Maths and Dyslexia or is it Dyscalculia?
Dyslexic children may enjoy Maths particularly if their major difficulty is with phonological processing because this is less overtly involved in calculating numbers. But some Dyslexic children have a very specific difficulty recalling integral steps in mathematical problems because they simply cannot easily recall the steps in the right order, but given the steps, happily achieve the correct outcome. They may struggle to see the numbers correctly orientated and misread the symbol directing the calculation. Tip:circle the symbol first! Some teenagers still count using their fingers but can fully understand the problem set and achieve the correct answer, with extra time. Individualised approaches work well when teaching children who struggle with maths; harnessing their strengths, and slowly encouraging them to take next steps in calculations seems to work, having fun along the way helps. Playing Snap, matching fractions to percentages to decimals can become quite riotous, but quickly fix the sets in their mind’s eye. Cutting up card to create fractions can be messy, but helps to explain the need to create, for example, common denominators.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is distinct from having difficulties with Maths due to Dyslexia as a result of the reasons described above. ‘Dyscalculia’ is having an intrinsic difficulty perceiving the underlying basis of numeracy. Individuals with Dyscalculia would struggle to place numbers highest to lowest or estimate the difference between 100 and 650 and require support from a specialist teacher.