The Downward Extension Programme is a cutting edge math programme designed to address the challenges associated with weak numeracy skills, including math anxiety, school failure and financial illiteracy. This programme extends the ICAN Math Programme downwards, allowing us to meet the needs of children who struggle in Math in Primary 3 and Primary 4.
The instructional methods mirror the ICAN Math Programme. It is research based and relies on two key approaches:
1. Multi-sensory instruction: Multi-sensory instruction involved structured learning activities that use two or more sensory modalities (sight, hearing, touch and/or movement). Skills and concepts are usually taught in progression from using concrete materials to the abstract level involving words, numbers and symbols.
2. Math strategy instruction: This is based on research related to cognitive theories of learning. Studies have shown that students with learning difficulties are ineffective and/or inefficient in using strategies for planning, remembering, prioritising, shifting ideas, self-monitoring and checking their work. In this programme, children are introduced to different strategies to help build their foundational skills.
The Downward Extension Programme is focused to improve foundational math concepts, build on math fact fluency and strategies and basic calculation skills. Our primary goal is to strengthen basic, foundational skills (prerequisite skills needed before more complex math concepts can be understood.
How can my child become part of the Downward Extension Programme?
The Reading Clinic works with its feeder schools to identify children that may benefit from the Downward Extension Programme. Upon registration, children receive a math screening to determine eligibility. Children not attending our feeder schools may be eligible depending on available spaces.
Children who have received a diagnostic assessment, and for whom Math intervention is recommended, will be given priority.
The screening identifies areas of strength and weakness and help determine if the programme is best suited to address the child’s needs.
Once enrolled in the programme, children may receive up to 54 sessions to be held throughout the academic year (September to June). Sessions are generally held before or after school. Weekend sessions, if requested, are subject to tutor availability. Please note, in order to accommodate the demand for spaces and tutor availability, children may be grouped. We will endeavor to group children with others from the same school, class or with similar needs.
How much does it cost?
HSBC is the exclusive sponsor of the Downward Extension Programme and currently covers all tutoring costs associated with the programme for the number of children requested in the grant.
If there are more registrants than the grant covers, regular tutoring fees may apply. Click here for a full list of our current fees.
What next?
For more information, or to schedule an appointment to discuss your child’s needs, please contact Juliet Pearman, ICAN Math Programme director, at 292-3938 x 9226 or jpearman@readingclinic.bm
