Ep. 60: A Multisensory Intervention for Kids Who Struggle with Math with Adrianne Meldrum

Following the previous episode’s topic of math disorders, we’re continuing the math conversation with Adrianne Meldrum. Now that we know how math disorders can impact a student, we can better take a look at what successful interventions look like and Adrianne is perfect for this task. Adrianne is the CEO of Made for Math, an all-online multisensory math intervention service. Their website describes it as clutter-free, compassionate, radiant, and research-based; services are aimed at helping neurodiverse students thrive in math.  Math difficulty often gets overlooked or intentionally pushed aside. But struggles in this subject area are just as important as any other subject. With Adrianne’s help, we learn today that math is truly a language and it’s often only spoken at school. What can we do as parents, caregivers, and educators to reduce anxiety, increase access to math through different modalities, and provide opportunities for all students to succeed?   Show Notes: [1:54] - Adrianne shares an observation she has made in recent months of parents learning new terminology and seeing the struggles their children are having. [4:10] - It’s common to attribute math difficulty with just not being “good at math.” [4:56] - Math is a language that is really only taught at school. We don’t talk about math in conversations as a society. [5:40] - Made for Math uses a multisensory intervention and Adrianne describes the approach. [7:04] - The multisensory approach increases multi-access points to the curriculum using different modalities. [8:34] - When students see themselves as being able to be successful at something, it increases their motivation to work hard. [9:33] - At Made for Math, teachers are trained in how the brain works. [10:43] - Students can retain the information taught in this way, but are not always retaining the content taught in school. [12:10] - Math is not something that has to be endured, but rather something that can be used. [13:46] - Regarding word problems, Adrianne and her team use research to create a new framework for students to recognize patterns. [15:30] - Oftentimes, students with a language based learning challenge like dyslexia, struggle with math as well. [17:52] - All interventions take time, but once students experience learning in a way that’s wired for them, they become curious about other things. [19:14] - Adrianne shares some things you can do at home including clearing negative emotions. [20:35] - When anxiety is so overwhelming, Adrianne gives a hack that helps reset emotions. [22:06] - Create a clutter free space which could also mean to put one problem at a time on the paper. [25:04] - When processing speed is fast, but hands cannot keep up, parents can be a “scribe.” [26:11] - If you have the means, seek help and support for your child in math. [27:13] - Let’s Go Learn has online assessments that may help determine some gaps in learning. [29:36] - If you have to pick a skill that a child is struggling with, choose reading because reading skills are needed to succeed in math. Focusing on both initially may be overwhelming. [31:38] - When a child is overwhelmed and emotionally dysregulated, learning just isn’t going to happen.   About Our Guest: Adrianne Meldrum is the CEO of Made for Math, an all-online multisensory math intervention service aimed at helping neurodiverse students thrive in their pursuit of mathematics. Currently, she’s enrolled as a Master’s Student at Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity. She lives in Mesa, AZ with her husband and three boys. You’ll find Adrianne spending her down time walking, listening to podcasts, and daydreaming about her future home library.   Connect with Adrianne Meldrum: Made for Math Website Made for Math on YouTube Phone: 208-871-8458 Links and Related Resources: Episode 41: How to Inspire Kids to Love Math with Allison Dillard Important Components of Effective Math Intervention Episode 2: Demystifying the Assessment Process Signs Your Child May Have a Learning Disorder   Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.