Using the child’s back to school supply list, a parent can teach money math in a way that is meaningful to a child with cognitive delays. Addition, subtraction, comparison shopping, and creating a budget are a few of the math skills that can be taught.
Decide What School Supplies to be Purchased With Developmentally Challenged Kids
Ultimately, the goal may be to buy everything on the school supply list as well as some additional needs and wants. Even though that is the big goal, it may be necessary to break down the task into smaller steps so that it is appropriate for the child.
Suppose the child is practicing basic double digit addition. Choose several items on the list (maybe even just two) that cost less than a dollar when added together. Take advantage of the great back to school sales for this one. Perhaps crayons are twenty-five cents a box, and the child needs one box. He might also need three spiral notebooks at fifteen cents each. Make a list of the items that will be purchased. Print the list and add pictures cut from a sales ad.
At the store, allow the child to find the items on the list. Check them off the list as they are gathered. Later, at home, work with the child to see how much was spent.
Plan a Variety of Life Skills Math Problems for Kids With Developmental Delays
Some kids will be able to add the total amount of the items and then subtract that amount from a dollar, or even ten dollars, to see how much is left over. Some kids will be able to locate and purchase more than just a few items on the list. Perhaps the entire list can be purchased in one trip. Other kids may need to use a calculator to do that math. Plan the problems based on the child’s skill level and age.
Choose the Best Shopping Time
Back to school time can be busy, especially in retail stores. Plan a time that will be least hectic and a time that is good for the child. If the child has been at hot, summer day camp all week, wait until a date in the future to go shopping. Planning far enough in advance will allow times that will be least stressful for everyone.
Purchasing back to school items can be a learning experience for children with developmental delays, particularly in the area of math. The benefit of shopping the school sales is that almost any child with a special need in math can practice skills at his level.
Lynn Moore - Moore is a freelance writer, experienced special education teacher, and mother of two. She has worked as a developmental therapist for ...
