Touch Math

—A Multisensory Approach to Learning Numbers

Introduction to the Topic

Touch Math is a revolutionary multisensory teaching method designed to help students, especially those with learning differences like dyscalculia or ADHD, understand and master basic math concepts. By using touch points on numerals, learners associate physical cues with numbers, making abstract math concepts more concrete.

TouchMath bridges the gap between concrete experiences and abstract concepts, reinforces number values, eliminates guessing, dramatically reduces student errors, and aids in memorization. But perhaps more important than all of those facts — is that by making math fun and accessible, TouchMath gives students confi dence and inspires them to reach their academic potential. 

Touch Math Counting

Each TouchMath numeral has a corresponding number of TouchPoints placed upon the numeral. Th is TouchPoint placement has been carefully researched. It is important to use the same pattern consistently. 

•   Each numeral from 1 through 9 has TouchPoints corresponding to the digit’s value. 
•   Numerals 1 through 5 have single TouchPoints that are touched and counted once. 
•   Numerals 6 through 9 have double TouchPoints that are touched and counted twice. 

Addition  

Steps:

1.  Teach the Beginning Addition Statement: "I touch and count all the TouchPoints  on the numbers."
2. Touch the TouchPoints with a pencil point and count aloud in the correct order.
3. For Example A, begin counting with the top number in the column, 5: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5.”
4. Continue counting on the 4: “6, 7, 8, 9.”
5. Record the answer: 9.
6. Reinforce the facts by repeating the problem and the answer aloud.
7. For a longer column of numbers, Example B, repeat the first four steps and continue counting on all of the numbers. Then write the answer.
8. Follow the same process for Examples C and D for problems in a horizontal format.

Subtraction 

Students will need to count backward from 18 and every number below 18. Practice counting backward from any number and stopping at any number. For example, when counting backward from 6, stop at 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0. When teaching backward counting from the numbers 6 to 18, practice with one number in each lesson until students are proficient with counting backward from that number then continue to the next number.

Look at the examples. You can subtract any number from 9; so in the problem 49 – 29, subtract 9 from 9 and get 0. 4 – 2 = 2. However, when the problem is changed to 48 – 29, regrouping, or borrowing, must occur. The 4 tens become 3, 8 becomes 18, and 9 is subtracted from 18, which is the largest number from which we ever count backward for subtraction.

Multiplication

Skip (or sequence) counting is a critical skill for multiplication, division and higher mathematical development. Students will need auditory stimulation, visual patterning cues and tactile reinforcement to help master this skill. Mastery of skip counting will lead to an understanding of fractions and build a framework for basic algebra.

Skip Counting:

Multiplication Steps:

1. Teach the Beginning Multiplication Statement: "I skip count by one number while touching the TouchPoints on the other number.
2. For Example A, skip count by 2s while touching the TouchPoints on the 6: “2–4, 6–8, 10–12.”
3. Record the answer: 12.
4. Reinforce facts by repeating the problem and answer aloud.

Division

Steps: 

1. Teach the Division Statement: "I skip count by the divisor and get as close to the dividend as possible without going over the dividend.
2. For Example A, skip count by 2s: “2, 4, 6, 8.”
3. As each number is counted, make a tally mark in the box above the division problem.
4. Count the tally marks.

Touch Math 3's Multiplication & Division

Advanced Concepts- Money Counting

Tips for Using Touch Math

Fun activities:

1. Touch Point Flash Cards

Use flash cards with numbers 1–9 showing the correct Touch Math dots. Ask students to tap and count the touch points aloud. For advanced practice, flip the cards quickly and have students say the number or answer a math fact using the dots.

2. Touch & Toss Game

Write math facts (e.g., 4 + 3) on beanbags or ping pong balls. Have students toss the item into a basket, then use Touch Math to solve the problem before earning a point. 

3. Build-a-Number with Playdough

Give students laminated number mats with touch points shown. Let them use playdough to create the dots as they count each one. This strengthens fine motor skills while reinforcing Touch Math structure.

4. Touch Point Race

Place Touch Math cards face down in a pile. In pairs or teams, students race to flip a card, count the dots using the touch method, and solve a math problem (e.g., 5 + 2). First correct answer wins the round!

5. Touch Math Hopscotch

Draw numbers on the ground with chalk and include touch points. As students hop through each square, they say the number and count the touch dots aloud. Add simple equations for older learners.

Summary

Touch Math is a multisensory, hands-on approach to teaching basic math concepts, designed especially for young learners and students who struggle with traditional methods. The core idea involves placing visual "touch points" on numbers, which students count by touching to perform operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

This approach supports all learning styles—visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic—making math more concrete and accessible. It builds number sense, improves accuracy, and reinforces one-to-one correspondence. Touch Math is widely used in early education and special education settings, particularly for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, or dyscalculia.