Summer Learning with Learnigo #3: Supporting Fine Motor and Pre-Writing Skills
July 3, 2024
Learnigo Product Feature: Dyscalculia
Learnigo's Dyscalculia Program
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Dyscalculia Is a lesser-known learning difficulty and affects 3-6% of the student population, often coexisting with dyslexia (Attwood, 2002). 10% of children with dyscalculia face challenges in math due to memory-related issues (Attwood, 2002). Let’s take a closer look at the Learnigo Dyscalculia Program.
What is Dyscalculia?
Derived from Greek and Latin roots, “dyscalculia” translates to “difficulty in counting” or “disorder in calculation skills.” Ladislav Košč’s research highlights dyscalculia as a structural disorder of mathematical abilities, originating from genetic or congenital brain anomalies (Košč, 1974). The ICD-10 and DSM-5 classifications distinguish dyscalculia as a specific developmental disorder, focusing on arithmetical skills without attributing difficulties to cognitive or sensory impairments.
Recent discoveries in research reveal the complexities of dyscalculia, emphasizing its distinct nature from dyslexia and the need for targeted support.
The Six Types of Dyscalculia
Dr. Ladislav Košč identifies six types of dyscalculia, each impacting different aspects of mathematical understanding (Khing, 2014):
- Verbal Dyscalculia – Difficulty in verbally expressing mathematical concepts, such as naming numbers or understanding logical relations.
- Practognostic Dyscalculia – Impaired ability to manipulate objects, struggling with tasks like counting objects or comparing quantities.
- Lexical Dyscalculia – Challenges in reading mathematical symbols, leading to confusion between similar-looking digits or misinterpretation of numbers.
- Graphical Dyscalculia – Difficulties in writing mathematical symbols, including issues with spelling out numbers or representing multi-digit numbers accurately.
- Ideognostic Dyscalculia – Challenges in understanding mathematical concepts and relationships, such as difficulty recognizing the equivalence of numbers.
- Operational Dyscalculia – Difficulties in performing mathematical operations, such as swapping functions or relying heavily on written calculations for simple problems.
These classifications provide insights into the diverse challenges students with dyscalculia may face, from verbal expression difficulties to operational struggles. The Learnigo Dyscalculia program was created with these types in mind, with targeted practice to support each aspect of mathematical thinking.
Signs of Dyscalculia in Students
Identifying dyscalculia involves assessing six key areas of student performance (Kucian & von Aster, 2015):
- Reading and Comprehension: Despite proficient reading skills, the student struggles to grasp mathematical language.
- Writing and Notation: The student encounters difficulties with copying and retrieving numbers, symbols, and mathematical operations.
- Understanding Concepts and Symbols: The student struggles to grasp and apply mathematical language.
- Assimilation of Mathematical Facts and Sequencing: The student faces challenges in memorizing and organizing mathematical information.
- Complex Problem Solving: The student struggles to solve multi-step problems.
- Social and Emotional Attitude: The student may feel anxious participating in math classwork.
Understanding these signs helps educators and parents in recognizing dyscalculia-related challenges.
Learnigo’s Dyscalculia Program
As educators, the challenge lies not just in teaching, but in fostering an environment where every student can thrive. For those students requiring extra support in critical thinking and mathematical skills, Learnigo presents a groundbreaking solution with our Math – Dyscalculia program. Tailored for children aged 6 and above, this program can be used in a variety of settings to target numerous math skills.
Key Features
Engaging Learning Activities: The program brings learning to life with over 600 interactive screens, including puzzles, board games, dominoes, coloring, spot-the-difference, matching, drag-and-drop, memory games, and rhymes.
Flexible Access: Online access allows educators to use the program anywhere, anytime – be it in school, at home, in therapy offices, or on the go. Learnigo resources work on smartphones, tablets, computers, and interactive whiteboards. No download required.
Numerous Practice Opportunities: Multiple chances for students to practice, with additional printable worksheets for extended learning.
Customizable Learning: Tailor the practice to individual needs, with options for hints, reduced distractions, and progress tracking.
Clear Instructions and Progress Monitoring: Â Easy-to-understand written and audio descriptions guide students through activities. Progress data ensures educators can monitor and celebrate success.
Systematic Progression: The program adopts a “small steps” approach, systematically progressing from specific to abstract concepts.
Real-life Mathematics: Familiar materials resonate with children, making the learning experience relatable and engaging.
Logical Thinking Tasks:Â Specially designed tasks stimulate logical thinking, laying a strong foundation for mathematical understanding.
Multi-faceted Approach: From spatial thinking to coding elements, the program incorporates various therapeutic exercises for comprehensive skill development.
Learnigo EDU’s Math – Dyscalculia program is an outstanding tool, offering educators a powerful resource to support students. It can be used to introduce, practice, progress monitor, and test mathematical concepts. With its meticulously designed exercises and commitment to individualized learning, this program stands out, unlocking a world where every child can excel.
Try out our Dyscalculia program using our free demo version.
We’d love to know what you like about the Dyscalculia program or ways to improve! Let us know at feedback@learnigo.com.
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References
Attwood, Tony. “Dyscalculia and Dyslexia: Two Different Issues, or Part of the Same Problem?” The Dyscalculia Information Centre. First and Best in Education Ltd., 2002. Accessed September 29th, 2023, https://www.dyscalculia.me.uk/Dyscalculia%20and%20Dyslexia.pdf.
Khing, Bweyhunle. Learning Disabilities, Identification, Remedies & Teaching Strategies. Kohima, Nagaland: Gwanyu Publishers, City Printing Press, 2014. Original work published 1974 by Košč, L., Six Types of Dyscalculia.
Kucian, Karin and Michael von Aster. “Developmental Dyscalculia.” European Journal of Pediatrics 174 (2015): 1-13. doi: 10.1007/s00431-014-2455-7.
Košč, Ladislav. “Development of Dyscalculia.” Journal of Learning Disabilities 7, no. 3 (1974): 164-177.
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