How to Help Children With Learning Disabilities in Math

Learning difficulties in math can be stressful for children.

Finding out your child has a math disability can be very alarming. It is important that everyone becomes more involved with the child's education and learning experiences. The more people involved, the easier it will be on the child. Awareness of what is going on as far as the math disability is concerned will lower the amount of stress being experienced by everyone involved. Problems with memorizing number facts, inconsistency with calculations, difficulty interpreting written numbers against spoken numbers and the language of math itself often trouble children. There are a variety of ways to assist children with learning disabilities in math and with the help of parents and teachers, math shouldn't be a stressful subject.

Instructions

1. Support the child and help him keep his self-esteem up. Provide encouragement and remain calm, because if the child witnesses a parent or teacher becoming stressed out over his disability, the child will become stressed and discouraged as well. This resentment will make current and future math problems unbearable for the child.

2. Research math disabilities in children and learn about new developments and any new techniques being used to assist in the learning experience. There may be other options as far as placement in a different math class or with another teacher who has a stronger background dealing with disabilities.

3. Speak up for the child with a disability. There may be extra help offered or a special class that is being overlooked. Keep an open mind when communicating with teachers and staff. Remain calm and do not lose your temper if the extra help isn't immediately provided. Request additional math problems to help the child with memorization. Request worksheets that include the instructions that the teacher went over in a class lesson so the child will have it to refer to while doing the problems.

4. Encourage the child to practice the math problems and remain by her side each step of the way. Realize when the child is becoming frustrated or having difficulties understanding a problem and find something to distract her. Once she has calmed down, continue with the problem.

5. Offer the child additional resources, such as a handheld fact chart if he is having difficulties memorizing basic facts. Offer the child extra time on a test or allow him to come in during a recess or study hall to take the test if he becomes nervous or restless taking it with the rest of the class. Offer as many alternatives as possible for children with math difficulties.

References

• Help Guide: Learning Disabilities in Children
• Math and Reading Help: Children's Learning Disabilities: What Are They and How Do You Help your Child
• Learning Disabilities Online: Math Learning Disabilities