Supporting Children with Dyscalculia

Support children with dyscalculia

Dyscalculia affects around 6% of the population, yet many educators and parents are unfamiliar with its specific challenges. This article explores ways to support children with dyscalculia. We’ll specifically focus on what it is, symptoms at different stages, causes, and effective support strategies.

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects one’s ability to do mathematics and to grasp mathematical concepts. Students with dyscalculia struggle to learn mathematics and to develop mathematical skills despite an adequate learning environment at home and at school. There are different severities of dyscalculia and children will react or adapt to each differently. Some students might work hard to memorise simple number facts. Others may know what to do but not understand the reason behind certain mathematical methods or steps. Students with less severe dyscalculia might understand the logic behind math but are unsure how and when to apply their knowledge when solving mathematical problems.

Dyscalculia affects people throughout their lifespan. Children with dyscalculia tend to begin falling behind from as early as primary school. Oftentimes, students may develop a strong dislike for mathematics as a result. Once they reach secondary school, they usually struggle to pass math and science subjects.

 

Signs of dyscalculia by age

Dyscalculia includes a range of mathematical challenges that vary widely from student to student. A child’s symptoms may not mirror those of another, so it’s helpful to observe and document any difficulties. Sharing these observations with teachers and healthcare providers can help tailor support strategies. Dyscalculia signs differ by age but typically become more noticeable as children grow, though they can appear as early as preschool. Research on dyscalculia is still limited, so while mathematical difficulties are the primary indicator, we know little about which symptoms persist into adolescence and adulthood. Early identification is key to effective intervention; here are some known symptoms to look for across ages:

Signs in Kindergarten to look out for

  • Has trouble learning to count, especially when it comes to assigning each object in a group a number.
  • Has trouble recognising number symbols, such as making the connection between “7” and the word “seven”.
  • Struggles to connect a number to a real-life situation, such as knowing that “3” can apply to any group that has three things in it; 3 cookies, 3 cars, 3 kids, etc.
  • Has trouble remembering numbers, skips numbers, or counts in the wrong order.
  • Finds it hard to recognize patterns and to sort items by size, shape or colour.
  • Avoids playing games that involve numbers, counting and other math concepts.

Signs in Elementary School to look out for

  • Has trouble learning and remembering basic math facts, such as 2 + 4 = 6.
  • Struggles to identify mathematical signs (+-) and use them correctly.
  • May continue to use fingers to count instead of using more sophisticated strategies.
  • Has trouble writing numerals clearly or putting them in the correct column.
  • Has trouble coming up with a plan to solve a math problem.
  • Struggles to understand words and concepts related to math, such as greater than and less than.
  • Has trouble telling left from right, and even a poor sense of direction.
  • Has difficulty remembering phone numbers and game scores.
  • Has trouble telling time. 

Signs in High School to look out for

  • Struggles to apply math concepts to everyday life, including monetary matters such as estimating the total cost, making exact change and figuring out a tip.
  • Has trouble measuring things such as ingredients in a simple recipe.
  • Struggles finding his or her way around and worries about getting lost.
  • Has a hard time grasping information shown on graphs or charts.
  • Has trouble finding and using different approaches to the same math problem.
  • May lack assurance in activities that entail estimating speed and distance, such as playing sports and learning to drive.

Recognising symptoms to support children with dyscalculia

  • Difficulty imagining a mental number line
  • Particular difficulty with subtraction
  • Difficulty using finger counting (slow, inaccurate, unable to immediately recognise finger configurations)
  • Trouble decomposing numbers (e.g. recognizing that 10 is made up of 4 and 6)
  • Difficulty understanding place value
  • Trouble learning and understanding reasoning methods and multi-step calculation procedures
  • Anxiety about or a negative attitude towards maths 

Now that you are aware of the many and varied symptoms of dyscalculia, it will be easy for you as a tutor to spot any correlations or learning challenges should your student ever have these. If, during your tutoring sessions, you notice your student experiencing difficulty, it is important that you keep a record and then speak to his or her parents about your concerns.

 

Other impacts of dyscalculia

While we’ve discussed the academic effects of having dyscalculia, there are also many other facets of life that can be affected. 

  • Social skills: Failing repeatedly in math class can cause children to assume failure is unavoidable in other areas too. Low self-esteem can affect their inclination to make new friends or to partake in after school activities. 
  • Physical coordination: Dyscalculia can affect how the brain and eyes work together. Because of this, a child may have problems judging distances between objects. Sometimes they may even seem clumsier than others the same age.
  • Money management: Dyscalculia can make it difficult to stick to a budget and to estimate costs.
  • Time management: Dyscalculia can affect a child’s ability to measure quantities, including units of time. This can make it hard to stick to a schedule.

Associated learning difficulties

  • Dyslexia, or difficulty reading
  • Attention difficulties
  • Spatial difficulties (not good at drawing, visualisation, remembering arrangements of objects, understanding time/direction)
  • Short term memory difficulties (the literature on the relation between these and dyscalculia is very controversial)
  • Poor coordination of movement (dyspraxia)

There is still so much we don’t know about dyscalculia, and no definitive cause has been found. However, there are some ideas that researchers are still studying.

To read more about tutoring students with ADHD or Dyslexia, follow the links!

Possible Causes

While the exact causes are unclear, potential factors include:

  • Genes and heredity: Studies show that dyscalculia is more common in some families than others. Researchers have found that a child with dyscalculia often has a parent or sibling with similar math issues. 
  • Brain development: Researchers are using modern brain imaging tools to study the brains of people with and without math issues. What we learn from this research will help us understand how to help students with dyscalculia. Some studies have also found differences in the surface area, thickness and volume of parts of the brain. Those areas are linked to learning and memory, setting up and monitoring tasks and remembering math facts.
  • Environment: Dyscalculia has been linked to contact with alcohol in the womb. Prematurity and low birth weight may also play a role in dyscalculia.
  • Brain injury: Some studies show that injury to certain parts of the brain can result in what researchers call “acquired dyscalculia.”

At the end of the day, it comes down to a difference in brain function. Unfortunately, many people think that because it is in the brain, there is nothing to be done. This is not true! There are support systems out there, including occupational therapy and specialised tutors available to help children cope.

 

What Does All of This Mean?

The brain is highly adaptable, especially during childhood. Research shows that targeted training programs can improve brain function in areas involved with reading, and researchers are optimistic that similar methods can enhance mathematical processing for children with dyscalculia. While it’s unclear to what extent dyscalculia is shaped by genetics versus experience, studies continue to explore how specialised interventions might help “rewire” the brain, making math more accessible.

 

Tips to support children with dyscalculia (for tutors and parents)

If your student does have dyscalculia, there are many things that you can implement and do during your tutoring sessions to help him or her with their studies and academic outlook. 

  • Use concrete examples that connect math to real life. For instance, use examples that include their favourite things or shopping. This helps to strengthen their number sense.
  • Use visual aids when solving problems. Draw pictures or move around physical objects. Teachers and tutors can refer to this as “manipulatives”.
  • Assign manageable amounts of work so your tutee will not feel overloaded.
  • Review a recently learned skill before moving on to a new one, and explain how the skills are related.
  • Supervise work and encourage the student to talk through the problem-solving process. This can help ensure your tutee is using the right math rules and formulas.
  • Break new lessons into smaller parts that help to show how different skills relate to the new concept.
  • Let your tutee use graph paper to help keep numbers lined up or in columns.
  • Use an extra piece of paper to cover up most of what’s on a math test so your tutee can focus on one problem at a time.
  • Playing math-related games can help a child to have fun and to feel more comfortable with math and numbers.
  • If your lessons are online, record the sessions so that the tutee can go back over the content in their own time. 

 

Other ideas to support children with dyscalculia

These tips should be a great starting point and will hopefully prove useful in your tutoring. Here are a few more guidelines to keep in mind when structuring sessions: 

  • Boost confidence: Identify your tutee’s strengths and use them to work on (or around) weaknesses. Activities that tap into your tutees interests and abilities can help improve self-esteem and increase resilience. Try to pace yourself during your tutoring sessions and do not use more than one strategy at a time. This makes it easier to tell which ones are producing a good result and which are not.
  • Help your tutee keep track of time: Whether it is a hand on the shoulder, a few key words or an alarm – have systems in place to remind your time-challenged tutee when to start the next activity.
  • See what it feels like: Try to experience what it is like to have dyscalculia. Acknowledging that you understand what your tutee is going through is another way to boost his or her confidence and to improve your own level of understanding.
  • Be upbeat: Let your tutee know when you see him or her do something well. Praising effort and genuine achievement can help them feel acknowledged and supported. It can also give your tutee the confidence to work harder!

 

Support, patience and understanding are key!

To read more about being a great tutor, check out our Ultimate Guide on Tutoring!

If you would like a tutor to assist your child or student, contact BrightSparkz Tutors today!

This article has been adapted from the original 3-part series which can be found here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3    

Supporting Children with ADHD

In this blog we’ll run through a few great strategies for supporting children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). It includes challenges posed for tutors and teachers who might have students with ADHD as well as tips for tutors and children who have ADHD.

For more on being an amazing tutor, see our Ultimate Tutoring Guide!

ADHD can present the following challenges for tutors and teachers

  • Students require more attention than their peers.
  • Students have trouble following instructions, especially when presented in a list.
  • Students often forget to write down homework assignments as well as completing given work.
  • Students may have trouble with operations that require ordered steps, such as long division or solving equations.
  • Students usually have problems with long-term projects where there is no direct supervision.

ADHD can affect students in the following ways

  • Low grades
  • Teasing from peers
  • Low self-esteem

Supporting Children with ADHD

So what can we do to help and aid these students with their studies?

Patience, creativity and consistency are three of the most important aspects to take into consideration when tutoring or teaching students with ADHD. As a tutor or teacher, our job is to evaluate each individual student’s needs and strengths. We then need to develop our lessons and strategies in accordance with these.

Additionally, one of the most effective ways of helping students with ADHD is maintaining a positive attitude. Make the student your partner and say, “Let’s figure out ways to help you get your work done together.” Reassure the student that you will be looking for good behaviour and quality work. When you see it, support it with prompt and sincere praise. Finally, look for ways to motivate a student by offering rewards (such as a longer break or less homework).

To read more about tutoring students with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia, follow the links!

Tips for the Student

  • Sit away from windows and doors so as to minimise distractions.
  • Move while you work. Constantly moving can help you focus better on the task at hand.
  • Concentrate on certain words! Studies show that repeating anchor words like “focus” can block distractions.
  • When studying, try some brain entrainment music to help you stay focused. 

Tips for the Tutor

  • Give instructions one at a time and repeat whenever necessary.
  • Signal the start of a lesson with a cue and in opening the lesson, tell the student what he or she is going to learn and what your expectations are.
  • Tell students exactly what materials they’ll need.
  • Where possible, work on the most difficult material first. This can help to make the most of your session/lesson.
  • Colour-code sections of material and make use of visuals!
  • Test the student in the way he or she does best, such as orally or filling in blanks.
  • Divide long-term projects into sections and assign a completion date/goal for each.
  • Allow the student to do as much work as possible on a computer.
  • Make sure the student has a system for writing down assignments and important dates and uses it!
  • Establish eye contact.
  • Vary the pace and include different kinds of activities. Many students with ADHD do well with competitive games or other activities that are rapid and intense.
  • Allow for frequent (but short) breaks.
  • Summarise the key points before finishing the lesson.
  • Lastly, and most importantly – be patient and understanding.

 

At BrightSparkz Tutors we provide excellent one-on-one tutoring for all school-level subjects and are passionate about supporting children with ADHD. Get a tutor today! 

This article has been adapted from the original here

Choosing the Right School Subjects for University Success

This blog on choosing the right school subjects for university admission is the first part in a series. Part 2 is about Choosing the Right UniversityStay tuned for part 3 coming soon! 

Right school Subjects for University

The Importance of Early Planning for University

As a parent, you want the best for your child’s future. BrightSparkz Tutors knows that one of the most crucial steps in their academic journey is choosing the right subjects in high school. The subjects your child takes can significantly influence their eligibility for various university programs, setting them on a path to success—or creating roadblocks if not carefully considered. 

In this 3-part blog series, we’ll explore what you need to know about choosing the right subjects, navigating university admission requirements, as well as financial planning and setting up for success. In Part 1, we look at the importance of choosing the right subjects and when and how to start the process.

Understanding University Programs

Canada offers a broad range of university programs across various fields of study, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Creative Fields, Humanities, Business, and Health Sciences.

With so many options available, deciding on the right program can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important for both parents and students to consider a few key factors:

  • Interests and strengths: What subjects does your child enjoy and excel at? Passion often translates into better performance.
  • Career aspirations: Certain programs lead directly into specific careers. For example, a student interested in healthcare may need to pursue programs in Biology, Chemistry, or Health Sciences.
  • Job market trends: Emerging fields like artificial intelligence or environmental science are growing rapidly. Exploring programs in these areas could offer strong career prospects.

If you or your child require some help navigating their educational planning and career choices, specialists like Lawson Career Solutions provide personalised and comprehensive services that make career and educational planning clearer through valuable guidance sessions that can help a student explore their interests, strengths, and personality, ensuring that they are making informed decisions about their post-secondary education selection.

Why Matching the Right School Subjects for University Programs Matters

Once your child has an idea of what programs they are interested in, the next step is ensuring they choose the right high school subjects to qualify for these programs. Here’s a breakdown of how subject selection aligns with some of the most popular university programs:

  • STEM (Engineering, Computer Science, Health Sciences): Requires strong foundations in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and sometimes Biology.
  • Business & Commerce: Usually requires Mathematics and may prefer Business Studies, Economics, or Accounting.
  • Arts & Humanities: English and Social Studies are essential, and electives like History, Geography, or Languages can be beneficial.
  • Health Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health): High marks in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics are often required.

Provincial curriculums also vary, which means that specific subjects might differ depending on where your child attends school. For example, some provinces offer specialised courses in computer programming or environmental science, which could give your child a competitive edge.

Common Subject-Related Mistakes

Choosing subjects for high school may seem straightforward, but many students and parents fall into common traps:

  • Not aligning subjects with university requirements: A student may enjoy a subject but fail to recognize that it’s not required or beneficial for their desired program. For example, choosing Geography instead of Chemistry might hinder their application to a health sciences program.
  • Skipping core subjects: Some programs have mandatory subject requirements. For example, Engineering programs often require Chemistry, Physics and Calculus. Skipping these subjects in high school can limit your child’s options later on.
  • Underestimating the importance of grades: It’s not just about choosing the right subjects; students also need to perform well in those subjects to meet admission averages.

At BrightSparkz, our tutors work with students to ensure they’re on track with the right subjects and performing at the level needed to meet their goals. Whether it’s helping with foundational skills or providing exam preparation, our tailored tutoring services are designed to give your child the best chance of success.

Setting Students Up for Long-Term Success

Choosing the right subjects in high school is a critical step in university planning. Geoff Lawson of Lawson Career Solutions recommends starting the process halfway through Grade 11, saying:

It is such a different year in terms of course selection, workload, and learning responsibilities that I find students are much better equipped to make informed choices once they have had at least a few months of grade 11 completed before we meet.” 

By aligning subject choices with university program requirements, students are not only preparing themselves academically but also setting themselves up for future success.

At BrightSparkz Tutors, we pride ourselves on supporting students throughout this journey, with our experienced team here to ensure your child has the tools they need to thrive academically and reach their university goals.

Contact BrightSparkz Tutors today to learn how we can support your child’s academic journey!