LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN MATHEMATICS

Mathematics disabilities can arise at nearly any stage of a child’s scholastic development. While very little is known about the neurobiological or environmental causes of these problems, many experts attribute them to deficits in one or more of five different skill types. These deficits can independently of one another or can occur in combination. All can impact a child’s ability to progress in mathematics.

1. Incomplete Mastery of Number Facts.
2. Computational Weakness.
3. Difficulty Transferring Knowledge.
4. Making Connections.
5. Incomplete Understanding of the Language of Mathematics.
6. Difficulty Comprehending the Visual Spatial Aspects and Perceptual Difficulties.

DYSCALCULIA

         Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability in mathematics. Kids with dyscalculia may have difficulty understanding number related concepts or using symbols or functions needed for success in mathematics.

      Dyscalculia is a common learning issue that impacts kind’s ability to do mathematics. It doesn’t just affect them at school, however. The challenges can also create difficulties in daily life. The good news is there are various supports and strategies that can help kids gain the skills they need. The more you know about your child’s challenges, the better able you will be to get her the help she needs.

     Kids with this learning issue have trouble with many aspects of mathematics. They often don’t understand quantities or concepts like biggest vs. smallest. They may not understand that the numeral 5 is the same as the word five. (This skills are sometimes called number sense.).

     Kids with dyscalculia also have trouble with the mechanics of doing mathematics, such as being able to recall mathematics facts. They may understand the logic behind mathematics, but not how or when to apply what they know to solve mathematics problems. They also often struggle with working memory. For example, they may have a hard time holding numbers in mind while doing mathematics problems with multiple steps.

Dyscalculia Signs and Symptoms

     Dyscalculia can cause different types of mathematics difficulties. So symptoms may vary from child to child. Dyscalculia often looks different at different ages. It tends to become more apparent as kinds get older. But symptoms can appear as early as preschool.

Pre-school:

1. Has trouble learning to count and skips over numbers long after kinds the same age can remember numbers in the right order.
2. Struggles to recognize patterns, such as smallest to largest or tallest to shortest.
3. Has trouble recognizing number symbols (knowing that “7” means seven).
4. Doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of counting. For example, when asked for five blocks, she just hands you an armful, rather than counting them out.

Grade School:

1. Has difficulty learning and recalling basic mathematics facts, such as 2+4=6.
2. Struggles to identify +, - and other signs, and to use them correctly.
3. May still use fingers to count instead of using more advanced strategies, like mental mathematics.
4. Struggle to understand words related to mathematics, such as greater than and less than.
5. Has trouble with visual-spatial representations of numbers, such as number lines.

 Middle School:

1. Has difficulty understanding place value.
2. Has trouble writing numerals clearly or putting them in the correct column.
3. Has trouble with fractions and with measuring things, like ingredients in a simple recipe.
4. Struggles to keep score in sports games.

High School:

1. Struggles to apply mathematics concepts to money, including estimating the total cost, making exact change and figuring out a tip.
2. Has a hard time grasping information shown on graphs or charts.
3. Has difficulty measuring things like ingredients in a simple recipe or liquids in a bottle.
4. Has trouble finding different approaches to the same mathematics problem.

Possible Causes of Dyscalculia

      Researchers don’t know exactly what causes dyscalculia. But they have identified certain factors that indicate it’s related to how the brain is structured and functions.

Here are some of the possible Causes of dyscalculia:

1. Genes. 2. Brain development. 3. Environment. 4. Brain injury.

How can we help our child with Dyscalculia?

Our role is unique in giving the support and encouragement to our child which he/she needs. Here are some of the things we can do:

1. Explore multisensory techniques for teaching mathematics we can use at home.
2. Discover software, apps and Chrome tools to help the child with mathematics.
3. Look into free online assistive technology tools for mathematics on the web.
4. Find board games to the child can play to build mathematics skills.
5. Learn ways to help build the child’s self-esteem.
6. See what the child can say to self-advocate in grade school and middle school.
7. Get tips on how to be an advocate for our child at school.
8. Discover our child’s strength.
9. Explore the collection of strategies to help with dyscalculia to get even more ideas. And be sure to visit parenting Coach, where we will find hundreds of age-specific, practical tips to work through social, emotional and behavioral challenges.
10. Connecting and trading tips with other parents in our online community.
11. Reach out to experts through our free Experts live events.
12. Learn about Parent Training and information centers a free local resource.

DYSGRAPHIA AND MATHEMATICS

         Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to write. Dysgraphia is not identified as a disability or disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but it falls under the manual’s specific learning disorder category as impairment in written expression.

     This condition is generally caused by disease of or damage to the brain and it can reveal itself in different ways. Some common traits of people with dysgraphia include poor handwriting and spelling skills, difficulty putting thoughts into words on paper, and difficulty taking notes during lecture.

     Dysgraphia doesn’t limit itself to words, it also affects a students’ ability to learn and apply mathematics skills. For instance, students with dysgraphia may,

Ø  Have inconsistent spacing between numbers and symbols.

Ø  Omit numbers, letters, and words in writing.

Ø  Have difficulty copying numbers from the board.

Ø  Avoid tasks involving drawing or writing.

Ø  Have unusual posture or a strained pencil/pen grip when writing.

Ø  Have illegible handwriting.

Ø  Have difficulty organizing thoughts and working through steps in writing.

Accommodating Students with Dysgraphia

     It’s important to remember that students with dysgraphia have a learning disorder, they are not lazy. So, avoid using negative reinforcement and avoid placing students in situations that make them feel uncomfortable. For instance, don’t force students with dysgraphia to solve problems on the board in front of the class. Understand that students with dysgraphia can become frustrated easily and let them know you are available as an educationally.

   The aim of such accommodations in to provide students with dysgraphia what they need to be just as successful as their peers. Such accommodations should help level the playing field, not provide an academic advantage. Also keep in mind that, by law, accommodations listed on the student’s individualized Education Plan or Section 504 plan must be provided.

Tips for Teaching Students with Dysgraphia

When teaching Mathematics to students with dysgraphia, consider some of these suggestions,

1. Model and encourage appropriate pencil grip and posture. Try different pencils, pens, and pencil grips with the student until the student finds a comfortable tool, and speak with the school occupational therapist for suggestions.
2. Have the student complete repetitive handwriting exercise starting with numbers, then equations, and finally mathematical word problems, if appropriate.
3. Teach information in small chunks followed immediately with opportunities to solve, apply and independently practice the mathematics concept. Provide opportunities for hands on practice.
4. Have students use interactive notebooks for mathematics, as they can help with organization. Inside the front cover of students’ notebooks. Provide a quick reference sheet.

Allow the student to use a word processor or assistive technology device to reduce or eliminate handwriting tasks. An Alpha Smart, for example, is an assistive technology device that allows the student to type rather than write, and the teacher can connect it to a computer to print the document.