5 BEST Websites for Dyscalculia

Is your child or a particular student struggling with math on a daily basis? It is not unusual for children or students to be challenged with math homework once in awhile. However, if he experiences problems with numbers or has low math test scores yet does well in other subjects, he could have a math learning disability (LD) called dyscalculia.

This LD called dyscalculia is a brain-related condition that makes basic arithmetic and its concepts very hard to learn. The condition may be hereditary, but scientists have not yet discovered any genes specifically related to it.

Up to 7% of elementary school students have dyscalculia. Research suggests it's as common as dyslexia -- a reading disorder -- but not as well understood. In fact, kids and parents sometimes call it “math dyslexia,” but this can be confusing because dyscalculia is a completely different condition. Your school or doctor may call it a “mathematics learning disability” or a “math disorder.”

This math LD can sometimes be associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) -- up to 60% of people who have ADHD also have a learning disorder like dyscalculia.

Dyscalculia, sometimes called math dyslexia, covers a wide range of math difficulties. The symptoms can also change as your child gets older and is expected to think about math in new ways. Here are signs of the math struggles you might see at different ages.

From the following 2 lists, if you find that your child or student demonstrates more weaknesses than he does strengths, a math learning disability or dyscalculia may be the issue:

Strengths in Mathematics

-Correctly sequences numbers, equations and formulas
-Correctly performs mental math processes
-Accurately conducts math computations
-Completes work logically and with minimal errors
-Understands math concepts
-Appropriately uses both oral and written math terms
-Consistently and correctly remembers math facts

Weaknesses in Mathematics

-Rarely sequences numbers, equations and formulas correctly
-Unable to perform mental math processes
-Usually conducts math computations inaccurately
-Makes many careless errors, often choosing the wrong operation
-Has difficulty understanding math concepts
-Rarely uses math terms appropriately---both orally and in written work
-Unable to accurately recall math facts (though many children today are not committing math facts to memory.)
-Unable to do word problems

Once you have determined the strengths vs. weaknesses ratio as stated above, consider using one or more of the following top resources to help initiate progress for your child or student with dyscalculia or other related math issues. These links can provide a bridge while waiting to access professional evaluation, services and support for a math LD.

BEST 5 Dyscalculia Resources

1. Math Worksheets-from edhelper.com
This link provides FREE math printables that include daily math activities, math puzzles and much more.
https://www.edhelper.com/math_worksheets.htm

2. Dyscalculia Resource Treasure Collection from tesSpecialNeeds
This resource includes a set of activities, flash cards, strategies, revision aids and posters all developed to support pupils with dyscalculia. All resources have a clear layout and include visual support where necessary. Sassoon font is used throughout.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/dyscalculia-resource-treasure-collection-6302884

3. Dyscalculia Worksheets & Other Resources from HelpingWithMath.com
Here is included a list of printable math resources that have people with Dyscalculia and/or Dyslexia in mind. This is a good resource for materials to help with learning math facts.
https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/wor-dyscalculia.htm

4. Dyscalculia Primer and Resource Guide by Dr. Anna J. Wilson
Dr. Wilson is an OECD Post-Doctoral Fellow at INSERM U562, Paris, conducting cognitive neuroscience research on the remediation of dyscalculia. The purpose of this primer is to explain the cognitive neuroscience approach to dyscalculia (including the state of research in this area), to answer frequently asked questions, and to point the reader towards further resources on the subject. Further references include some of the major scientific literature in the field, as well as reading suggestions for teachers and parents.
http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/dyscalculiaprimerandresourceguide.htm

5. 100 Best Resources for Kids Who Struggle With Math by Marianne Sunderland
This post includes 100+ resources are books, websites, games, apps, and curricula that teach math in a variety of multi-sensory ways that will provide effective tools for teaching math, especially when a child struggles with math facts and concepts.
https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/100-best-resources-struggle-math/

BONUS Tip: For children or students with math and spatial challenges, consider using colored graph paper or Reading Focus Cards (low-tech and digital) to maintain placeholder columns. The following links can provide the needed supports for these materials.

Free Grid Paper Pages from Nyla's Crafty Teaching
FREE downloadable blackline grid templates that are drawn to scale both for inches and cm. Use them for placeholder support (i.e., column addition, long multiplication and division, etc.) creating symmetry worksheets, bar graphs, reflections (flips), translations (slides), rotations (turns), area and perimeter models and 100 charts. The exact sizes in this set are: .5cm x .5cm grids (for making hundreds charts & multiplication charts) 1cm x 1cm grids, 2cm x cm grids, and 1 in. x 1 in. grids.
https://mscraftynyla.blogspot.com/2014/09/free-grid-paper-pages.html

Reading Focus Cards (low-tech & digital tools)
Use the Reading Focus Cards for placeholder support with long addition, multiplication and division, as well as with algebraic equations and other math applications. Utilizing these physical and digital tools can help increase focus on the needed math operation and improve accuracy with problem solving.
http://www.focusandread.com/products

Sources

What Is Dyscalculia? What Should I Do if My Child Has It? from WebMD.com
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/dyscalculia-facts#1

Dyscalculia: What You’re Seeing from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/dyscalculia-what-youre-seeing

Homeschooling With Dyslexia Blog by Marianne Sunderland
Marianne Sunderland is the creator of Homeschooling With Dyslexia, a site dedicated to educating and encouraging parents to successfully homeschool their children with dyslexia and related learning disabilities.
https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/

For tools & resources to help improve reading & math skills, visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image sources:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com AND
Pixabay.com at https://pixabay.com

BEST Research-Based Interventions for Dyslexia, ADHD and Other LD

As educators and parents, it is prudent to consider research-based or evidence-based resources when assisting students in any way. This is even more critical when helping challenged readers and learners.

In this article, we wanted to provide the most up-to-date research-based resources to help the many adults who serve populations with dyslexia, ADHD and other LD. We have listed them here with direct links for your convenience. Please know that every child is unique, exhibiting individual behaviors and specific needs. Discovering the BEST resources, techniques and interventions for an individual child or student of any age may take time, patience and extended efforts in order to increase the possibility of good outcomes.

Special Note: It is suggested that teachers, tutors, programs, and schools provide specific, evidence-based techniques. We also recommend that these techniques be discussed at follow-up meetings after student evaluations and/or assessments. This does not mean or guarantee that these techniques will result in a positive outcome in all cases. There are too many variables involved to provide any kind of guarantee of success. We also do not receive any financial or other exchange benefit from making specific recommendations. We sincerely want to provide our professional opinion about what may be an effective intervention for your child. This is not a complete list. There are many other effective techniques which we are continually discovering.

BEST Research-Based Interventions for Dyslexia, ADHD and Other LD

Interventions for Challenged Readers

1. Orton-Gillingham Techniques for Dyslexia
Of all the reading programs specifically designed to help struggling readers by explicitly teaching the connections between letters and sounds, Orton–Gillingham was the first. Today—decades later—many reading programs include Orton–Gillingham ideas based on a multi-sensory approach to reading and learning.
https://www.orton-gillingham.com/

2. Tools for Unfocused, Overwhelmed and Other Readers w/ LD

a. Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759)
Low-tech tools for reading physical books, documents and other printed media
http://www.focusandread.com/products

b. Reading Focus Cards App (Patent 8,360,779)
Digital tool for Macs and Windows PCs that allows readers to more easily and more comfortably remain focused on digital media--both online and offline (for web pages, digital documents and more)
For Macs: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
For Windows PCs: https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards

Instruction Techniques for Dyscalculia (Math Learning Disabilities)

1. The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project
UCSMP has created a curriculum for students from pre-kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. UCSMP materials, including Everyday Mathematics for Grades preK-6 and seven UCSMP textbooks for use in Grades 6-12 mathematics (Pre-Transition Mathematics; Transition Mathematics; Algebra; Geometry; Advanced Algebra; Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry; and Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics), are being used currently by an estimated 4.5 million students in elementary and secondary schools in every state and virtually every major urban area. (Usiskin) We find that these techniques are appropriate for children with strong visual memory, language, and fluid reasoning ability. They are not as effective with children who are concrete learners and who need foundational memorization of facts and consistent scope and sequence of skills.
http://ucsmp.uchicago.edu/about/overview/

2. Connected Mathematics
CMP is a problem-centered curriculum promoting an inquiry-based teaching-learning classroom environment. Mathematical ideas are identified and embedded in a sequenced set of tasks and explored in depth to allow students to develop rich mathematical understandings and meaningful skills.
https://connectedmath.msu.edu/

3. Saxon Math (for Elementary Students w/ Math LD)
Saxon takes an incremental approach to math, introducing a new skill or principle each day, then reviewing these concepts and skills day after day for weeks. This approach helps build students’ confidence in their ability to “do” math successfully. Students who have used this program receive consistently high scores on standardized math tests. We find this technique to be successful with concrete, sequential learners who need memorization, review, and scope and sequence learning.
http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/saxon-math

Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) (for Middle to Sec. Students w/ Math LD)

1. I Can Learn
A full-curriculum mathematics software solution that is a self-paced, mastery-based technology fully aligned to Common Core State Standards for math grades 5th through algebra and allows for effective differentiated instruction in a positive learning environment.
http://www.icanlearn.com/

2. Accelerated Math
Students must learn to think critically—like mathematicians—in order to master math. Accelerated Math keeps students working—and thinking—to solve a set of 6 problems before they see which ones they missed. The right amount of productive struggle helps students learn.
http://www.renaissance.com/products/practice/accelerated-math/

Assistive Materials for Dysgraphia

1. Stem sentences, essay templates and graphic organizers for dysgraphia
http://storey.weebly.com/graphic-organizers-and-writing-templates.html

2. They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing with Readings (Second Edition)
http://books.wwnorton.com/books/webad.aspx?id=4294986798

3. High School Essay Templates
http://writewellapp.com/high-school-essay-templates-and-formats

4. Elementary School – Sentence Generators
http://sentence.yourdictionary.com/

5. More Stem Sentences
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/sentence-stems/

6. Handwriting without Tears
http://www.hwtears.com/hwt

Sources

Evidenced-Based Intervention Techniques for Dyslexia, Learning Disorders, and ADHD-from Turning Point Assessments
https://iqtestingdenver.com/2017/05/31/evidenced-based-intervention-techniques-for-dyslexia-learning-disorders-and-adhd/

Orton–Gillingham: What You Need to Know-by Peggy Rosen and Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/orton-gillingham-what-you-need-to-know

For more information about tools & resources to help improve reading fluency, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image sources:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com AND
Pixabay.com at https://pixabay.com

Dyslexia's Strengths, Talents & Gifts

Very often, parents hear only what is negative about their children who struggle to read. At parent/teacher conferences, educators may quickly broach the topic of reading difficulties for a particular child, enumerating a list of challenges that must be addressed. Much less frequently, the discussion will mention the strengths of these children who are struggling readers, especially when these readers have dyslexia.

Did you know that many children and adults with dyslexia have specific strengths and talents? Yes, they do, and we hope to enumerate those here in our blog this week. We also hope that teachers and parents will take a long look at this list and begin recognizing these gifts and special abilities of some of the challenged readers they know and care about in their classrooms and families. If they do, those who struggle to read will improve self-esteem and realize in themselves that they have much more to offer our world than others might think.

The Strengths, Talents and Gifts of Dyslexia

Children and adults with DYSLEXIA are often:

-Creative
-Intuitive
-Persistent
-Empathetic
-Dramatic
-Artistic

In addition, persons with DYSLEXIA frequently possess these strengths:

-Have the ability to see the "big picture" with projects, ideas, etc.
-Possess strong, problem-solving skills
-Have excellent, critical thinking and reasoning skills
-Can think in fully-interactive, 3-dimensional environments
-Demonstrate lateral thinking
-Conceive objects from every possible angle
-Are capable of short periods of high focus
-Are acutely aware of surroundings
-Often inclined to think "outside the box"
-Can see patterns, connections and similarities that others cannot

Do any of these strengths look familiar as you think about your child or student with dyslexia? If not, please take another look. If you see several items that apply to a child you know, help him to channel that strength or further develop those talents. If you do, you will help him move in the direction of improving his self-esteem AND his chances of becoming a reader less challenged.

Sources & Resources:

10 Little-known Advantages of Dyslexia by Marianne Sunderland
This article from the Abundant Life blog lists some of the special talents and abilities of those with dyslexia. Also, a list of careers or vocations that work well for persons with dyslexia is provided.
http://www.mariannesunderland.com/2012/08/10-little-known-advantages-of-dyslexica/

strengths of dyslexia by Aidan Fitzpatrick
Basic list of strengths for persons with dyslexia
http://sourceforge.net/p/dyslexicgift/home/Home/

For more information on customizable reading tools for dyslexia, better focus & attention, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Websites for Dyscalculia & Dyspraxia

The third in a series of five articles with specific special needs resources

As planned and promised, we are continuing our series of articles containing helpful links to websites for specific special needs. This week, the websites presented are for dyscalculia and dyspraxia, two different disabilities that some consider as two other forms of dyslexia.

Before we present the best websites for these two learning challenges, however, we first want to provide good definitions for these learning issues.

What Is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities involving math. There is no single type of math disability. Dyscalculia can vary from person to person. It can also affect people differently at different stages of life. Using alternate learning methods, people with dyscalculia can achieve success. Currently, statistics vary regarding the incidence of this particular learning disability.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

What Is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is a neurological disorder throughout the brain that results in life-long impaired motor, memory, judgment, processing, and other cognitive skills. Dyspraxia also impacts the immune and central nervous systems. Each dyspraxic person has different abilities and weaknesses as dyspraxia often comes with a variety of comorbidities. One in ten persons in the U.S. suffers from dyspraxia.
(Source: Dyspraxia Foundation USA: Please see website link to follow below here.)

BEST Websites for Dyscalculia

National Center for Learning Disabilities---Dyscalculia
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/what-is-dyscalculia

about dyscalculia
http://aboutdyscalculia.org/resources.html

Dyscalculia.org-Math Tools
http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-tools

Apps to Help Students with Dyscalculia and Math Difficulties---by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (via NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-dyscalculia-math-difficulties

The British Dyslexia Association---Dyscalculia Primer & Resource Guide
http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/dyscalculiaprimerandresourceguide.htm

BEST Websites for Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia Foundation USA
http://www.dyspraxiausa.org/

Six Helpful Dyspraxia Resources---from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyspraxia/helpful-motor-skills-development-resources

Blog: occupationaltherapyforchildren.over-blog.com
http://occupationaltherapyforchildren.over-blog.com/article-dyspraxia-87698021.html

Dyspraxia (Children) – Symptoms (from NHS in the UK)
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dyspraxia-(childhood)/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

BRAIN.HE (Best Resources for Achievement and Intervention re Neurodiversity in Higher Education)
http://www.brainhe.com/students/types/dyspraxia.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC

Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!

Teachers are more than a little busy right now getting their classrooms ready for that first day of the new term. Parents are organizing their to-do lists preparing their children for a great academic year. Students are anticipating that first day with a new teacher. Challenged learners may actually be a bit anxious about the approaching weeks. However, everyone is getting in gear for the new school year!

Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, you are most likely interested in helpful apps and ready-to-use resources to help learners of all kinds and of all ages. We thought as a follow up to last week’s article entitled Math Made Easier for Challenged Learners, we would provide you with a list of direct links to all types of math apps, worksheets and other activities that would also be helpful for struggling learners. These can be used before or during the approaching fall term.

Please let us know if you are aware of other apps, downloadable worksheets or printable math activities of this kind. We will be more than glad to add them to the list below.

Have a great school year, everyone!

Helpful Math Apps

Math Apps for Children with Special Needs---from Dr. Gary James
Summaries and direct links to math apps for all kinds of learners
http://a4cwsn.com/tag/math/

Math Apps and Learning Tools for Kids (Apps listed for ages 2-14 years)
Learning and practicing math is always more fun when it’s part of a game. We like these apps and other related learning tools for how they use creative methods to teach kids math concepts.
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-app-lists/math-apps-and-learning-tools-for-kids

Apps for Special Needs (Math)
Download a complete list of Apps for Special Needs (PDF). Direct links provided to iTunes App Store for each app. When accessing the apps through this link, your will be helping to raise funds for special needs each time you purchase.
http://www.ihelpforspecialneeds.com/iHelpWelcome/Math_Apps.html

Helpful Math Worksheets & Printables

FREE Printable Math Grids and Other Math Helpers-from Do2Learn
These grids are easy to print and help to keep numbers in the correct column when adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. You can write the problem in colored pencil or ink and have the child use a regular pencil. Dot-to-dot number worksheets, a printable multiplication table and number lines are also available via this link.
http://www.do2learn.com/activities/mathhelpers/

FREE Math Worksheets-from K5 Learning
Printable worksheets for each grade level from K-6 are available via this site.
http://www.k5learning.com/free-math-worksheets

FREE Math Printables for Special Needs-from SENTeacher
Many excellent math printables are available here for all kinds of learners.
http://www.senteacher.org/print/mathematics/

Helpful Math Activities & Other RelatedResources for Special Needs

Math for the Fun of It!-from www.math.com
Here you will find a variety of enjoyable activities to assist you in teaching your child a few basic math concepts.
http://www.math.com/parents/articles/funmath.html

Math activities for special needs children
Here you will find e-books available online that include math activities and related resources for children with special needs.
http://www.mybookezzz.com/math-activities-for-special-needs-children/

Make Math More Fun for Your Special Needs Students with These Card Games!-from BrightHub Education

by Anne Vize
Most teachers in special education like to have a grab bag of ready-to-go activities they can pull out at a moment’s notice. These card games and activities work well with high school learners with low numeracy skills. Kids love playing with cards, and they provide age-appropriate learning skills.
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-inclusion-strategies/12360-five-great-math-card-games-for-special-education-learners/

Reading Focus Card (Model #001) can be used in many math applications, too.(Photo at right)

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: www.BrennanInnovators.com

Math Made Easier for Challenged Learners

Effective Math Resources ALL in One Place!

In our most recent articles, we have been offering tips and resources to help make the Back-to-School “journey” just a little bit easier. However, those offerings have been related to literacy and study skills. This week, we wanted to provide some effective yet easy-to-access resources for sharpening those math skills that may have become dormant over the summer break.

Over the past several weeks, we have been working on what we think is a great list of math links for parents and teachers of challenged learners to provide just this kind of assistance. In addition, we have categorized the resources according to learning style and level of technology. We hope you will find what we have here for you to be just the kind of math resources you need to help your child or your students get back into the math groove!

A. Math Resources for Visual Learners (Spatial) – For these learners, visual information (e.g. printed words, maps, charts, environmental cues) are needed for ease of learning.

Visualizing Multiplication
This is a great tool for those children who are struggling with multiplication facts.
http://www.classroomfreebies.com/2012/12/visualizing-multiplication.html

FREE Montessori Math Videos
YouTube has become a wonderful resource for parents and teachers searching for information on Montessori education. The math videos via this link can provide very helpful instruction.
http://sulia.com/livingmontessorinow/f/a0561600-00b3-40eb-bbc8-ceefe3651285/

B. Math Resources for Auditory Learners (Linguistic) – For these learners, spoken language is a preferred way of taking in and responding to information.

Auditory: Math Resources
A list of 9 resources to help teach math concepts via auditory methods
http://www.riverspringscharter.org/elementary-k-6/curriculum/learning-resources/learning-styles/Auditory-learners/auditory-math

Math and Skip Counting (Prices vary)
Here is a variety of math CDs from which to choose.
http://www.singnlearn.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=math&sid=pc2l04513d0y84d7a20l5n7za3299vk2

C. Math Resources for Kinesthetic Learners (Physical/Tactile) – For these learners, engaging in hands-on activity and getting feedback from physical sensations are important and helpful in facilitating learning and in demonstrating mastery of skills.

Turning Non-Traditional Games into Learning Fun
Take regular games that students are already familiar with and give them an educational “twist.” What’s the result? Math learning becomes FUN learning!
http://www.theorganizedclassroomblog.com/index.php/blog/turning-noneducational-games-into-learning-fun

Lego Math Game {Greater Than or Less Than}
Adding Lego to math learning can be much more fun for children. This activity is also quick and simple to put together – always a plus!
http://www.oneperfectdayblog.net/2013/03/27/lego-math-games/

Lego Math That Kids Love!
More math activities involving Legos
http://bestactivitiesforkids.com/lego-math/

D. Math Resources for Social Learners

How to Teach Math as a Social Activity
A master math teacher in Anchorage, Alaska, establishes a cooperative-learning environment in an upper-elementary classroom.
http://www.edutopia.org/math-social-activity-cooperative-learning-video

Cooperative Learning Techniques
by Gisele Glosser
Cooperative learning should not be used haphazardly. However, when used with a plan, it can offer many educational benefits. Most of all, it is just plain fun. Recommendations for implementation are provided in this article.
http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/coop_learning.html

Instructional Strategies
The strategies in provided in this article support active student participation in math lessons and allow teachers to assess the developing proficiency levels of all students in the class by walking around to monitor student responses.
http://mathwire.com/strategies/is.html

E. Tech Resources for Math (Apps, etc.)

Math Apps (for Apple devices)
By Sandra Fleming (Aug 8, 2013)
Reviews of and links to the BEST math apps for Back-to-School 2013
http://bestappsforkids.com/?cat=407

10 Outstanding Android Math Apps (2013)
For Android fans, here is a list of some great MATH apps to share with their students and kids. Includes basic math levels to algebra.
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/02/10-outstanding-android-math-apps.html

Other Related Resources

Learning Styles vs. Learning Disabilities – from the National Center for Learning Disabilities
Individuals respond to and use different types of information and approaches when engaged in learning. In addition, no one uses only one approach to learning all the time. This article presents basic information about learning styles and learning disabilities.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/what-is-ld/learning-styles-vs-learning-disabilities

Hear It, See It, Feel It – 24 Math Strategies for Your Auditory, Visual or Tactile Learner
Posted by Caroline Mukisa
http://www.mathsinsider.com/hear-it-see-it-feel-it-24-math-strategies-for-your-auditory-visual-or-tactile-learner/

30 of the Best Educational Tools for Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic Learners
A great list of technological tools for ALL kinds of learners
http://diplomaguide.com/articles/30_of_the_Best_Educational_Tools_for_Auditory_Visual_and_Kinesthetic_Learners.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: www.BrennanInnovators.com

Helpful Apps for Dyscalculia

The NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) describes dyscalculia as “a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities involving math. There is no single type of math disability. Dyscalculia can vary from person to person. And, it can affect people differently at different stages of life.

Two major areas of weakness can contribute to math learning disabilities:

• Visual-spatial difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing what the eye sees
• Language processing difficulties, which result in a person having trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears

Using alternate learning methods, people with dyscalculia can achieve success.”

As with many learning challenges, specific strategies, accommodations, tools and other resources can enable affected students to experience more learning success. It is no different with dyscalculia. Because of this, and as a result of several inquiries at Brennan Innovators for teaching materials and resources for dyscalculia, we thought this would be a very good time to provide a few apps for teachers and parents of children with this learning challenge.

Apps for Dyscalculia

Math Teacher by Gianluca Puggelli (for iPhone---price $.99)
This is an application that helps kids work with basic mathematical operations. It supports multiplication, division, addition and subtraction tables. The app can be of particular benefit to those challenged with dyscalculia.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/math-teacher/id419156026?mt=8

Telling Time by My Turn Mobile (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 3.0 or later---price $1.99)
This app has three levels allowing students to advance their skills. It compares the analog clock to the digital clock.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/telling-time/id346913342?mt=8

Coin Math by Recession Apps (for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.Requires iOS 4.3 or later---price $1.99)
This app begins with identification of coins, counting coins, making change, and shopping. This app allows users to advance levels.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/coin-math/id296596459?mt=8

A Math App: Multiplication Simplified – HD by App-Zoo (for iPad--Requires iOS 3.2 or later--price $.99)
This is a visual app that uses skip counting and is particularly good for those students who have difficulty with memorizing facts.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-math-app-multiplication/id392185727?mt=8

Algebra Touch (for Phone, iPod Touch, iPad--- Price: $2.99)
ALGEBRA TOUCH allows kids to manipulate and solve single-variable algebraic equations and terms in a very creative way. Kids drag their finger on the screen to move terms from one side of the equation to the other, or they can tap to factor or solve. A list of other algebra apps is also under development via this same link, so stay tuned!
http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-tools/apps-4-math/math-apps

A Collection of Multiplication Apps (for Apple, Android, Kindle Fire, & Nook devices-prices vary)
http://www.rocknlearn.com/html/multiplication-apps.htm

Other Resources for Dyscalculia

LDOnline Definition of and information on dyscalculia
http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709/

NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) Additional information on dyscalculia (includes warning signs and symptoms, treatment options, parent/teacher forum comments and other information)
http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia

Dyscalculia.org Website with “Math Learning Disability Resources”
http://www.dyscalculia.org/

References
1. LDOnline http://www.ldonline.org/article/13709/
2. NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities) http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia
3. Dyscalculia.org http://www.dyscalculia.org/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-language/ld-aamp-math/what-is-dyscalculia