Math Disabilities Kate Appel Justina Patrick June 18, 2013

Mad Minute YOU ARE BEING TIMED!

Math Disabilities Students can struggle with 1 or more of the following: O Number Concept O Counting O Arithmetic skill O Process and sequencing O Memory O Visual-Spatial concepts

Dyscalculia O A broad term for a variety of learning difficulties in math O Can vary greatly from mild to severe O Impacts approx. 5 – 8% of all students

Two types of Dyscalculia O Quantitative – counting and calculation O Qualitative –conceptualizing processes or spatial sense O Both

Quick Activity

What do I look for? O Difficulty or inability to: O Subitize or group O Learn math facts O Tell or track time and/or direction O Determine pattern or sequence O Organize numbers O Remember processes or results O Inconsistent results

Misleading Symptoms O 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

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Resources O Sousa, D. (2007). How The Special Needs Brain Learns (2 nd ed.). Thousands Oaks, CA: Corvin Press O Butterworth, B., Yeo, D. (2004). Dyscalculia Guidance. United Kingdom: nfer Nelson Publishing Co Limited. O O