How to Teach Math Problems to a Child With Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a math learning disability. It is similar to dyslexia in that the individual has problems with retention and confusion with mathematical symbols. According to dyscalculia.org, children suffering from this learning disability may struggle counting to 100 or counting by threes. Teaching students with dyscalculia typically requires additional remediation and time spent on math-related problems. Teachers can help these students by varying lesson plans and how material is presented.
Instructions
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Use manipulatives whenever possible. Manipulatives are typically tiles used to represent math problems. For example, an addition problem such as 3+4 a student will lay out 3 red tiles and then 4 yellow tiles. The student will then manually count the tiles to come up with the correct answer.
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Draw diagrams to clearly define concepts. For example, fractions can be difficult for all students. Instead of writing the problem as 1/2 + 1/3 draw what these fractions represent on the board underneath the numerical fraction. As the problem is worked, additional drawings should be used to further demonstrate the process and concepts used.
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Break down problems into smaller components for students with dyscalculia. Dyscalculia students may struggle with problems that require multiple steps. Either adjust the problems to use less steps to solve or help the student by creating a color-coding system to help them remember what steps are required to answer the problem.
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Use music to reinforce mathematical concepts. Create songs set to a beat to solve math problems. The songs do not have to rhyme or be set to another song. Create a beat and give directions while staying on the beat. The beat and rhythm is another way to help students remember steps to solve problems.
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Allow the student to use fingers, calculators and scratch paper during class and some tests. Standardized testing does not allow for the use of calculators, but students may use scratch paper and fingers during tests. The dycalculia student will do complex math problems manually as opposed to remembering strategies. For example, 6x4 a dsycalculia student will draw out six groupings of four and count them manually instead of memorizing a multiplication table.
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