|  | Conditions Treatments | Disabilities

Dyscalculia Activities

Math can seem difficult, but for those with the learning disorder Dyscalculia, it can be nearly impossible. However, the subject can be mastered with hard work and a few tricks for these special visual and tactile learners.

  1. What is Dyscalculia?

    • Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that makes it difficult to master mathematics. It is thought to be as prevalent as dyslexia, which is the better-known disorder that makes it difficult for someone to master reading. It is believed that approximately 5 percent of the population may have dyscalculia.

    What are the challenges for a Dyscalculic?

    • Someone living with Dyscalculia will have difficulty in the arenas of math reasoning, computation (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), math memory, math writing, sequencing and math speaking, as well as visual-spatial orientation. A Dyscalculic will be challenged by both memory and retrieval difficulties, in addition to processing errors and will need to employ coping strategies his entire life. Those who suffer with the disability have been known to comment that Dyscalculia causes numbers to "slip their minds," that looking at large numbers is like trying to read an unknown language or even that it is as if their mathematics "memory banks" continually get erased after a lesson.

    Activities: Reading books

    • Most people with the learning disability are also known to be strong readers, so it should not be a surprise that books are among the tools available to Dyscalculics. These include the use of illustrated handbooks, like the helpful "Teach Yourself Visually: Algebra."

    Activities: Visualize it

    • Dyscalculics may continue to fail in intensive one-on-one instruction math. Using an alternative multi-sensory tutorial can be of help. For example, instead of presenting today's addition lesson in numbers, utilize a picture with the numbers represented by objects. For students who tend to be visual and tactile learners, using a visual can help them grasp and remember the concept.

    Activities: Action!

    • "Les Miserables" may be what a Dyscalculic thinks of when approached with a mathematics problem, though theater can be a multi-sensory entity that works. It can help a student simply by the instructor taking the time to develop a story and then acting it out; for example, baking a cake using fractions, complete with plastic food items, toy measuring cups and a chef's hat.

    Activities: Learning Programs

    • One activity that those with Dyscalculia can use to strengthen their coping skills is the Davis Math Mastery Program. Appropriate for those as young as 8, this method (which can be completed in about a week) helps to control the disorientation the disability brings, and enables students to "see" math and hopefully be able to understand it.

Disabilities - Related Articles