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
