6 Things to Know About Your Student’s Math Struggles
Lots of kids have a hard time with math, and most students are stronger in some subjects than others. However, some kids have an exceptionally difficult time learning mathematics due to a disorder called dyscalculia. Dyscalculia impairs a student’s ability to understand and complete math operations, from doing homework to telling time or sticking to a budget.
Does your child severely struggle with math? Here are 6 things you should know:
Dyscalculia is one of several possibilities
Not all problems with learning math are connected to dyscalculia. ADHD or visual or auditory processing disorders can also impair a kid’s ability to learn math effectively. Understanding dyscalculia’s specific symptoms can help you determine whether this condition may be the cause of your student’s struggles. Dyscalculia is characterized by difficulties with mathematical operations such as:
Recognizing patterns, like organizing items from tallest to shortest
Telling time
Map-reading and comprehending directions
Explaining a math process verbally
Handling money
Remembering and Identifying math symbols
While the above examples are instances of tasks that those with dyscalculia may have, the diagnostic criteria for dyscalculia include:
Number sese struggles
Calculation challenges (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
Mathematical reasoning abilities
Math problem solving / challenges with word problems
Dyscalculia is an SLD
Dyscalculia is classified as a specific learning disability (SLD). Other SLDs include dyslexia which impairs a student’s ability to read, and dysgraphia which impairs a student’s ability to write. Because SLDs are one of the 13 categories recognized in the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA), a dyscalculia diagnosis may qualify your kid for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Common accommodations for students with dyscalculia include:
Permission to use calculators on tests
Access to quiet areas to complete work
Additional testing time
Simpler math assignments
Use of graph or scratch paper
Physical objects and tools to help solve math problems
It’s important to remember that a diagnosis is the first step toward acquiring the support that your kid may need. To be eligible for an IEP, a qualified evaluator must also provide evidence for how dyscalculia adversely impacts your student’s learning.
Think your student may have dyscalculia? Learn how our diagnostic testing can get them the help they need.
Creative strategies can help
Despite their challenges, students with dyscalculia can absolutely learn math functions and improve their computation skills. One strategy that often helps kids with dyscalculia is engaging multiple senses in math lessons. Multisensory strategies can include:
SIGHT: Use manipulatives such as blocks, buttons, or cereal to help them visualize math problems. Then have them write out the equation they created to reinforce the lesson.
HEARING: Songs and musical notes can be great teaching tools for math concepts such as algorithms, grouping, and fractional parts.
TOUCH: It can be helpful for kids to tap out numbers so they can “feel” their values and put sensations to amounts.
MOVEMENT: Use movement to help students bring to life what they’ve learned. Have them demonstrate angles by rotating their arms or practice synchronized clapping as they recite their times tables.
Math can be made fun
Like all students, kids with dyscalculia need to practice math to improve their skills, but worksheets and word problems can get daunting pretty quickly. Fortunately, there are lots of fun ways that can get your kid calculating, even without them realizing it. Try these activities to bring some fun math practice into your student’s daily life:
Playing simple board games that involve counting, manipulatives, or resource gathering (e.g., Splendor or Monopoly)
Inviting your kid to count and measure ingredients for cooking dinner
Involving them in household projects that require measuring, such as building shelves or stringing up decorative lights
Helping them measure their growth and compare their height over time
Having them tally up grocery costs on a calculator while you shop
Learning to read music and play a new instrument
“Math mindsets” matter
It’s common for kids to label themselves as “good” or “bad” in academic subjects; unfortunately, this can cause them to develop a “fixed mindset” where they don’t believe that they are capable of further growth and improvement. Students with SLDs like dyscalculia are especially prone to developing this self-defeating mindset in the subjects they struggle with.
You can help your student avoid a fixed mindset by encouraging a growth mindset instead. Students with a growth mindset understand that even if they struggle with a subject, they are capable of growing their skills over time. They understand that their challenges don’t define their intelligence or their future potential. By stating positive affirmations and praising efforts as much as achievements, you can build your child’s belief in their ability to improve their math skills.
We can help make math manageable
Math is important in many aspects of life, and no parent wants to see their student struggle with these critical skills. The good news is, dyscalculia can be managed successfully with the right support. Our trusted doctors can provide diagnostic testing to help your student secure appropriate support and reach their academic potential.
So you know you need help, but aren’t sure how
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References:
Haberstroh, S. and Schulte-Korne, G. (2019). The Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyscalculia. Deutches Arzteblatt International 116(7), 107-114. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3238%2Farztebl.2019.0107
Jacobson, R. (2022). How to Spot Dyscalculia. Child Mind Institute. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/how-to-spot-dyscalculia/
Shinn, M.M. (2018). 7 Strategies for Fostering a Growth Mindset in Your Child. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/7-strategies-for-fostering-a-growth-mindset-in-your-child
Shinn. M.M. (2022). Dealing with Dysgraphia: 7 Steps to Help Your Child Overcome Writing Challenges. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/7-steps-to-help-your-child-overcome-writing-challenges
Shinn. M.M. (2019). “How Can I Boost My Self-Esteem?” 10 Tips to Be Your Most-Confident-You. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/how-can-i-boost-my-self-esteem-10-tips-to-be-your-most-confident-you
Shinn, M.M. (2018). I Can’t Spell Dyslexia – Do I Have It?! Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/i-cant-spell-dyslexia-do-i-have-it
Shinn. M.M. (2022). Specific Learning Disabilities and Special Education: 6 Facts for Parents. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/specific-learning-disabilities-special-education-6-facts-for-parents
Shinn. M.M. (2022). The 13 Categories of IDEA: What Conditions Can Qualify My Student for Special Education? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/the-13-categories-of-idea-what-conditions-can-qualify-my-student-for-special-education
Shinn. M.M. (2020). Understanding Education Plans: A Parent’s Guide to 504s and IEPs. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/understanding-education-plans-a-parents-guide-to-504s-and-ieps
The Dyslexia Association. What are the signs of Dyscalculia? Retrieved from https://www.dyslexia.uk.net/specific-learning-difficulties/dyscalculia/the-signs-of-dyscalculia/
How to Cite This Blog Article:
Shinn. M.M. (2023). 6 Things to Know About Your Student’s Math Struggles. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/6-things-to-know-about-your-students-math-struggles