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Dr. Shinn

Why is Math So Hard for My Kid?

Does your child struggle to make sense of cents? Is he always running late because he can’t tell time? Does she get directions wrong and seem to mix up left and right? If so, your kid could have dyscalculia, a learning disorder that affects one’s ability to understand and perform math operations. While dyscalculia doesn’t have a cure, there are strategies that can help your child overcome challenges and succeed in school.

Is your child’s math aversion a sign of dyscalculia? If your kid is frequently frustrated by math, ask yourself these questions:

1. What are dyscalculia’s symptoms?

Children with dyscalculia can struggle with any concepts that require mathematical operations such as: 

  • Deciphering biggest and smallest

  • Understanding multiplication, division, fractions, carrying, or borrowing

  • Telling time

  • Money transactions

  • Directions and map-reading

  • Remembering the sequence of steps in math problems

  • Remembering math symbols 

  • Connecting verbal and written cues, such as a spoken, “three,” signifying a written, “3”

  • Showing their work 

  • Verbally explaining math processes

2. Could the cause be a different disorder?

While dyscalculia can occur on its own, other disorders often contribute to math troubles including dyslexia, visual or auditory processing disorders, ADHD, or math anxiety. Effectively supporting your child starts with receiving an accurate diagnosis. An evaluation from a an Educational Psychologist can pinpoint the cause of your child’s struggles.

Could a learning disability be behind your kid’s math challenges? Click below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation to learn how we can help. 

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3. Can different teaching techniques help?

Kids with dyscalculia can benefit from engaging each of their senses to enhance their understanding of math concepts. A multisensory approach encourages kids to use their sight, hearing, touch, and movement to grasp math skills. This heightened sensory activity promotes  stronger connections with what they’re learning. Try the following techniques to enhance your child’s math mastery:

  • SIGHT: Use manipulatives such as blocks, buttons, or cereal to help them visualize math problems. Then have them write out the equation they created to reinforce the lesson. 

  • HEARING: Songs and musical notes can be great teaching tools for math concepts such as algorithms, grouping, and fractional parts.

  • TOUCH: It can be helpful for kids to tap out numbers so they can “feel” their values and put sensations to amounts.

  • MOVEMENT: Use movement to help students bring to life what they’ve learned. Have them demonstrate angles by rotating their arms or practice synchronized clapping as they recite their times tables.

4. How Can Our School Support Us?

If your child struggles with math, you may worry that tests, assignments, and classroom expectations won’t give them a fair chance to display their potential. The good news is, a dyscalculia diagnosis may qualify them for an educational plan such as an IEP or 504 Plan to gain services or accommodations in school. These interventions can reduce obstacles and level the academic playing field for your child. Common accommodations include: 

  • Additional time on tests

  • Calculator usage

  • Reduced math homework

  • Use of manipulatives to solve problems

  • Use of graphing paper or scrap paper

  • A quiet area to work

5. How can we make math fun?

Whether or not your child has a dyscalculia diagnosis, learning is easier when you’re having fun! Find informal, stress-free ways for your child to connect with math concepts. 

Examples:

  • Involve them in measuring ingredients for dinner

  • Have your child guess the number of peas on their plate, and then count them to see if they were close 

  • Invite them to help string holiday lights, build a bird house, or complete other home projects that require measuring

  • Host a family fitness contest, and have your child record each family member’s push up reps and race times

  • Use an hourglass for them to see the passing of time as they brush their teeth

  • Build an epic block creation

  • Play board games and download apps that incorporate calculations

6. What’s my child’s math mindset?

Some kids have a fixed mindset about math, meaning they believe their math abilities are unimprovable no matter how hard they try. This self-defeating attitude can prevent them from showing their true potential for math mastery. Encourage a growth mindset by explaining that the brain is like any other muscle that can be trained and strengthened. Ensure your child that if they put in the effort, they can improve their math skills. Practice positive affirmations and praise your child’s efforts as much as you praise their accomplishments. 

Example: “You did a great job preparing dinner tonight. I could tell how hard you worked on counting out the silverware and dividing up our servings.” 

Click here for more tips on fostering a growth mindset in your child

7. How can my kid achieve their potential?

Seeing your child struggle with math can feel discouraging; studies indicate that a child’s math ability at kindergarten entry is a better predictor of future academic success than reading or social skills. The good news is dyscalculia is treatable and with an accurate diagnosis and appropriate support, your child can reach their full academic potential. 

So you know you need help, but aren’t sure how to find the right help?  

If a loved one has a learning difference or other condition that impacts their mental health and education, you may feel lost in determining the best ways to support them. 

Our Diagnosticians can provide psychological testing to remove the guess-work and guide your family on the best path toward mental health, emotional wellness, and academic success.

Click below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation

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More about Variations Psychology

Variations Psychology is a group practice specializing in diagnostic testing to identify psychological conditions.

Our comprehensive evaluations test for conditions that impact mental health and development such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, learning disorders, and developmental delays. 

In addition to diagnostic services, we offer Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) of K-12 students to assess needs for accommodations in school and determine their appropriate placements. IEEs provide an objective second opinion on existing IEP and 504 Plans.

For K-12 and post-secondary students, we offer evaluations to assess needs for accommodations on standardized tests, college entrance exams (e.g. - SAT, ACT, AP Exams), and graduate and professional licensing exams (e.g. - MCAT, LSAT, GRE, CBEST, NCLEX, GMAT, CA Cosmetology Exam, CA Contractors State Licensing Exam, CA Bar Exam).

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation below to learn how our diagnostic services can support you and your family 

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Variations Psychology is located in Newport Beach, CA and provides psychological testing to residents throughout Orange County and its surrounding areas including Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Irvine, Shady Canyon, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Coto de Caza, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Yorba Linda, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Pelican Hill, Crystal Cove, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach, Seal Beach, and more.

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References:

Dyscalculia Fact Sheet (n.d.). Understood. Retrieved from  https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/dyscalculia-fact-sheet

Dyscalculia: Know the Signs (n.d.) Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dyscalculia

Frye, D. (2019). What is Dyscalculia? ADDitude. Retrieved from https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-dyscalculia-overview-and-symptom-breakdown/

Hodnett, B.R. (n.d.). 10 Multisensory Techniques for Teaching Math. Understood.  Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/10-multisensory-techniques-for-teaching-math

How to Help Your Child With Math (n.d.). Understood. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/math-issues/how-to-help-your-child-with-math

Jacobson. R. (n.d.). How to Help Kids with Dyscalculia. Child Mind Institute. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-dyscalculia/

Jacobson, R. (n.d.). How to Spot Dyscalculia. Child Mind Institute. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/how-to-spot-dyscalculia/

Linder, S.M. Math Everywhere: Increasing Your Child’s Skills at Home. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.primroseschools.com/blog/math-everywhere-increasing-your-childs-skills-at-home/

Morin, A. (2014). At a Glance: Classroom Accommodations for Dyscalculia. Understood. Retrieved from  https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/at-a-glance-classroom-accommodations-for-dyscalculia

Morin, A. (n.d.). Download: Growth Mindset Activities for Kids. Understood. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/empowering-your-child/building-on-strengths/download-growth-mindset-activities-for-kids

Morin, A. (n.d.). How to Talk to Your Child About Learning and Attention Issues. Understood. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/understanding-childs-challenges/talking-with-your-child/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-learning-and-attention-issues

Shinn. M.M. (2018). 7 Strategies for Fostering a Growth Mindset in Your Child. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/7-strategies-for-fostering-a-growth-mindset-in-your-child

Shinn. M.M. (2018). ADHD or Just Kids Being Kids? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/adhd-or-just-kids-being-kids

Shinn. M.M. (2018). Does My Child Need Accommodations for the SAT/ACT? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/does-my-child-need-accommodations-for-the-sat-act

Shinn. M.M. (2018). I Can’t Spell Dyslexia – Do I Have It? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/i-cant-spell-dyslexia-do-i-have-it

Understanding Dyscalculia (n.d.). Understood. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/understanding-dyscalculia

How to Cite This Blog Article:
Shinn. M.M. (2021). (NEW TITLE HERE) Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/why-is-math-so-hard-for-my-kid