How To Tell If Your Child Has Dyscalculia
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Date Published:
September 27th, 2018
Categories:
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia
Tags:
dyscalculia, dyslexia, multiplication help
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According to Childmind.org, the learning disability dyscalculia impacts between five and seven percent of elementary aged children. Dyscalculia refers to specific learning disabilities that affect a child’s ability to perform math, understand mathematical concepts, or understand numbers. Not all children who struggle with math have dyscalculia. Learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, and more have the ability to impact a child’s comprehension and performance in math. It is possible for kids to have dyscalculia in addition to other learning disabilities. In fact, many do. As a parent, it may be difficult to discern whether or not your child has dyscalculia, or whether they are struggling due to another issue at play. When it comes to dyscalculia, here is what to look for:
In General
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Difficulty with recognizing numbers.
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Delayed in learning to count.
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Struggle to connect numerical symbols.
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Struggle to recognize patterns and place things in order.
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Lose track when counting.
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Need visual aids to help count.
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Have significant difficulty learning basic math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.).
Preschool Children
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When your child has trouble connecting numbers to things. For example, if you ask your child to bring you a plate with four cookies on it, they will not know which one to bring.
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They have trouble sorting items. For example, if you asked them to help you sort the silverware, they could not put forks, knives, and spoons into categories.
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They have trouble with concepts involving time. For example, they may believe something takes much longer than it actually does.
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Your child will struggle with counting. They may skip over numbers long after kids the same age can remember the correct order.
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Cannot recognize patterns. For example, they cannot discern smallest to largest, or tallest to shortest.
Elementary School
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When your child has trouble learning and recalling basic math facts.
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When they still use their fingers to count instead of using mental math.
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They struggle to identify math signs and to use them correctly. (+,- , etc.).
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Still struggle with understanding math phrases like “greater than”, or “less than”.
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They have trouble with place value, putting numbers in the wrong column.
Middle School
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When your child is afraid of getting lost, and has a hard time with directions.
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Your child will still avoid the use of numbers. For example, they won’t make a phone call if it means looking up a number.
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When they still have trouble with time.
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When they have trouble with comparing things. For example, tall vs. short, or small vs. large.
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They struggle with math concepts like 3 + 5 is the same as 5 + 3.
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They struggle to understand math language and come up with a plan to solve math problems. If they become frustrated with math homework, that is a signal that they may be having a hard time understanding.
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They struggle to keep score in sports.
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They may avoid situations that require understanding numbers. For example, they will avoid games that involve math.
High School
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When they struggle to understand charts and graphs.
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They struggle applying math concepts to money. For example, they struggle with making exact change and calculating a tip.
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They have trouble measuring things like ingredients in a recipe or liquid in a bottle.
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When they lack confidence in activities that require understanding speed, distance, and direction. For example, they may get lost easily.
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They have trouble finding different approaches to the same math problem. For example, adding the length and width of a rectangle and doubling the answer to solve for perimeter rather than adding up all the sides.
If your child is showing any one of these signs, they may have dyscalculia. As their parent, it’s important to make sure you are clear that there’s nothing wrong with them, and you’re going to help them understand math. My Multiplication Magic is the revolutionary math curriculum to help your child with dyscalculia and dyslexia understand multiplication for good. No more frustration, no more tears, you will finally get to see your child feel pride in their performance in math. Contact us here and learn more about how to find a My Multiplication Magic coach near you!
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Tips For Homework Completion for Dyslexic Students: When The Going Gets Tough
Date Published:
September 6th, 2018
Categories:
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia, Education
Homework is not always a joyous process for parents and children. For a child with dyslexia, it can be even more frustrating to keep up the pace of academic rigor after the final bell has rung. When homework is seen as a barrier to the rest and relaxation that should be afforded at home, it becomes an agonizing race against the clock to finish up and unwind with some type of recreational activity.
With all that is expected of our students at school these days, it’s no wonder that we are seeing test scores, grade point averages, and student motivation plummet as they struggle to strike a balance between work and play. Kids should be able to play, right? Homework is not soon going away, however, so it becomes necessary to employ some strategies to make time flow smoothly at home for parents and students.
Children with dyslexia have a different way of communicating and relating to peers and family members. They struggle to formulate words into sentences that convey their intended meaning. Conflicts breed the need to develop coping mechanisms that may evolve into anger and resistance as they don’t feel heard. By learning to listen to what they are saying, we remove those frustrating emotions that become barriers to learning in and of themselves, and you form a basis of mutual trust as you sit down together to tackle the books. Here are some other strategies to employ when designing homework time that doesn’t intrude on family time:
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Be empathetic. Look at the challenge of homework from your child’s perspective; they are dealing with learning new material with the limitations of a learning disability. It can be extremely frustrating at times to assimilate new information even without additional processing challenges. Provide opportunities for breaks, and listen to fears and concerns that he has about learning. Many times after a break or some time to explore feelings, he will be ready to try once more.
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Reframe mistakes. Look for teachable moments, and model what it is like to try again after failing. Revel in the successes that your child does have, and build upon that experience by encouraging him to try again. Mistakes are a natural part of life; they are how we learn, and if we can reframe these moments as opportunities for learning and growth, we might come to welcome them.
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Customize study techniques for your child. If you child studies best in the comfort of his bedroom, then let him sprawl out on the floor with his materials. If you feel that this time might go more smoothly if the two of you take up residence at the dining room and take up some table space. Perhaps he can take a break from reading and writing to draw while you dictate some text. Whatever your arrangement, keep the lines of communication open between the two of you so that you can adjust your situation to meet the needs of your learner.
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Come prepared. There is no point in trying to assist your child with homework if you are not familiar with what he is studying. Do your homework ahead of time; ask your child’s teacher for strategies on completing assignments at home, and be prepared to help your child through difficult tasks; it will save both of you valuable time and needless frustration.
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Focus on multi-sensory activities. Kids that struggle to learn are easily bored. Engage his other senses by providing gum to chew, fidgets to work with, and a yoga ball to perch on while studying. Engaging the whole body is engaging the whole child, and perhaps some of these other multi-sensory strategies will take attention off his academic struggles. Move, stretch, listen to music, make up a rhyme as you march around the room reciting information by rote; make it fun by switching activities and employing new techniques that keep your child entertained while learning.
There are a number of techniques that are tried and true to make homework more engaging and fun for children with dyslexia. At My Multiplication Magic, we provide step by step techniques for taking the drudgery out of homework. With our proven system, we take the struggle out of learning and provide fun and engaging activities that will reignite a passion for learning within your child. Visit us today for more information at www.mymultiplicationmagic.com. Your exciting path to learning awaits you!
References
Bridgman, Sue. “Succeed with My Multiplication Magic.” My Multiplication Magic, www.mymultiplicationmagic.com/.
Witherson, Kris. “8 Tips to Help Your Dyslexic Child With Learning.” WeHaveKids, WeHaveKids, 2017, wehavekids.com/education/dyslexia-in-children-2.
Ziegler, John. “Understanding Dyslexia: 5 Ways to End the Homework Struggle.” Scientific Learning, 6 July 2016, www.scilearn.com/blog/understanding-dyslexia-homework-struggles.
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What Is Dyscalculia?
Date Published:
August 29th, 2018
Categories:
Dyscalculia is a term referring to learning disabilities involving math. It is sometimes called, “math dyslexia”, although dyscalculia and dyslexia are not the same thing. Experts estimate that three to six percent of the population suffers from some form of dyscalculia. This may seem like a small percentage, however that is 210,000,000 people who have a learning disability that impairs their ability to learn math.
Children with dyscalculia struggle learning many parts of math. Generally, they don’t understand quantities or concepts like smallest and biggest. They often have a hard time understanding the concept of number sense. For example, they do not understand that, “7” is the same as “seven”. They also have trouble with recalling math facts, understanding the logic behind math, but not how to execute solving problems. For example, they may have a hard time keeping numbers in their minds while doing math problems with multiple steps.
General Symptoms Of Dyscalculia:
If you see one of your students (if you’re a teacher), or your child (as a parent) exhibiting these symptoms, they may have dyscalculia and need another approach to learning math.
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Using their fingers to count out answers to math problems.
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Having trouble recalling basic math facts.
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Having difficulty linking numbers and symbols to amounts and directions.
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Struggling with making sense of money.
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Inability to tell time.
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Inability telling left from right.
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Difficulty with recognizing patterns and sequencing numbers.
Dyscalculia looks different at different ages. It often becomes more apparent as kids get older. Here’s what to look for in different age stages:
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Preschool: If they have trouble with counting, that’s the first sign. They exhibit signs of dyscalculia when they skip over numbers long after kids their own age, when they struggle to recognize patterns and number symbols, and don’t understand the meaning of counting.
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Elementary: In elementary school, a student shows signs of dyscalculia when they struggle identifying plus and minus signs, have difficulty identifying, learning, and remembering basic math facts, have trouble understanding words related to math (“greater than” vs. “less than”), and cannot recognize visual-spatial representations of numbers.
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Middle School: In middle school, a child may be struggling with dyscalculia when they have a difficult time understanding place value, cannot write numerals clearly or put them in the correct place, have trouble with fractions and measuring, and cannot keep score in sports.
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High School: In high school, students struggling with dyscalculia will have a hard time applying math concepts to money, have difficulty grasping information in graphs or charts, and have trouble finding different approaches to the same math problem.
Dyscalculia is not a phase, it’s not something that can be cured or treated with medication. This is how your child’s, or any child who struggles, processes math concepts. Often by the time a child is diagnosed with dyscalculia, their math foundation is extremely shaky. Reinforce part of their math foundation with My Multiplication Magic. When you take steps to approach math differently for your student or child, you’ll discover the magic of empowerment and success for them.
Categories:
Overcoming Barriers To Learning In The Classroom
Date Published:
August 21st, 2018
Categories:
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia, Education
The privilege of receiving an education is one of the greatest opportunities we can grasp as we grow. Our time in school should be joyous, exciting, and inspiring as we take what we learn and decide who we want to become.
For a child experiencing barriers to learning, however, school can be an incredibly frustrating experience.
What is a barrier to learning?
Simply put, a barrier to learning is any obstacle that stands in the way of a child receiving the best education that is possible for him. Barriers to learning can be environmental, social, emotional, or even physiological as he struggles to learn concepts and retain facts. There are many factors that influence a child’s ability to learn and grow; identifying these barriers and putting systems in place to overcome them is the key to creating an environment of success for every individual.
Common barriers to learning
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Environmental barriers to learning can include a child’s surroundings, the way that a learning environment is set up physically, and even the temperature of the room learning is taking place in. Other factors affecting this type of barrier include the type of environment a child is coming to school from—if a student does not feel safe and supported at home, he is unlikely to be motivated to succeed in school.
Overcoming environmental barriers: If this type of environmental chaos is taking place in the learning environment, teachers must recognize the need for changes in a child’s immediate surroundings to eliminate some of the distractions. In addition, knowing what challenges a student faces when transitioning from home to school might be helpful in minimizing the need for adaptations. For instance, knowing that a child may not have eaten breakfast before coming to school might be easily solved by the teaching providing a snack so that the student feels supported in his learning environment.
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Social/emotional barriers have to do with the interpersonal relationships that a child has in his life, and how these relationships make him feel about himself and the world around him. Social/emotional barriers can also include mental health and behavioral challenges that the student displays as a result of his environment or life circumstances. Social and emotional health is fast becoming the focus of many districts as educators receive an increasing number of students each year who are simply not emotionally or socially prepared to handle the demands of academic work.
Overcoming social/emotional barriers: Knowing a child’s background and challenges that he faces as he comes to the classroom are keys to being able to unlock his academic potential. Watching for indicators of social and emotional difficulty will allow you to intervene and help a student learn new behaviors as ways of dealing with their areas of distress. Providing the student with opportunities ways to express himself in healthy ways, modeled by adults that he knows and trusts, will be instrumental in helping him break patterns that previously held him back.
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Physiological barriers are difficulties that may exist as a result of a student’s mind or body being compromised. A child with learning disabilities or a physical challenge of some sort would be an example of a child with physiological barriers to learning. A child with physiological challenges often feels as if his ability to learn is out of his control, and that he might not have the opportunities for success that other children are afforded simply because they are “normal”. A child with physiological barriers to learning often struggles also with social and emotional difficulties as well as a result of their condition and the view they have of themselves.
Overcoming physiological barriers: With barriers to learning such as these, there comes the additional challenge of a diagnosis in order to accurately describe and treat conditions with proven interventions. For a child with diminished fine motor skills due to a physical handicap, modification of educational tools and even his surroundings will be necessary to give him opportunities for learning and growth. A child with a cognitive disorder or a learning disability, such as dyslexia, would need strategies for overcoming his limitations and tools to make his educational pathway a bit easier as he navigates through his own process of learning.
Providing support and assistance
With today’s innovative educational and technology tools, it is becoming easier to identify barriers to learning and remove them to enhance a child’s education. With each type of barrier, there are unique ways of addressing concerns and then minimizing the challenges that exist for a student.
My Multiplication Magic is one such tool; a revolutionary system designed to assist students with learning challenges associated with memory retention and learning by rote. With My Multiplication Magic, learning becomes fun as students quickly learn math facts basics and real-life application of mathematical concepts in a whole new way. If your child is struggling with their school experience, and you suspect it may have something to do with barriers to learning, contact us today to recreate a better learning experience for you and your child.
References
Briethaupt, Teresa, and Susan Ferencz. “Student Mental Health Resources.” Eliminating Barriers To Learning, 2017, www.ocde.us/HealthyMinds/Documents/OCDE%20Elim%20Slides%20%5BNovember%202013%5D%20lv.pdf.
“Personal Effectiveness.” Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model, 2018, www.accipio.com/eleadership/mod/wiki/view.php?id=1683.
“What Are Learning Barriers.” Answers, Answers Corporation, 2018, www.answers.com/Q/What_are_learning_barriers.
“What Are the Most Common Barriers to Learning in School?” Success at School, 2018, successatschool.org/blog/507/What-are-the-Most-Common-Barriers-to-Learning-in-School.
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I’m Dyslexic, But I’m Not Stupid: A Child’s View Of Dyslexia
Date Published:
August 13th, 2018
Categories:
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia, Education
As a student, being diagnosed with a learning disability such as dyslexia is a challenge. Not only does it make a child feel “singled out” and “different”, it can cause other issues as well.
People on the outside of the diagnosis looking in may assume things about the learner. For instance:
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They may assume that the child is not as intelligent as others
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They may think that the diagnosis has something to do with living conditions or developmental experience
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They may even think that the learning disability is a result of neglect on the part of the parents.
In order to effectively treat these children, we must not only understand the nature of the dyslexia, but we must also understand where they are coming from emotionally in order to nurture the whole child.
What is dyslexia?
As parents and educators, it is important to know that dyslexia is a biological disorder, not a social/emotional dysfunction. Dyslexia runs in the genes; parents who struggle with dyslexia and other related disorders are far more likely to have children with similar diagnoses. When we view it from an objective biological lens, it is easier for everyone involved to separate academic performance from social emotional concerns that may be happening simultaneously. It is important that all concerns are addressed as a child moves through school, to provide support where it is needed and strengthen areas of weakness as they become known.
What is my child thinking?
A diagnosis of dyslexia for your child is earth shaking for parents. Just what is your child going through as they learn of their “label”, and learn to navigate their learning path in a different way? Most preschoolers who have been diagnosed are just as happy and well adjusted as other students, with struggles beginning to emerge as they realize that the way they desire to learn and the way they are able to learn do not necessarily match up. What is your child thinking about himself, and what is he thinking about his strengths and weaknesses as he comes to terms with his pathway to success? Here are some things that your child might wish to tell you.
“I know I have this challenge, but I’m not stupid.”
Your child may feel different from others, and this can be a frustrating experience. When children begin to differentiate from their peers, it can cause feelings of anger, sadness, and even grief that their process will be more difficult. However, they are not unintelligent, nor should they be treated as such. A child with dyslexia may have gifts in other areas that far exceed those of his peers, and those should be nurtured while dealing with learning challenges to help build self esteem and confidence in his abilities.
“I am sad at times that I can’t do things as well as others.”
Competition is a normal part of development. A child looks at others to determine what he should be doing, and assesses his level of normalcy based on what he perceives. It may make your child sad that he has a learning disability, but you can help him overcome these temporary feelings of sadness by focusing on his successes, strengths, and reinforcing your unconditional acceptance of who your child is at his core.
“I have to work harder than others to get what I want.”
That is true—a child with dyslexia has to work twice as hard at tasks like speaking and comprehension, because what he sees and translates initially does not make sense. Once he develops strategies for coping with this challenge, and learns to manage the mental and sometimes physical exhaustion that come with it, he will use his successes to propel him forward in achieving even more.
“Sometimes I just don’t understand, and I can’t express myself.”
A child with dyslexia struggles with comprehension AND expression, and sometimes the demand for verbal expression may simply be too much for him. Providing materials that he can work with, such as visuals and drawing aids, may help him to understand and communicate with the world around him as his language skills develop.
“I may be different, and I may have this challenge, but I will learn to deal with and overcome it.”
Everyone has good days and bad days. On good days, your child may feel like he can deal with his unique learning pathway, and that it is okay to be different. In actuality, dyslexia is far more common than most people realize–a projected 40 million Americans have dyslexia, with only 2 million having an actual diagnosis of the condition. On bad days, however, your child will need extra academic, emotional and social support, and you will need to remind him that it is okay to be who he is. He is not alone.
Partnering Together For Success
No one knows your child better than you do. If you suspect that your child is struggling with a learning disability of any kind, partner together with their teachers to determine what the best course of action is for him. Dyslexia is an opportunity to rise above challenges and experience success amidst adversity.
At My Multiplication Magic, we have tools and knowledge to help your child succeed, no matter what challenges he faces. Our innovative approach to learning combines engaging activities and one on one support to create success after success. Contact us today at www.mymultiplicationmagic.com for more information on how to help your child succeed in school and in life. Learning should be fun; let us help show you and your child the joy of learning once more. Here’s to your continued success!
Sources:
Marianne, et al. “The Emotional Side of Dyslexia: A Child’s Perspective.” Homeschooling with Dyslexia, 19 Mar. 2018, homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/emotional-side-dyslexia/.
Mailonline, Abigail Beall For. “What It’s REALLY like to Read with Dyslexia: Simulator Reveals How Letters and Words Appear to People with the Condition.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 7 Mar. 2016, www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3480257/What-s-REALLY-like-read-dyslexia-Simulator-reveals-letters-words-appear-people-condition.html.
“Social and Emotional Problems Related to Dyslexia.” General Information About Speech and Language Disorders | LD Topics | LD OnLine, www.ldonline.org/article/19296/.
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Tutoring Toolbox Blog Post #1: Is Tutoring the Right Career For You?
Date Published:
August 6th, 2018
Categories:
Have you ever been told by others that you are a caring person, a good listener, or a quick problem solver? According to the Meyers-Briggs personality test people who ascribe to the ESFJ (Caregivers) personality type tend to thrive in the teaching field because they believe in ”… inspiring people to see their long-term potential, and in providing structure to pursue their identified path.” If you are someone that likes to help others grow and progress in their education, you may be the perfect person to become a tutor, but remember, tutoring is more than simply teaching. Tutors are responsible for creating and growing their own personal business including networking with parents and finding new clients. Additionally, tutors have many responsibilities like:
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Managing appointments
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Requesting payment from parents
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Researching topics
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Marketing their businesses
Tutors also have the responsibility of educating others. This may include creating and conducting assessments, reviewing classwork, writing lesson plans, and monitoring student achievement over time among many others. And remember, this may be for one student or even a handful of students.
There is a lot to think about, so before you jump into tutoring, first take our quiz to see if it may be right for you.
Questions:
Q1 Do you feel comfortable starting your own business and maintaining it by yourself?
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Yes b) No c) I don’t know
Q2 Does teaching come naturally to you?
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Yes b) No c) I don’t know
Q3 Do you feel comfortable making new connections, meeting new people, and promoting yourself to others?
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Yes b) No c) I don’t know
Q4 Do you like helping or providing service to others?
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Yes b) No c) I don’t know
Q5 Do you know how to provide positive reinforcement to others and help support them while they learn?
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Yes b) No c) I don’t know
Q5 Can you research answers when you don’t know the answer already?
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Yes b) No c) I don’t know
Answers:
Mostly A’s : You are a natural teacher who likely feels comfortable encouraging students to achieve their goals. Tutoring can be a great career choice for you.
Mostly B’s : Tutoring may or may not be right for you, but don’t give up just yet. Try volunteering at a school, working with your friends’ children on their homework, or taking a class in education. More experience teaching could help you feel more comfortable with the idea of tutoring.
Mostly C’s : You’re unsure right now, but with experience, practice, and planning for the future, you may make an excellent tutor. Take your time, do your research, and think before you make a decision to move into this field.
When in doubt, ask yourself, do I have some of the traits of a good tutor? Am I an extrovert? Do I encourage others regularly? Do I feel better about myself when I’ve helped out a friend? Are you patient? Do I feel comfortable with a little bit of uncertainty? Can you sustain a business by yourself?
Again, if your answer is mostly “yes”, then consider tutoring as a career. Your students will be grateful to have someone as caring and thoughtful as you, and you’ll be happy you have a job you love.
2018 by Adele Martin
At My Multiplication Magic, we are here to help you in your new pursuit of your dream to be a tutor/coach to those students you care about. Don’t let the unknown or fear stand in the way of helping these students achieve success learning their facts. They say FEAR stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. We will cheer you on and support you in our community to encourage you to get going on your new adventure.
2018 Sue Bridgman/CEO & Founder of My Multiplication Magic
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Dyslexia and Emerging Technology
Date Published:
August 6th, 2018
Categories:
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia, Technology
When breaking through some of the myths and stigmas surrounding dyslexia and dyscalculia, it’s important to remember a few key facts. About 70%-80% of people globally who have reading disabilities or poor reading skills suffer from dyslexia specifically.
One in five students, or 15%-20% of the population, has a language based learning disability. Dyslexia, affects three million people a year, and dyscalculia impacts 6%of the population.
What all this means is that these are common things many people around the world deal with everyday and that dyslexia and dyscalculia are two of the more common educational disabilities in the world.
Help From Technology
Through technology, a lot can be accomplished in coping with and succeeding with these disabilities. We luckily live in a time where there are advantages and strategies like never before. No longer do we live in a time where being dyslexic is misdiagnosed or taboo.
In fact, we live in a time where emerging technologies are making meaningful differences in the lives of people with dyslexia and dyscalculia.
Text To Speech
This widely used software allows individuals to have written materials read aloud to them. For those who have difficulty with reading comprehension, this can be a real gamechanger.
Mind Mapping Software
Mind mapping software is a technology that allows individuals to organize and clarify their own internal thoughts before writing them down. The emphasis is on visual learning which entails the use of keywords, colors, and other images to help concentrate focus and comprehension.
Electronic Worksheets
Specifically helpful for those with dyscalculia, electronic math worksheets help individuals organize, align, and work through math problems from a computer screen. Numbers that appear on the screen can be read aloud with a speech synthesizer, similar to the technology mentioned above.
This can be of help to individuals who have trouble aligning math problems with pencil and paper.
Google has a host of built-in tools and extensions for dyslexic users. The Chrome browser has a search by voice feature for example. There are numerous Chrome extensions available as well and more are being added every day.
Read & Write For Google is one such example. This extension provides numerous support structures depending on the type of content being used. A toolbar features text-to-speech with synchronized highlighting, a talking dictionary, a picture dictionary, and annotation tools.
Ginger is a contextual spelling and grammar checker which functions a little differently than traditional spellcheck. Rather than simply look for misspelled words, Ginger analyzes the context in which the word is being used. It also suggests alternative phrasing for sentence construction.
Technology Emerging
There are plenty of emerging products and services which help students cope with various learning disabilities including dyslexia and dyscalculia. Our system, MyMultiplicationMagic, draws on a multisensory learning model which seeks to engage struggling students on multiple fronts to aid comprehension and retention.
As more technologies become available, dyslexia and dyscalculia will benefit from continued innovation which makes coping with these conditions more manageable.
Resources Used:
Stanberry, Kristin. Rasking, Marshall, Ph.D – Dyscalculia.org
http://www.dyscalculia.org/math-ld-books/math-tools
Categories:
Social Emotional Support For Children With Learning Disabilities
Date Published:
July 30th, 2018
Categories:
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia, Education
When your child is diagnosed with a learning disability, it can be natural to have concerns about what they will struggle with as they continue on their educational pathway. What we also need to realize is that they may also struggle with their diagnosis, and they may develop anxieties and emotional concerns around their diagnosis.
While not all children become angry, frustrated, and withdrawn from their peers as they work through their challenges, it is quite common to experience periods of stress and anxiety as they learn to cope with the demands that their learning disability has placed upon them as they learn.
Signs Of Emotional/Social Struggle
Students with learning disabilities soon realize that their learning experience is different from that of their peers. They can indicate their emotional distress about their diagnosis in many different ways, including:
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Negative self-talk and low self-esteem
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Increasing anxiety around schoolwork and academic performance
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Irritability, sadness, bouts of crying
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Angry outbursts and aggression at home and school
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Physical symptoms such as stomach aches and headaches
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Lack of motivation
As parents, it can be frustrating and disheartening to watch your children struggle to come to terms with a learning disability. We must be proactive and positive even though we, too, may be feeling some of these same emotions. Being a source of strength for a struggling child is one of the most challenging things a parent must do, but there are some steps to take that will minimize stress and even promote a better relationship with him/her.
How To Help Your Child
If you see that your child is having difficulty with a learning disability diagnosis, you can show support in many ways.
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If your child feels like they are “dumb” or “stupid”–Let your child know that their diagnosis has NOTHING to do with their level of intelligence; it simply means that they learn differently than their peers. While there might be a few more roadblocks to sidestep, there are ways to overcome learning challenges and find success in school and beyond.
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If your child feels like they “stick out,” or that others know about their disability–Getting pulled from a regular academic setting and placed into remedial or special needs groups is bound to make kids feel like they are different from others. It can be a blow to their delicate self-esteem. Make sure that they are receiving praise from you and from teachers about the progress they are making. Be sensitive to emotions and needs as they come up; do not dismiss them as fleeting thoughts. Be supportive of friendships and mentorships that develop as a result of participation in these groups; these friends and teachers could be a source of support and strength to your child in the future.
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If your child is “tired of trying,” and just plain exhausted–Children with learning disabilities need to work harder to process information. Their bodies, minds, and emotions are just plain worn out at the end of a long school day. Be mindful of goals that you are setting for school and at home; children who experience success with modest goals are more likely to try for more rigorous benchmarks if they feel successful as well. Provide breaks from work when necessary, and continue to praise praise praise! They are working so hard, and they want to overcome their challenges just as badly as you want them to as well. Continue to encourage them on bad days, push them to achieve on their good days, and remember that consistency vital to success in learning.
Get support if you need it
The most difficult aspect of parenting at times is to remember to take care of yourself as well. If you are attempting to burn the candle at both ends, reach out for support from others who are traveling similar pathways. Also, it might be necessary to:
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Keep the lines of communication open between you and other family members. Reach out and ask for help if you need it.
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Care for yourself physically and emotionally so you can continue to be in a healthy space for your child.
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Join support groups and other communities that can provide you with valuable resources and information to help you and your child.
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Partner with therapists, teachers, and tutors to make sure that you are all functioning as a team when providing care.
Comfort yourself with the knowledge that your situation is shared by many, and there is help and support available to you and your whole family. A learning disability for your child is not a life sentence; it is an opportunity to learn and grow right alongside your child, inspiring each other as you blast through challenges to success.
Sue Bridgman
CEO/Founder of My Multiplication Magic
“Supporting the Emotional Needs of Kids With Learning Disabilities.” Child Mind Institute, Child Mind Institute, 29 Mar. 2018, childmind.org/article/supporting-the-emotional-needs-of-kids-with-disabilities/.
Kemp, Gina, et al. “Helping Children with Learning Disabilities: Practical Parenting Tips for Home and School.” Depression in Older Adults: Recognizing the Signs of Elderly Depression and Getting Treatment, 2018, www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/helping-children-with-learning-disabilities.htm
“New to LD.” Learning Disabilities Association of America, 2017, ldaamerica.org/support/new-to-ld/
Categories:
Things Parents and Teachers Need to Know About Dyslexia
Date Published:
July 26th, 2018
Categories:
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia, Education
Going to school should be a place of fun and excitement, not stress and chaos. For a child with a learning disability such as dyslexia, school is a scary and unwelcoming place. Tasks that other children find joyous and simple to undertake are challenging and frustrating. Quite often, a diagnosis such as dyslexia goes undetected until a child begins to read and write, with differences between these children and their peers becoming more prevalent with every literary task they are given.
If a diagnosis of dyslexia occurs early on, usually in the first few years of a child’s education, it is possible to address learning difficulties and create a joyous learning experience once more. On the other hand, if these students slip through the cracks, it becomes more difficult to deal with learning concerns and emotional anxieties that come with not being able to process information as their peers do.
Silent suffering: Things Parents And Teachers Must Know About Dyslexia
Students may suffer in silence for a time, not realizing that their difficulties in processing are not what others are experiencing. They may not be able to advocate for themselves, so it is essential that parents and teachers have a good understanding of what to look for and how to create a supportive learning environment for these children. Here is how you can help:
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Understand that a child with dyslexia gets physically exhausted after a long day of processing. Because the brain is less efficient at processing letters, sounds, and words, the child has to work harder to unscramble all of the information that is being shown to them. They will be tired–have some type of downtime or refreshing activity that they can participate in after school before switching right over to more homework.
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There will be good days……and there will be bad days. Some days a child may feel like they are really conquering his learning challenges, and others it seems as if they have forgotten all of the progress they have made. This is bound to take an emotional toll as well. Be understanding and supportive as you stress that you are in it for the long haul; you are there to make sure that they receive all of the help they need.
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Dyslexia affects everyone differently. The impact that dyslexia has on a child depends on the severity of their condition as well as the time at which it was diagnosed and interventions begin. While some children with early interventions in place can learn to read, write, and process written information efficiently, others may have difficulty with that as well as challenges with understanding spoken language patterns. Children with dyslexia can also struggle with memory and recall issues, which makes tasks like math facts memorization difficult as well. Intervention and treatment will teach children coping strategies to manage their difficulties in the classroom and beyond, so it is essential that these be started as soon as possible.
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Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that is passed down through families. Researchers at Yale School Of Medicine have linked a mutation in the DCDC2 gene to dyslexia, with the result being a disruption in the formation of brain circuits that make it possible to process written information. Chances are, if the family has a history of dyslexia, it is far more likely for a child to have the disorder.
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Children with dyslexia may have social and emotional difficulties as well. It is difficult for a child to realize that they learn differently from their peers. Over time, if dyslexia is not properly diagnosed and treated, it can lead to social difficulties for children and adults as well as emotional issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem. Early intervention aids in reducing or eliminating these issues with proper support from parents, teachers, and peers.
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Dyslexia is a common learning disorder, and the child is not at fault! An estimated 40 million Americans have dyslexia. A portion of this staggering population has not even been formally diagnosed, and they are living and functioning with the condition daily. The good news is, many people who have dyslexia go on to lead successful, happy lives after high school and college, thanks to people that rally around them in support of fostering their natural talents and abilities.
Find out, and get the help you need
Putting interventions and learning strategies in place to target learning difficulties will be instrumental in creating a learning environment that primes students for success. At My Multiplication Magic, we combine the latest educational research along with cutting-edge technologies to make learning accessible. Dyslexia can touch almost all aspects of a child’s education; we want to work with you to develop strategies for success that make sense to all learners. Let’s learn together in a fun and engaging environment–contact us today at www.mymultiplicationmagic.com to get started on your path to success!
Sue Bridgman/CEO & Founder of My Multiplication Magic
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Johnson, Eric. “10 Facts Parents Should Know.” Nessy US, www.nessy.com/us/parents/dyslexia-information/10-facts-every-parent-needs-know/
“Dyslexia In The Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs To Know.” International Dyslexia Association, International Dyslexia Association, 2017, dyslexiaida.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DITC-Handbook.pdf.
Categories:
Dyslexia and Dyscalculia: How Multisensory Learning Can Help
Date Published:
July 16th, 2018
Categories:
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia, Education
Language-based learning disabilities affect anywhere from 15-20% of the adult population.Of those, dyslexia is by far the most common. Whether you’re a parent, a sibling, a teacher, or caretaker; odds are you’ve encountered dyslexia before.
Another less common but equally frustrating condition is dyscalculia. Essentially “dyslexia but with numbers,” people with dyscalculia struggle to solve math problems and other calculations. Not as common as dyslexia, dyscalculia may affect up to 6% of the population.
If you’ve encountered either of these conditions, you’ve witnessed the pain and frustration it brings to a child (or young adult) as they struggle to grasp what seems so easy for others. In your position, you’ve no doubt felt that frustration as well. Dyslexia is a common struggle, however that doesn’t make it any less impactful.
Many of us take for granted our reading or mathematical comprehension. However, for those afflicted, it can be a nightmare. However, there are ways to ease the pain, enhance learning, and most importantly, improve performance.
Multisensory Learning
In most structured learning environments, students only use one or two senses. For example, a student may be reading in a book or listening to a teacher. They may be doing one or both of these at the same time such as following along in a textbook while the teacher speaks.
As the name implies, multisensory learning engages more than these senses. It includes sight, sound, touch, as well as movement (kinesthetic) to convey information. These actions all engage different parts of the brain and can be incredibly effective for students who struggle to learn through traditional instruction.
For adults, you may have experienced multisensory learning already if you’ve ever attended a wine tasting or even a cooking class.If you were to read a book or listen to a podcast devoted to wine,this would more closely mirror a traditional learning environment.Sight and/or sound.
However, a wine tasting encourages participation and interaction. Attendees listen to information about the wine, its origin, or creation. When sampling, participants are instructed to take note of the sight, smell, and taste of the wine for a more immersive experience. An interactive cooking class would function in much the same way.
Multisensory learning for dyslexia operates in a similar fashion by using more than just sight and sound to convey information. By incorporating multiple senses, students engage more of their brain and body in the learning process.
This helps students connect with material in a different way. It can also help them to associate new information with information they already possess. It presents a more immersive experience which engages both verbal and non-verbal problem solving skills.
Lastly, multisensory learning helps students and educators discover the best learning style for that particular individual’s needs.
Results Driven
Multisensory learning can benefit students with both dyslexia and dyscalculia. It is a targeted approach which relies on engaging the students directly in a sequential and systematic fashion. My Multiplication Magic, a multisensory learning approach for learning the facts, is a great lifeboat for those struggling to stay afloat in an ocean of words and numbers.
Sue Bridgman/Founder of My Multiplication Magic
Categories:
Welcome to My Multiplication Magic Monday Moments Blog
Date Published:
July 16th, 2018
Categories:
Welcome to the new website for My Multiplication Magic! Stay tuned here for our latest updates, articles, and practical tips. Every Monday we will post practical, useful, and intriguing articles as you learn more about dyslexia, dyscalculia, and starting your own tutoring business or using this curriculum in your classroom.