It has been estimated that around 90% of dyslexic children have problems in some areas of math/s, and most of the time they will need extra help especially when new concepts of math/s are introduced.
To help a dyslexic child improve in his math/s, we must first look into the reasons for this problem.
One of the difficulties a dyslexic child experience is with sequencing.
It is important to help the child learn his/her basic 1-100 systematically. Providing a hands-on experience by using a variety of physical objects and real scenarios (e.g. counting guests) to demonstrate numbers visually will enhance the child’s interest in math/s. The following steps are recommended:
- Lay out 100 blocks, with 10 blocks on each line, practice counting from 1 to 100 e.g. 1,2,..99, 100
- Lay out 100 blocks in group of tens, practice counting from 10 to 100 e.g. 10, 20..90,100.
- Arrange the blocks in group of fives, practice counting from 5 to 100 e.g. 5,10, ..95, 100.
- Count backwards, starting from 10 down to 0 e.g. 10, 9, ..0, and working up to 100 down to 0.e.g. 100, 99, …2,1,0 (practice daily until he/she can count backward fluently)
It’s important first to build a solid foundation on the child’s basic math/s and then build other concepts on top of it. Always remember to keep reviewing and never assume that the child knows everything.
Below was my observation of a 8 years old child that I helped to breakthrough with her sequencing concept. I hope this will encourage us to KEEP reviewing with our children until they breakthrough. It is definite a slow but sure process.
Observation on Counting Backwards
CY was able to count to 100 with some guidance especially where there is a change of tens. After few rounds of counting verbally while putting the blocks, CY was able to count 1-100 quite fluently.
Counting backward was a great struggle. She got stuck many times. We did a few rounds of you say and i say – ‘tell me the number before’. When she began to feel more confidence, we tried saying the backward numbers again, but this time I encouraged her to remove the block one at a time as she said the number.
I noticed that she still mix up some numbers. But she is now more confidence and and say the number more fluently.
After a few sessions repeating the above counting, I noticed CY was able to complete her counting backwards activity easily.
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How could I find out my kid is a Dyslexic child ?
One of the way is through observing his reading and writing patterns. You may learn more when you come for the Brain Gym day, which you have registered.