What it means?

• Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty relating to mathematics
• It should not be confused with Dyslexia
• Children can be gifted in other curriculum areas, and still have Dyscalculia

What it looks like?

• Inability to learn number facts by rote
• Difficulty in reading or writing numbers
• Inconsistent answering sums
• Poor mental maths
• Inability to grasp formula
• Difficulty with time and time management
• Problems with sequencing
• Poor sense of direction
• Poor memory for layout
• Confusion with right and left
• Stress at lesson change over times
• Difficulties with games – losing track over whose turn it is
• Difficulties with money
• Cannot remember names or faces

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it does not automatically mean they have Dyscalculia. All specific educational needs have to be carefully diagnosed by a professional. If you have any concerns, please talk with your child’s class teacher, and they will investigate further.

What can parents do?

• Ask your child how they got their answer
• Explain new things step by step, and ask them to repeat back to you
• Use objects like buttons, money or sandpaper numbers to support their thinking
• Make maths as practical as possible
• Use number stories, such as ‘8 octopuses went to the shops to buy 64 shoes…’
• Use song tapes to learn times tables
• Encourage using the language of maths
• Make use of a computer
• Make use of a calculator 
• Acknowledge the trauma experienced when doing maths
• Encourage rough workings
• Play hide and seek games with number facts (e.g. Find where I have hidden 8x4=32, and once found, cover up the answer and ask what it is)
• Blue tak this week’s number facts up in strange places around the house - fridge, toilet door, laundry basket, socks drawer – and use colour to make it more memorable

Where can I get more information?

You can find out more about Dyscalculia by talking to your child’s class teacher or our Special Needs Co-ordinator. Alternatively, you can visit