendicular lines
• learn more about patterns, using symmetry, identical figures and grids
• learn how to describe three-dimensional objects and points on a graph using ordered number pairs

If a student is having difficulty with geometric concepts, orientation and mobility* [refer to the Vision Resource Teacher in your area for further information] 1 instruction can provide a functional and physical way of experiencing and acquiring the concepts related to shapes. When working with graphs do not attempt to put too much information on any one graph. It is better to have three or four simple graphs than one with multiple themes.

Learning About Measurements

• learn about perimeter and area of shapes
• start to use formulas to find simple areas and volumes (e.g. area = l x w)

A variety of manipulatives, tactile diagrams and adapted math tools can be used to learn about perimeter and area of shapes. The talking calculator is a quick way to work with formulas associated with measurement.

Algebra

• write number sentences, using words and symbols
• use variables in expressions and formulas

Algebraic expressions and formulas require learning new Nemeth Code symbols and braille formatting. Extra instructional time may be needed for the student to learn the Nemeth Code symbols and rules that are required to represent these concepts.

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