Taking Some of the Pain Out of Math

Posted by HeatherL | 0 comments

When you sit down to work with your child do they “forget” to bring their math books? Perhaps they slide it casually under a pile of papers, out of sight is out of mind? Many children say math is hard but when pushed they get down to business. What if your child, when they sit to work on math, can’t seem to get their act together. Are the answers sloppy? Do they struggle with concepts of math such as greater than?

You may have even been told that your child has a learning disability called dyscalculia.

Dyscalculia is a real learning disability. It is as real as Dsylexia. Dsylexia is a problem with the lingual side of the brain. Dyscaluculia is a problem with the non-verbal or visual spacial side of the brain. Your child may have problems with understanding the worth of numbers, remembering, or manipulating numbers.

A preschooler may have trouble remembering their numbers or their worth. An elementary student may have troubles with concepts of adding or subtraction. Things like time, measuring, and estimating are a struggle to understand. Many children can go unnoticed with dyscalculia until the reach 4th grade to 6th grade. That is because the earlier years dealt with simple, small numbers your child could use their fingers to come up with a proper answer. With the advancement in mathematical concepts into multiplication, division and algebra, their problems will be highlighted.

You can help your child succeed despite their learning disability! You can have your child tested by a qualified teacher at your local school or have a private tester called an educational psychologist. I would recommend to test if you are unsure how best to deal with your child’s disability, or your child will need accommodations if they entered school or college. Here are some ideas you can start right now whether you chose testing or not.

First look at the curriculum that you are using. You want to have a curriculum that allows you to use a whole body approach. You want to have manipulatives to handle and work with, writing out problems to solve, out loud drills. Think of it in terms of mental pathways. You want to create several different ways your child’s mind can recall the information. I have found that material like Math-U-See is good at providing a multi-sensory learning experience.

Here are some real time tips to use today with your math program!

• Turn the paper sideways, use the lines to provide columns so the math problem is cleanly lined up.
• Color code your math tables. lightly color different columns to help your child’s eye go straight to the product. This will also help in memorization.
• Use graph paper to make clean, clearly placed math problems.
• Try frequent breaks to allow your child to process and store the information into long term memory.
• Use a real clock to work with time.

Homeschooling your child with dyscalculia will give them the extra time and reinforcement they need. In a classroom setting your child would be expected to move at a much faster pace and frustration would cloud their heart. So be at peace with the progress you make. Set goals that push your child but do not discourage them. You are their number one cheerleader and coach! I know you can help your child succeed!

Heather Laurie and her husband, Christopher, have been married for 13 wonderful years, and have been blessed with 7 children, two of whom are awaiting them in Heaven. They began their homeschooling journey eight years ago, amidst trials and unexpected journeys, including genetic disorders, austism, sensory disorders, and lupus. Heather and her husband created the ministry Special Needs Homeschooling as a way to use their trials for the Lord’s glory and to encourage special needs parents and homeschoolers.