I need to kick myself sometimes

I can't believe how frustrated I get with the kids some days and then when I sit down to figure out why I ALWAYS come back to that I am trying to teach 3 very Visual Spatial learners.  I am a visual learner/teacher but not spatial.  I have to do things in order and sequentially - these 3 don't learn or think that way.

Arghhh....I need a schedule, a routine.  The kids do well with one but they need a visual with pictures, I just need my check off list.

In math, I need a list of rules and procedures to follow, the kids need manipulatives and to see the whole picture first.  In spelling, Cairn (who is the only one doing spelling really) needs time to draw a picture of her word.  I should just throw out her spelling notebook and have her do a few words each day and then by the end of the week she will know them all.  Skylar is doing well with sounding out words, she has a much better grasp of the sounds and word play then Cairn does.  Andrew needs a picture to go with his letters - he remembers them better when he has that visual.

In math, Cairn and I have been playing Speed (a game created by our friends who moved to Germany)  I knew she was doing really well learning her facts and she asks to play many times a day but tonight it hit me why she likes it so much and why it is working.  It is visual!!!

See on the card how the numbers go around the card and you can see the skip counting.  She "sees" that picture whenever I ask her a math fact question,  Thanks Julie!!

I think I will make myself a sign or signs to hang in the classroom and the study that reminds me that I have visual-spatial learners.  I will put it in words so it doesn't distract them :)  Then I will use this worksheet to help me do lesson plans.

I will survive!  I will survive!