"Dyscalculia No More"

Do you suspect your child may have dyscalculia? While there is no definitive form of the learning disability (a simple definition is dyslexia with math), there are simple tests you can do to determine if your child may suffer from dyscalculia.

Dyscalculia Test

Do this simple test for dyscalculia with your child to see if your child may have the math and dyslexia learning disability. (Certain questions may be age appropriate – make sure you know at what level of math skills your child should be at before determining whether the question is applicable for your child. For example, a 1st grader would not know the difference between even and odd numbers yet. So don’t use that question in your test.)

• Write down a series of numbers. Ask your child to copy them. Does your child write them in the correct order?
• Draw a picture of a square, triangle and circle. Ask your child to name them. Does your child name them correctly?
• On a piece of paper, write down several numbers. Be sure to include both even and odd numbers. Ask your child to point to the even numbers, and then the odd numbers. (Age appropriate)
• Ask your child to tell you what time it is. (Using an analog clock)
• Get 10 pennies. Give your child 5, and you take 5. Ask your child to tell you how many they have in fraction terms. (Example, they have 1/2 of the pennies.)
• Ask your child if they like math, and if they feel comfortable with it.This is a simple test, but your child’s answer will determine whether or not they have anxiety about math.

If your child had any difficulty in answering the questions above correctly, then your child may struggle with dyscalculia in children. While this test is not definitive to determine if your child’s learning disability is related to math and dyslexia, it gives you a starting point.

If you suspect your child may have dyscalculia, talk to his/her teacher. They can help you decide which direction to go.

You can use math worksheets for children with dyscalculia to help your child feel more confident.

Another great resource you can use is the Dyscalculia Assessment Test. It will help you identify the degree of dyscalculia your child has, and will provide you with a step by step blue print with a game plan on how to proceed with your child.

You can get more information on the Dyscalculia Assessment here: Dyscalculia Assessment Test

Math software games are great for children with dyscalculia, because they don’t really understand that what they are actually doing is learning. In their minds, they are playing games – and playing doesn’t equate to learning to a child. Here’s a great software game site you can visit: Success In Math

If you have a child that you suspect has dyscalculia (struggles with number recognition, can’t understand simple math problems, addition, subtraction, etc.), then you are likely looking for guidance on how to help him/her. I suspect that since you’re reading this article, you have questions about the learning disability, and are looking to find more answers.

What is Dyscalculia in Children?

If your child struggles with simple math problems (as listed above) your child may have what is known as dyscalculia. The learning disability includes the difficulty in understanding numbers, learning how to manipulate numbers, learning maths facts, and a number of other related symptoms (although there is no exact form of the disability).

Talk to your child’s teachers. If he or she is struggling in school, your teacher will be the first to tell you. There are certainly ways to treat dyscalculia in children, and the first step in treatment is recognizing treatment is needed. I realize this sounds very simple minded, but it’s the truth. If you’re child’s learning disability goes untreated, the results could be devastating to your child’s future.

Dyscalculia is derived from the Greek and Latin language which translates to “counting badly”. The prefix “dys” comes from Greek and means “badly”. “Calculia” comes from the Latin “calculare,” which means “to count”. The word “calculare” comes from “calculus”, which means “pebble” or one of the counters on an abacus.

The cause of dyscalculia in children is yet to be known. There have been research in many different areas, and some reasons are thought to be neurological, deficits in working memory, short term memory being disturbed or reduced, congenital or hereditary disorders.

Treatment for the learning disability can range from different options. There are many options to help your child practice number recognition and simple math problems. A fun way is by playing math games.  Some people have opted to treat it by not treating it all, rather focusing their talents on other areas, such as creative abilities (this is not recommended for children with dyscalculia – if there is something that can be done to help the child overcome the learning disability, then it most certainly should not be ignored).

A great math games software to help your child with overcoming their dyslexia and math is the Success In Math Software Games. The games are played online right from the computer. You can get more information on them right here: Success In Math

If you would like to see if your child may have dyscalculia, you can visit the Dyscalculia Test Page Here.

If you’re a parent with a child who has learning disabilities, then you know how difficult it can be to watch your child struggle with something. No parent wants to see their child struggle. Fortunately, there is a treatment for dyscalculia. It takes time and patience, but your child can overcome their dyslexia with math.

So what exactly is dyscalculia? Dyscalculia is basically dyslexia and math. A child may not be able learn basic math as easily as some of their peers. Dyscalculia in children should be treated and not left alone, because once a child reaches adulthood, math is a required skill for any type of job he/she may wish to acquire.

Treatments for dyscalculia can vary from child to child (take the quick Does my Child Have Dyscalculia Test here). The most important thing to remember when dealing with a child who has a learning disability is to be patient. Show your child you understand, and you are there for them. Reacting with impatience may make your child feel stupid, and they may close down completely to the idea of learning – which is ultimately the exact opposite of what we’re trying to achieve.

Make sure you child spends time every day working on simple math concepts. Continual practice will really help their advancement. Flash cards, software games, worksheets, anything that keeps them focused. Most children don’t like knowing their doing “homework” , so anything that helps them practice without them feeling as though they’re working is a huge benefit. You can make up a lot of games to play using flash cards.

There are learning programs that allow your child to grow their skills, while also playing games. Two great ones are Making Math More Fun and the Math Board Games Book . They’re simple printable games and worksheets your child can play on, while learning number recognition and other basic math concepts. The great thing about these products, is your child doesn’t realize they are actually learning while they play them.

If you’re looking for a software to help your child with their dyscalculia, the Success In Math Program is a great one. The games can be played on the computer, and they are tailored to your child’s specific needs. You can find out more about the Success in Math Program software right here: Success In Math.

Children with learning disabilities are more often than not completely fine when they reach adults. It’s a hard road, but with love and support your child can overcome their learning disability.

Dyslexia and math – also known as dyscalculia. It’s not uncommon, although the surface has barely been scratched with research. Many children have trouble with numbers or math, but not many people know how to overcome it. Just like dyslexia, it’s a learning disability that can alter a child’s future if not handled appropriately.

If you suspect your child has dyscalculia, the best thing to do is address it immediately (take a quick mental assessment with the does my child have dyscalculia test.) Do not let this go, thinking it’s just a phase. A child who can’t differentiate between numbers ultimately means a child will not be able to perform simple math equations. Math is everywhere in this world. Without the simple knowledge of basic math concepts, a child’s options decrease significantly in his/her adult life.

So what is dyscalculia? Quite simply put, it’s a learning disability with numbers. Numbers may be transposed, or just not recognized. According to Wikipedia, the web definition of dyscalulia is the impaired ability to learn grade-appropriate mathematics. It can range from many mathematical difficulties, but the end result is always the same – if you can’t perform math as an adult, you will not be able to do certain jobs.

A child with any kind of learning disability needs special attention. Most importantly, show your child patience and understanding. Do not let your child give up or get frustrated. You are your child’s support system. There are ways to overcome dyscalculia, so hope is not lost. Practice and patience is the number 1 thing to remember.

Tutors may be able to help your child with dyslexia and math, and if you can afford it, you should certainly look into it. However, that is not the only way to help your child. There are programs and software games available to students who have special learning needs. Two in particular are the Make Math More Fun Printable Games and the Succeed in Math Software Games. They are both great for helping your child practice math, without realizing they’re practicing.

The Make Math More Fun program has games and worksheets that you download right to your computer. Your child can play the games, but also learn while they do. It’s a fun way for your child to get a grasp on simple math concepts. The Make Math More Fun is for children ages 4-12, and can help your child immensely in the development of math skills. It’s relatively inexpensive (just under $28) and you can use it for as many children as you need.

You can check out Making Math More Fun right here.

The second program I talked about is more online based. It has many different math games that your child can play right on the computer. It’s a great resource for any child who struggles with any type of math, and is also recommended for children with dyscalculia.

You can find out more about the Succeed in Math Software Games right here.

To put it simply, dyscalculia is dyslexia with math (or numbers). If a child is having difficulty with numbers, the chances are high he/she will have difficulty with math. Of course, this goes the other way too. If a child is having difficulty in math, it may mean they are not understanding the concept of numbers. Much research has been done on dyslexia, but dyscalculia has not gotten nearly the amount of attention.

Do you think your child might have dyscalculia? You can take a quick assessment test here.

If a child has dyscalculia and it is not addressed or worked on, the child could have a very hard time growing up, and in life in general. Having problems with numbers could lead to many different outcomes, but none of them will be easy for the child.

A child may feel inadequate, or stupid, and may give up learning all together. Numbers and math are everywhere. Without a basic understanding of them, a domino effect could ultimately destroy the child’s self esteem, which could in turn lead to dead end jobs, and a grim future of not feeling like they fit into society, or living paycheck to paycheck because they can’t get any high paying job.

We love our children and no matter what learning disability or fault they have, as parents we don’t see it. We love them unconditionally. However, unconditional love will not be able to beat a child’s broken self esteem when they feel they are less than a peer.

Children with dyscalculia are absolutely not helpless. There are many ways to overcome it, and practicing anything is certainly the best way to overcome any type of struggle. Be patient with your child, and help them practice. Show them numbers, or practice math equations with them. The biggest thing you as a parent can do to help your child is to show patience and understanding. Do not let them give up, but also do not come down on them too hard when they are slower at understanding.

If you don’t think you have the patience to deal with your child’s dyscalculia, get your child a tutor. It doesn’t make you a bad parent – it just makes you human.  Do not let dyscalculia go untreated. It will only get worse, and you’re child doesn’t deserve to feel stupid.

If you’re looking for a way to help your child without spending a lot of money, you may be interested in the Making Math More Fun program. It’s a package (relatively inexpensive) that helps your child overcome dyscalculia.   You can download them right to your computer and start helping your child right away.

More Info on Making Math More Fun

Math Software Games Really Help Your Child Practice

There are also math software programs you can have your child do. They’re disguised as games, so they won’t have as much pressure when they’re learning. It helps for kids who get anxiety when they’re doing math. When they don’t realize it’s math, they tend to be able to focus more and intake the information.

A great math games software is the Succeed in Math program. You can get more information on it here :

More Info – Math Practice Games Online