Math Disabilities

Kate AppelJustina PatrickJune 18, 2013

Mad Minute

YOU ARE BEING TIMED!

Math DisabilitiesStudents can struggle with 1 or more of the following:

O Number Concept O Counting O Arithmetic skillO Process and sequencingO Memory O Visual-Spatial concepts

Dyscalculia

OA broad term for a variety of learning difficulties in math

OCan vary greatly from mild to severe

O Impacts approx. 5 – 8% of all students

Two types of Dyscalculia

OQuantitative – counting and calculation

OQualitative –conceptualizing processes or spatial sense

OBoth

Quick Activity

What do I look for?O Difficulty or inability to:

O Subitize or groupO Learn math factsO Tell or track time and/or directionO Determine pattern or sequenceO Organize numbersO Remember processes or results

O Inconsistent results

http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/what-is-dyscalculia

Misleading SymptomsO Students with an anxiety about

mathematics

O Teachers providing inadequate instruction

O Students with Dyslexia which may impact mathematic performance

How can I help?O Develop meaningful practice exercises

O Illustrate concepts with pictures &

diagrams

O Use a variety of manipulatives

O Create connections for students

O Introduce mnemonic tools & patterns

O Incorporate all types of learning styles

Closing Activity

Final Thoughts

Listen to your intuitionObserve each studentValue their needsExplore all possibilities

Questions?

ResourcesO Sousa, D. (2007). How The Special Needs

Brain Learns (2nd ed.). Thousands Oaks, CA: Corvin Press

O Butterworth, B., Yeo, D. (2004). Dyscalculia Guidance. United Kingdom: nfer Nelson Publishing Co Limited.

O www.ncld.orgO www.ldonline.org