Dots on Numbers for Counting/Adding?

Updated on August 06, 2012
S.H. asks from Harvest, AL
6 answers

I don't remember what they called it! When I was learning to count & add, they taught us to draw or visualize dots on the numbers to count from. So a 1 would have 1 dot on the top of it. A 2 would have 2 dots, etc. (As shown in this image http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g275/snowypunk/DotMetho...)

Do they still teach this? Do they have a new method they are teaching? Any of you learn this method? I still use it sometimes! LOL :)

My daughter is about to start 1st grade & she hadn't learned this yet, so I was just curious if it's still being used :)

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So What Happened?

I dunno what it was called when I was young, but it was NOT because we were behind. I excelled in math & was part of a small group in my class who too higher math classes in high school - Algebra 2, Pre Cal, Calculus... lol Dots didn't hurt me :)

More Answers

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M.B.

answers from Austin on

I believe that method is called "Touch Math", and is commonly used as a counting/adding technique, especially with students with math difficulties.....

http://www.touchmath.com/

I work with students with learning disabilities in middle school, and commonly see them using that technique.

I can see it as a learning tool, but I would be concerned that it discourages the students from memorizing the math facts, and relying on counting to add. We are frequently seeing students in middle school that don't have the basic math facts/skills as a "rote" skill, but are still relying on counting their fingers to add and subtract. (I saw this frequently in a 6th grade general education class..... at that point, they should know the addition and subtraction facts without having to count on their fingers.)

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Portland on

It's called Touch Math.

http://www.touchmath.com/

2 moms found this helpful

F.M.

answers from San Antonio on

I still count that way too! (but the link/picture you included - I do the 2 differently. I put my dots on the two ends where I start writing and end writing)

I dont remember what it's called though. I taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades and never taught this way/system of adding counting. But probably b/c I taught an older grade level.

I think the method is very visual. Perhaps it was called "touch point" or something. I do not think it is commonly used anymore. But I could be wrong. If your daughter isn't learning this method, ask her teacher why not.

THANK YOU ALISHA!!!! :)

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.R.

answers from Seattle on

The dots on the numbers are called "touch points." In my district this is only used as a resource for students who are behind and not catching on to their math facts or the true concept of adding and subtracting. It is not taught in the general education classroom where I teach. :)

2 moms found this helpful

J.P.

answers from Lakeland on

My daughter’s kindergarten teacher used this method and my daughter had the highest math test score in her class (she was at 1st grade level in K) and the other kids are not behind either.

I don't believe it does any harm to learn addition or subtraction this way.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I've never seen this method before. We learned using one to one correspondence and is used to get the children to understand the concept of 1 item representing 1.
Peace and Blessings,
T. B

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