Dyscalculia is a mathematics disorder which is categorized as a learning disability. The disorder is not simply being poor at math, but is a developmental impairment of the areas of the brain that process math concepts and related ideas of value, and sometimes time and music as well, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development,. Strategies to help children with dyscalculia learn math break down the seemingly impossible barriers so your child can understand and do basic math.
Creative Problem Solving
Strategies that seem simple to the average person can make a world of difference to those who suffer from dyscalculia. According to Dyscalculia.org, symptoms of the disability involve a decreased capacity for understanding math concepts and a poor sense of layout and organizational skills when setting up problems. LDOnline explains that giving your child additional supplies with which to tackle his math can help, such as graph paper and colored pencils. The confines of the small boxes on graph paper might help your child structure his problems in a way that is easier for him to see, and colored pencils can aid in keeping mathematical operations, or even complete math problems separate from each other.
Employing Visuals
Children who display signs of dyscalculia sometimes have difficulties with language processing as it relates to math. While most children with the disorder show normal or above-normal language and reading abilities, there is a disconnect when it comes to understanding the language of math. Using visuals and manipulatives are strategies designed to make the terms of math more concrete. LDOnline suggests drawing pictures that make word problems more clearly understandable, and using manipulatives--beads, coins or any small object--to help your child see problems of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with ease.
Extra Time
A child with dyscalculia can learn math, but may require additional time and instruction in which to do so. The Learning Disabilities Association of America suggests peer tutoring for kids who show signs of this learning disability. A student of the same age and peer group may be able to explain math concepts to a child with dyscalculia in a way that wouldn't necessarily occur to a teacher. Peers working together might be less frustrating or stress-inducing for your child than working with an adult tutor, although if peer tutoring is not effective enough in getting your child to understand math, an experienced teacher may be an option to consider.
Kids who suffer from dyscalculia may also need extra time allowances for testing and the completion of homework.
