Dyscalculia, like dyslexia, is a learning challenge affecting children and adults. However, unlike dyslexia, dyscalculia is not easily diagnosed. It can often manifest in a lack of interest or understanding of math and arithmetic concepts. Keep reading for tips on how to teach math to kids with dyscalculia.
It does not matter whether kids are still in preschool or already tackling 3rd-grade math; your child’s math problems may be down to the condition. And sometimes, a professional diagnosis or a grown-up with the same challenge is required to spot the issue in children.
But if you’ve already confirmed that your kid has dyscalculia, there are still ways to teach them math. This article contains tips for parents and teachers on how to teach math to a kid with dyscalculia.
Use fewer worksheets and abstract symbols
Worksheets are a great tool when teaching kids who do not have problems with recognizing numbers or understanding basic math applications. However, for kids with dyscalculia, a worksheet is a white sheet with abstract symbols they do not understand.
When a kid with dyscalculia faces a math worksheet, they see numbers, letters, and symbols that may confuse them. So, either limit the use of worksheets or just remove them from the list of your teaching methods.
Use tangibles
Kids are attracted to things that they can feel and touch. When teaching math to children with dyscalculia, you should leverage their need to touch and feel everything and turn it into a teachable moment. Use familiar objects to teach basic math concepts and get kids interested in math.
For example, Lego and dice are excellent manipulatives when teaching addition and subtraction. These methods may not be the easiest ways to teach as these types of games contain constant repetitive processes, but they are effective teaching approaches for kids with dyscalculia.
Let kids be vocal in class
When teaching kids with dyscalculia, we often advise that you let them read out loud. Instead of thinking of what 3+3 should be, they can yell ‘Three plus three’ while they solve for the answer. Being vocal registers math symbols and their use in the kids’ minds.
Math is a language of numbers, and learning to speak that language may involve saying everything out loud for some people. Satisfying the need to solve math problems loudly will make a positive difference for these kids.
Use fun math games
When teaching children mathematics, we often advise that you use fun math games. There are so many games on math websites for kids that you can try out; some are digital, while others are physical. Kids are often easily distracted, and games are perfect if you want to keep a child’s focus on you and math.
These games will help children with dyscalculia distract themselves from the numbers for a while. Kids will instead focus on the elements of the game. The goal is to make children learn math basics without feeling the rigors of studying, which is what the game does for them.
Practice inclusive teaching
The worst thing you can do for a child with dyscalculia is to make them feel out of place. It’s already difficult enough not to learn at other children’s pace and be neurodivergent. Their inability to learn math the way other kids do will slow them down if you do not accommodate the differences.
Standard learning design may not be inclusive. So, knowing the challenges of kids with dyscalculia and making concessions are already significant steps in the right direction. You have to be able to plan the studying process considering learning peculiarities in your class. If students need extra time during tests, be willing to accommodate that.
Prioritize comprehension over recollection
Memorization is not comprehension, and this is something most teachers don’t understand or consider. The fact that a kid with dyscalculia is reciting math symbols and the multiplication table does not mean that they understand the math concept behind what they say. So, use elaborate testing methods, repetitive learning, and other tools to help them understand arithmetic applications in the real world.
Celebrating a kid’s ability to memorize your lessons might be a short-lived victory if they do not understand what they have crammed. You must ensure they grasp your ideas unless you want the kids to only study to pass tests.
Be patient
Patience when handling math for kids with dyscalculia is a non-negotiable trait. You will be frustrated from the get-go if you want fast results. You must remind yourself that a teacher’s success is in the kids’ ability to understand what you have taught and replicate it in real-world challenges.
Now, kids with dyscalculia may need more time than you usually spend in class, and that is okay. You must be willing to give them all the time you can afford while measuring their growth against specific metrics to see the improvement. Besides, the kids will appreciate your efforts and dedication to their learning, which will make you feel accomplished.
Conclusion
It may be challenging to understand how to teach math to kids with dyscalculia but they deserve a chance at a decent math education. You can teach these special kids math by being patient, using tactile tools instead of copybooks, and making your lessons inclusive. The rest of the tips in this article will also make your teaching process more manageable and your lessons more effective.
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