The NOW! Math Concept Imagery® program is designed to assist children and adults who struggle with:

• Basic Operations — Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
• Math concepts — Base-10; whole numbers; fractions; equivalents & ratios
• Math relationships — Student memorizes rote information, cannot problem solve beyond what is memorized
• Word problems — Student often gets lost in language, cannot comprehend what the problem 'needs' to be solved
• Algebraic Thinking, Inferences, and Deduction — Student has difficulty mixing mathematical concepts, cannot formulate ideas from information and build from it
• Generalization — student understands problems in equations, but has difficulty applying it to real situations or other concepts

A primary cause of math difficulties is an inability to image and verbalize the concepts underlying math processes. Individuals attempt to memorize facts instead of being able to think, reason, and problem solve with numbers. People may have memorized what, but often don’t understand the why.

The system focuses on the ability to image and verbalize the concepts underlying math processes. Concept and Numeral imagery are integrated with language and applied to math computation and problem solving. There is emphasis on both mathematical reasoning and mathematical computation. Individuals of all ages learn to do and enjoy math.

Visualized Math Concepts

Concept Imagery can be generalized beyond traditional written and expressive language – it can also be used as a tool for the comprehension and understanding of mathematics. Math Concept Imagery (MCI) works in tandem with the NOW! Mental Imagery for Language, Comprehension, Memory and Reasoning® program, utilizing a visual and kinesthetic approach to elementary math fundamentals. It presents abstract mathematical processes in tangible ways that help students easily discover and manipulate representations of numerical concepts, equations and problems.

Math is introduced using a language-based approach to help students grasp foundational concepts. This allows the student to interpret, express, and reason through problems through a linguistic and conceptually-based system. Students will progress from concrete and substantive to represented and imagined, experiencing how the expressions and representations are linked. The abstract becomes real, and with the real comes the ability to rationalize and compute.

How Does it Work?

Math, by nature, is a twofold cognitive process – numeral imagery coupled with the conceptual imagery. MCI unites the two processes by imaging numeric concepts first – the sound, the symbol, and representation. The sound is interpreted and associated with the symbol, firming up the auditory and visual bond. The representation is explored through tactile activities and manipulative materials, then their relationships to each other are discovered in quantitative structures [tangible and visualized]. Numbers are presented in Fact Families, illuminating the interrelated nature of mathematical concepts.

Many students struggle to grasp underlying concepts of math problems, even if they have the cognitive ability to do individual computations. Connecting the tangible to the abstract creates meaning and, subsequently, a system for students to explore and work within. It provides students the bridge between the decoding and the computation of word problems. Math requires you to know not just what to do, but also why to do it. Generalization of concepts (i.e. applying them to word problems and real-life situations) are much improved if students can understand why to take certain steps, rather than rotely memorize formulas.

Like other NOW! Programs, Math Concept Imagery begins at the foundational level – number imagery. Then the 'language' of math is explored. Students learn to key in on the words that tell them what is happening and what computation is required. Then these concepts are applied and expanded. Multiplication and addition lead to measuring and geometry.

Options

Math Concept Imagery - Individualized treatment program

Using results of various Math assessments, NOW! will provide an individualized scope and sequence of skills to be targeted. Students will build upon language concept imagery skills and apply them across new curricula.

Curriculum is designed to progress from concrete, through representational, and into abstract formats at a specialized pace based upon student performance as they move from discovery to mastery.

Math General Support / Maintenance

Family and School are responsible for providing all materials, objectives, scope and sequence to be completed while at NOW!. Staff will work with students on general math skills to keep students current on activities otherwise learned in the classroom: i.e. workbook pages, textbook lessons, homework or reteach assignments.

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NOW! Programs are online – to get started, call (352) 275-5778 or send us an e-mail.