Betty Willdorff reflects on her experiences to date with the multi-sensory math program, Making Math Real.
A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to take two classes from Making Math Real® (MMR): Overview and 9 Lines ©. Making Math Real is a program designed to teach math from basic arithmetic through algebra using a multi-sensory approach. Through this structured, multi-sensory program, concepts in math are learned and reinforced. Since it is developmentally based, MMR is effective for all types of students.
MMR uses visual-imagery in order to reinforce concepts by linking manipulatives with informal language in order to create story, and is thus, able to address the needs of a whole host of students. It breaks down basic math content into elements that are concrete, then gradually moves to the abstract. With every mathematical procedure, MMR integrates essential sensory-cognitive development. Times tables can be taught to third graders as well as adults using the 9 Lines program. Using what my experience in the class demonstrated to me, I have been able to quickly teach myself times tables up through the 19s with no need for a calculator! I have used 9 Lines with a few students, and have found that their acquisition of multiplication facts has been rapid, fun, and characterized by excellent retention.
Mastery of math requires problem solving using higher-order thinking skills. Most math instruction in schools currently is now focused on these higher-order skills. MMR gives a student a strong foundation on which the solid development of these higher-order thinking skills can be built. The key factor in Making Math Real’s success with students of all learning strengths is that it addresses the developmental processes of learning. MMR utilizes a multi-sensory approach with hands-on activities using manipulatives in order for students to acquire problem-solving skills. The program takes students through learning math from the concrete, semi-concrete, semi-abstract, to abstract, which is developmentally appropriate. For some students, this process may take a week of lessons, for some a day. All student populations can benefit from using MMR in order to acquire math learning.
I find myself wishing that I had had the opportunity to learn math using Making Math Real when I was in school. It would have made the world of difference with how I felt about math for the majority of my life. Had it been available when I was learning math, I might have even developed a love for the subject.
