Dyscalculia & Dyslexia – Cracking the Code of Math Learning Challenges.
by M.J.
Have you heard of dyslexia? It’s a learning disability that makes reading and spelling difficult. But here’s something you may not know: there’s another similar learning disability called dyscalculia, which specifically affects math skills. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of dyscalculia and dyslexia.
Differences Between Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
Dyslexia is all about reading and spelling troubles caused by difficulties in language processing. On the other hand, dyscalculia is a math learning disability that affects a person’s ability to grasp numbers, perform calculations accurately, and solve math problems. Although they are different learning disabilities, sometimes dyslexia and dyscalculia can coexist in individuals.
Now, here’s the thing: dyscalculia isn’t just about struggling with numbers. It goes deeper. It challenges a person’s “number sense,” making it harder to understand the meaning of numbers, their relationships with each other, and even basic math concepts like estimating or comparing quantities.
How to Best Help Your Student with Learning Difficulties
So, how can we tackle dyscalculia and dyslexia? Early assessment and intervention are key. Teachers and parents can employ various strategies to support dyscalculic learners. For example, using manipulatives like blocks and rods helps them visualize and understand the relationships between numbers. Engaging in exercises that match number symbols to quantities or stories can also be beneficial. Additionally, using unique methods of teaching that fit your student’s learning styles can make a huge difference.
It’s important to remember that dyscalculia is a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t mean individuals can’t succeed in math. With the right support and accommodations, dyscalculic learners can thrive. Tools like calculators, mnemonics, visual aids, and individualized tutoring can level the playing field and boost their confidence.
How Times Tales Can Help
My business partner Jennie and I originally designed the Times Tales stories to teach multiplication tables in a fun and efficient way and it quickly became a go-to program for parents and tutors. A few years after we launched, we started receiving a ton of amazing reviews from parents of students with learning disabilities. You can read them for yourself here. Over the 20 years that we have been in business, we have found that even though Times Tales was originally created for all students, it has proven to be especially helpful for many children with dyscalculia, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. The unique storytelling approach of Times Tales appeals to children’s creativity and memory, making it easier for them to grasp multiplication facts.
Times Tales uses mnemonics (the short, fun stories taught throughout the program) to help struggling students create an anchor in their minds to grab onto when they need to recall multiplication facts. We have now adapted to add the option of an online course as well. Countless success stories from parents of dyslexic and dyscalculic children attest to Times Tales’ effectiveness in building confidence and improving math skills.
What Are the Parents Saying?
“After reading all the reviews I decided to try this for my middle school daughter who has dyscalculia as well. Please realize that this is a severe math learning disability and not just someone who doesn’t know times tables. This is a disorder where math sense does not really exist; it also affects left/right understanding, simple base ten understanding, re-grouping, etc. My daughter understood none of it. After the first viewing of the video, she was actually spouting out multiplication facts. We both started to cry. She loves stories and story-telling and is very creative so all you have to do is listen to the story and remember the characters and you’ll get it. It’s the most creative math mnemonic-style story I’ve ever seen and the ONLY thing that has worked for my daughter to help her make any gains in math and so far we’ve tried Khan Academy, Math Genie, Kumon, and tutors.”
“We LOVE Times Tales! Opened it as soon as it arrived and just like other reviewers stated- my daughter was remembering her facts in under an hour. I can’t believe it- I am so thankful for this and so is she!! She was grinning through the lessons- I think she is feeling like she CAN do multiplication/division for the first time after months of trying to memorize them. A confidence booster for sure. It came highly recommended for those with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. I certainly see why and I highly recommend Times Tales for students who struggle to learn and remember them!”
“My daughter has been struggling with dyslexia and dyscalculia.. This video helped her learn all the times tables in a matter of 2 days!! I have recommended it to numerous people, and will continue to every time I hear of a kid struggling!”
While dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning disabilities present their challenges, they don’t have to define a student’s abilities or success. With understanding, appropriate support, and the right tools, individuals with learning differences can thrive and overcome hurdles in their educational journey. Let’s embrace their unique strengths boost their confidence, and empower them to reach their full potential.
