Math Calculation
Touch Math
Appropriate Grade Level: K-12
Procedures/Steps:

Numbers are taught to students with dots representing their value. For example,
five gets five dots on it. Numbers higher than five receive a circle around the dot
indicating to count it twice.
 Students touch the dots, either with a pencil or their finger, when they are adding,
subtracting, multiplying or dividing.
 Students are taught to find the bigger number, start at that number, touch and
count the dots on the other number to get their answer.
 Once students have this skill down, if possible, begin to fade the dots out to
encourage mastery and not rely on the dots.
Comments and/or tips:
Use this only when it is appropriate. Students should not rely on this strategy for all of
their mathematics. Fading should begin in the early stages- begin drawing the dots for the
students and then slowly fade the font so the dots begin to get lighter until you lose the
dots completely.
Source:
Duris, A. (2002). Using touch math for students with physical impairments to teach and
enhance beginning math skills. Physical Disabilities and Related
Services, 21 (1-2), 17-21.