Teaching Math to Dyslexic Learners

Having a child with a dyslexic child can be a challenge. It’s important to make sure you use various techniques to help them learn. Here are some that will help teach Math to Dyslexic learners.

Teaching Math to Dyslexic Learners

The term dyslexia often refers to a cognitive condition that creates severe phonetical and spelling difficulties or an inability to read. However, though the actual linguistics of the term refers to a language, dyslexia is commonly used to describe difficulties in other areas of study as well. For students of all ages, reading, writing, and arithmetic have been labeled as the most important and foundational skills in education. As a subject, math requires spatial reasoning, logical analysis, and conceptual processing. These are three areas that right-brained thinkers struggle to master. In spite of right-brained thinkers demonstrating (on average) an above-average intelligence when compared to peers, one of the key hallmarks of a dyslexic individual is the inability to grasp certain subjects. For this reason, it takes a more creative approach when dealing with instruction and learning in math.

 

The Math Concepts

Kids with dyslexia (who grow up to be adults with dyslexia) often use their visual brains to guide their learning styles. Coping strategies evolve with time for their areas of weakness, so it is crucial to make sure foundational concepts are well-grounded. The concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals require a bit of maturity to fully understand. Though these areas are often introduced in kindergarten, it can be difficult for a right-brained thinker to fully reason out meaning and consequence. It becomes necessary to give dyslexic students manipulatives and visuals that can help explain the “why” behind these concepts.

As the student is able to incorporate different senses into the learning experience, the brain more fully grounds the concepts and masters the element. Allow the child to build problems using manipulatives, speak or explain the problem orally, then write the problem or answer. The three modes of learning, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, reinforce the clarity of the concept. With testing and assessment programs like those used in i-Ready math, this conceptual framework is important. The success of the student isn’t in the i-Ready answers, but in the conceptual and logical processing that the student used to get to the answer.

The Math Facts

As a student moves through the math curriculum, conceptual learning continues though the focus is placed on the memorization of math facts. Students are required to memorize fact families that cover addition and subtraction, as well as multiplication and division. These elements are extremely difficult for the dyslexic learner since the brain has challenges with low working memory. This is often seen in short-term memory retrieval efforts. Something that is taught and grasped one day may seem completely foreign when reviewing on subsequent days. Rote memorization is a weakness for the dyslexic learner.

In order to move past this hang up, which must be done if the student is going to progress, you must tap into the visual strengths of the student. It is definitely more time-consuming to use manipulatives to lay out addition and subtraction facts, but there is no way around this process. Visual strategies are the most effective for long-term retention in the dyslexic brain. The Internet is full of assistance in this area, with pictures, stories, and songs that offer visualization of math facts. One of the most widely recommended for dyslexics and challenged learners is Preschool Prep, with repetition and visualization helping drive the information home.

The Math Movement

Even with the ability to use smartphones, digital devices, and software programs, an individual can’t be fully successful with a strong grasp of foundation math skills and problem-solving. Though a dyslexic mind poses some challenges with learning and retaining this information, it isn’t incapable of learning mathematical concepts. Being creative with the approach to learning and memory and addressing the learning strengths of the individual will be the game-changers.

Math Tutor

For students with math dyslexia, seeking the guidance of a math tutor can be an invaluable resource on their academic journey. Math dyslexia, also known as dyscalculia, presents unique challenges that can hinder a student’s ability to understand and work with numbers and mathematical concepts. A math tutor with expertise in supporting individuals with dyscalculia can provide tailored strategies and approaches that address the specific learning needs of these students.

A skilled math tutor can create a safe and supportive environment where students with math dyslexia can explore mathematical concepts at their own pace. Through personalized instruction, the tutor can break down complex ideas into manageable steps, using alternative teaching methods that align with the student’s learning style. Visual aids, manipulatives, and interactive activities can help bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and practical understanding, fostering a deeper comprehension of the subject.

Furthermore, a math tutor can assist in building foundational skills that are crucial for success in mathematics. From number sense and basic operations to more advanced topics, the tutor can identify areas of difficulty and target interventions that promote progress. This individualized approach not only bolsters the student’s mathematical abilities but also boosts their confidence and self-esteem, which are often affected by the challenges of dyscalculia.

Collaboration between the math tutor, the student, and their parents or guardians is vital in developing an effective learning plan. Regular communication allows for the exchange of insights, progress updates, and adjustments to teaching strategies. This holistic approach ensures that the student’s needs are met comprehensively, both within tutoring sessions and in their broader educational context.

In the end, seeking a math tutor who specializes in supporting students with math dyslexia is an investment in the student’s academic success and overall well-being. With patience, understanding, and the right guidance, these students can overcome the hurdles posed by dyscalculia and develop a positive relationship with mathematics. Through the guidance of a compassionate math tutor, the path to mathematical proficiency becomes an achievable and empowering journey.