Strategies to support children with developmental dyscalculia

As children continue to grow and develop, learning new concepts such as reading or mathematics can be an exciting time for parents. However, some may struggle with certain skills, including understanding numerals and grasping arithmetic skills, due to learning disabilities. Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is a recognised learning disability, whereby a child struggles with arithmetic skills and numeracy. In short, children with dyscalculia have no clear understanding of quantity and lack number sense – a hard time comprehending number systems and relations of numbers to each other.

 

Children with DD often experience setbacks in their mathematical journeys and may even struggle with basic arithmetic skills. It is important to help the child with learning difficulties and to understand their abilities of functioning in order to guide them to their fullest potential. This article provides some of the adjustments one can make in order to provide extra support for a child with DD – both in school and at home.

 

Strategies for children with dyscalculia in school

 

Educators play a huge role in assisting students to grow in a classroom setting. Although not all educators are fully equipped with knowledge about special needs, or in this case, developmental dyscalculia, some simple adaptations can still be done for maximising the learning environments.

 

When introducing new mathematics concepts and lessons, some additional steps may be a massive help for those with DD. Firstly, before jumping right into a new concept, review what he or she has already learnt prior. This is to ensure that if a concept is built upon the last, it will not be too much of an uphill battle for those with DD. Secondly, as much as possible, demonstrate using manipulatives like coins, blocks and puzzles. Concrete objects are always a good way to visualise a story sum or concept for those with DD. Lastly, incorporating math into real life with concrete examples allows for the relation between numeracy and day-to-day activities. This may help with the reasoning and remembrance of arithmetic skills for those with DD.

 

Figure 1

Cube manipulatives for children with DD

 

In the process of helping a child with DD complete his or her work, some simple adaptations would be to break down an activity into smaller, more manageable parts or sections. For example, if a worksheet has 3 sections, blocking out 2 sections of the worksheet may help the child focus on the only sum that is required without additional distractions. Additionally, highlighting or circling key words and numbers on any math problem can also help the child with DD identify the focus of the problem. Lastly, giving extended time on lengthy assignments or projects can make a difference for children with DD as they require more time to process numerals and math problem sums. Furthermore, it can reduce the anxiety they may experience and in return, enable them to perform better.

 

Strategies for children with Dyscalculia at home

 

Unlike restrictions that schools have with activities and knowledge on how to tackle DD, being in the comfort of one’s own home can bring about numerous benefits when engaging in activities.

 

Using dominoes or dice

 

A simple way to introduce numbers to a child with DD is through the use of dominoes. Playing games which use dominoes can allow exposure of numerals to a child, allowing them to more easily understand simple math concepts. The aim of this is to allow the child to recognise the number patterns on the dominoes instead of counting individual dots every time they pick it up. As a parent, starting off with just dominoes or dice by themselves can be a good way to kickstart or revise the learning of numbers. Next, when the child with DD is ready, incorporate it into a game which uses these items, for example, Monopoly, make use of learnt concepts and play at the same time.

 

 

Figure 2

An example of dominoes which can aid the child in DD

 

Making use of play

 

Using traditional pen and paper worksheets are usually avoided. Instead, try to incorporate dominoes or dice into games which use these items. A child-friendly game such as Monopoly can reinforce these math understanding through play instead of relying on worksheets. Making use of games or puzzles allow for the presentation of mathematics as fun challenges to solve rather than boring concepts to memorise. If worksheets are to be used, ensure that important numbers or concepts are highlighted to allow the child to focus on the more pertinent aspect of the problem.

 

Using manipulatives

 

Tangible or concrete objects are usually a big help to children with DD as it can allow them to visualise and better understand the abstract principles of mathematics. Manipulatives can include objects like blocks or legos to aid in concepts such as addition or subtraction. A number line can also be used for more advanced sums, enabling the child to both count and visualise simultaneously.

 

In summary, aiding a child with DD can both be challenging and rewarding. To aid the child in their mathematical journey, it is important to understand their level of capability. Additionally, raising awareness about DD is crucial to ensure that each child receives the help that they require – whether in school or at home. In classroom settings, adjusting expectations is crucial in order to allow the child with DD to thrive at their own pace. If you wish to learn more about how to help children with developmental dyscalculia boost their math skills, Nurture Pods offers a free online course just for that!

 

Dive deeper into this course to learn more about multisensory teaching methods! This includes counting with concrete objects, visual aids such as number lines and crafting equations through story sums. Join us in this exploration of supporting children in their mathematical journeys! Enroll today and begin your journey towards making a positive impact in the lives of these remarkable children!

 

Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 20 March 2025