Reading, Math, and the Brain

READING, MATH, AND THE BRAIN NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH & UDL IMPLEMENTATION

DIGGING DEEPER… The UDL framework is broken into three principles that predict major trends of learner variability. These trends are based upon a foundation of neuro-biological and psychology research as well as educational field research. As we dig deeper into the framework, it can be helpful to cultivate a more nuanced understanding of why the offer the flexibility and choices that we do.

NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH Much of the research we have regarding neuro-variability is derived from disability research. How does the brain of a child with dyslexia differ from that of a child with no disability? How does the brain of a child with ADHD compare with those of his non-disabled peers? How do the brains of “neuro-typical” students compare to one another? Today we are going to take an introductory step into this research in order to better understand our students as well as the foundations of the framework.

PLC INVESTIGATION Three Groups: You may join any group which interests you. Visit our UDL Connect Site to access the materials for your group. Determine how your group will explore your materials. Generate a rough-draft document based upon the questions for your group that can be used to inform the rest of the PLC.

Reading & the Brain 1.What is the neurobiological mechanism for learning to read?

2. Why do some kids struggle to learn to read? 3. How do we support students in becoming better readers? 4. What additional questions do we have and further research/resources would we like access to?

Math & the Brain 1.What is the neurobiological mechanism for learning mathematics? 2. Why do some kids struggle to learn the foundations of math? 3. How do we support students in improving their math competencies? 4. What additional questions do we have and further research/resource would we like access to?

READING BRAIN RESOURCES Use the linked materials below to explore how the brain reads. How does the brain read? Visualizing how we read. Reading changes the brain. What is dyslexia? More about dyslexia…

Short video series on reading & the brain Tablets, reading, and the brain

Reading, ADHD & the Brain

MATH BRAIN RESOURCES Use the linked materials below to explore how the brain learns and uses mathematics . How a child’s brain memorizes math facts. How the brain learns math. Memorization & Math What is dyscalculia? Math, Art, and the Brain Working Memory and Math Emotion & Math Understanding Working Memory