When I was in elementary school I remember always having such a hard time memorizing my addition and subtraction facts. Luckily, I had an amazing teacher in 1st grade who taught my class something called “Touch Points”.
This is definitely not a new math concept. It is, however, a concept that has stuck with through the years and that I still daily myself.
Touch Points: Making Math as Easy as 1 2 3
So, what exactly is touch points? For those who are not familiar with this concept, it is basically where numbers have imaginary dots placed on them in specific places.
When you remember where these dots are, you can use them to count when working on a math problem. This eliminates the need of counting on your fingers.
Each number has that many touch-points on it (meaning, the number 4 has 4 touch points, 8 has 8, and so on). Once you’ve really remembered where these touch points are, it’s kind of like riding a bike. You will never forget them again.
How Touch Points Have Saved My Homeschool
Math can be a total battleground sometimes in our homeschool. I always struggled with math growing up, and my hubsterdude did too. Unfortunately, we seem to have passed the non-math gene on to a couple of our girls too.
KK, my (almost) 9-year old seems to struggle with fact memorization the most. I knew I had to come up with a way for her to have a resource she could access anytime she needed a refresher.
I created a printable document that shows where each of the touch points is in a colorful and fun way. Originally I had printed them onto card stock, cut them into little flash cards and laminated them to keep them sturdy and durable.
I also stuck a full sheet printable into a page protector in her school binder, so she has a copy with her anytime we have to take our school on the road with us.
Tweet ThisThis resource really helps KK get through those tough math problems that she hasn’t quite memorized just yet. Thankfully, this simple counting tool will help her throughout the rest of her life when she needs help figuring out a math problem. Luckily those pesky fingers won’t be in the way anymore either.
Download Your Free Printable
Would a touch points visual help your child with solving math problems too? Today I’m sharing my touch-points math printables with you.
As you can see below, there are two different styles to choose from (because who doesn’t love options?!).
Click here to download these FREE touch point printable flash cards.
Check out some of these other math manipulative options that could help young students with their math lessons.
Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards – Classic Toy With 120 Solid Wood Shapes and 5 Double-Sided PanelsLearning Resources Pop For Addition & Subtraction Game
Learning Resources View-Thru Geometric Solids (14Colored)
Nasco TB25762 Magnetic Basic Math Skills Classroom Manipulative Set
Learning Resources Gear Clock, 4 Inch (Set of 6)
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Sara says
December 9, 2015 at 4:37 pmOur touch points are a little different for some of the numbers but what a great system for learning addition, right? It saved me as a little kid and I still use them today.
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Lori says
December 9, 2015 at 8:11 pmThank you, Jenn! We love touch point Math! ❤
Lori recently posted…Holiday-Bake Hop-Whacky Cake
Jen Schneider says
December 11, 2015 at 11:06 pmI love touch points! This is a great post and great freebie! I like to have fun with our theme too when we work on touch points. You can check it out if you like…http://rvclassroom.blogspot.com/2013/10/using-touch-math-to-teach-numbers.html
Jeanetta Roberts says
December 12, 2015 at 12:05 amThanks I’ll have to check it out!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
December 16, 2015 at 9:02 pmI am so sorry it’s taken me so long to reply, I love this idea. I am one of those that has issues with math, I do well with the basics, but the higher math gives me the heebie jeebies! LOL It’s so cool that you have figured out a way for your kids to feel more comfortable with math, I always felt a bit out of step and hopefully this will help your kids “get it”. Math is so elusive to some of us! LOL Even if you didn’t create this, you looked until you found something that works for them! They have the best teacher ever.
Nikki Frank-Hamilton recently posted…How To Choose A Linkup & Know If It’s Beneficial For You.
Jeanetta Roberts says
December 16, 2015 at 9:05 pmThank you so much for your sweet comment! I agree math is definitely elusive to some of us, and I’m definitely part of the crowd! Here’s to hoping they catch on better then I ever did!
Stephanie says
December 17, 2015 at 11:25 amThis is great! My 5 year old could use something like this to help with math!
Thanks for sharing!
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Jeanetta Roberts says
December 17, 2015 at 11:26 amI hope it helps! Let me know if it does 🙂