How to Help Kids with Dyslexia Learn Math
Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects information processing. Because dyslexic children have difficulty processing and remembering information, it can make some elements of learning math and working with numbers difficult too.
Don't worry though, because you can help kids with dyslexia get to grips with math by focusing on visual and physical learning techniques, emphasizing practice and repetition and allowing extra time. Patience is key!
How does dyslexia affect ability to learn math?
We tend to think of dyslexia as something that is more of a problem with literacy, but dyslexia can have an unexpected impact on math, even if your child doesn't otherwise have a problem working with numbers.
Note, it can be easy to get dyslexia mixed up with "dyscalculia," which is a separate condition in which kids have specific problems understanding math concepts. It can be extra confusing as some people refer to dyscalculia as "math dyslexia," but they are not the same!
The most obvious issue arises in understanding word problems, which kids will obviously struggle with if they have trouble reading. The same reading struggles can affect children's ability to recognize and understand the number system and the symbols used in math.
Because dyslexia often causes problems with working memory, kids can also end up floundering when asked to memorise math facts so that they come to mind quickly and easily. What's important to remember is that it can be done!
Tips for helping dyslexic children with math
Overcoming working memory issues in dyslexia
Working memory is where we hold information temporarily from our long-term memories in order to complete mental tasks. For kids with working memory issues, the speed at which they can process and retrieve information from their long term memory is much slower than normal.
See why memory and recall is such an important element of learning maths
Dyslexic children can be quick to forget things that they have previously mastered. In a majority of cases, they will need lots more repetitions and a much longer practice time to ensure that things like number facts and procedures for tackling calculations are stored carefully in their long term memory.
Dyslexia issues with reading instructions and word problems
Dyslexia can also cause difficulties with sequencing and following procedures. Teach kids how to break a multi-step problem down into more manageable parts and then help them figure out where to start.
There's more reading in math than you might think! Terms that might seem self explanatory or that come easily to other kids may need to be taught more explicitly to a child with dyslexia.
To do this, try teaching lots of synonyms for each of the mathematical terms to help with comprehension and cover all the bases for word problems. For example, when learning about addition, teach the words: add, plus, total, combine, altogether, etc alongside the + symbol.
Use visual and physical tools to overcome dyslexia issues
Children with dyslexia often struggle with numbers as abstract concepts, but can easily manipulate the same number when shown an image or given three-dimensional materials to manipulate. Introduce math concepts using pictorial or concrete representation of the objects to help kids with dyslexia grasp things more easily.
Pictorial representation would include presenting numbers alongside images of that number to help understand their values, like this picture of 3 stars plus 5 stars adding to equal 8 stars:
An example of using concrete representation is to utilise objects that children can manipulate to demonstrate concepts. For example, using an abacus to introduce basic addition and subtraction concepts for younger kids, or sorting 12 blocks into three groups of four to help older children get to grips with the concept of division.
Beat motivational and confidence issues caused by dyslexia
If kids have been struggling and failing, they can end up with a lack of enthusiasm to even try. It's so important to build their confidence, which is done by creating strong foundations that they can build upon. We do this by doing lots of practice and repetition, as mentioned above.
This will almost inevitably be a slower process for dyslexic children, so it's super important to focus on rewarding the effort they are putting in rather than the outcome. This way, dyslexic kids will have the confidence to try, and get things wrong, and try again, and for that not to feel like the end of the road, or the end of the story for them.
Develop the right mindset so that children feel free to explore and learn
Acknowledge your child's uniqueness
We know that all kids are different, but when it comes to learning differences, the "one size fits all" approach is even less successful. With dyslexia, children really benefit from tailored learning plans that are personalised for their individual needs. Some one-on-one learning time, either from a teacher or parent, is essential to gauge your child's strengths and weaknesses so that you know where to focus.
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How can Komodo support children to do better at math?
Komodo's learning app recognises that all kids have different needs - particularly children with dyslexia. The highly adaptable learning programme is personalised for your child by a real teacher, and can be customised further in terms of topic focus, timings, visuals and more. The interface is free from distraction, which is crucial to allow focus, and motivation is built in, with quirky pets to collect and personal rewards to earn.
About Komodo - Komodo is a fun and effective way to boost K-5 math and language arts skills. Designed for 4- to 11-year-olds to use at home, Komodo uses a 'little and often' approach to learning (20 minutes, three to five times per week) that fits into busy family routines. Komodo helps users develop fluency and confidence in math and English - without keeping them at the screen for long.
