Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia – A learning difficulty specific to mathematics with difficulty in:

- Understanding and doing word problems

- Sequencing information or events

- Using steps in maths operations

- Telling time

- Identifying number patterns (for example: values +/-, quantities, calculating multiplication and division of numbers etc.).

One of the early signs of dyscalculia can be difficulty with a skill called subitizing. Subitizing is the ability to look at a small group of objects and see how many there are without needing to count. Typically, people can subitize groups up to around five. After five, they may be able to subitize larger numbers if they are arranged in regular patterns – for example – it’s easier to recognise six when it is presented as two rows of three like we see on a dice than in random order.

For students with dyscalculia or any difficulties understanding maths concepts in class we use Maths-U-See multisensory blocks, fraction and percentage overlays. Again, we explicitly teach, using the CRA method.

Concrete, Representational, Abstract

We start with the Concrete (blocks, fraction overlays) so the students can SEE and FEEL what is happening.

We move to Representational, by drawing what is represented by the blocks.

And finally move to Abstract – a number in a book or on a whiteboard.

By the time we get to Abstract, they have a deep understanding of what that number or number sentence represents and means, it is not just a number of a page.

Multisensory methods often highlight connections between different mathematical ideas, helping students understand how concepts relate to one another, which is crucial for building a strong foundation.

A multisensory approach can create a more supportive and less intimidating learning environment, allowing students to explore and make mistakes without fear.

Overall, multisensory math interventions cater to the diverse needs of children with dyscalculia, and math anxiety, fostering confidence and improving their mathematical skills through engaging, varied, and interactive methods.

What People Say

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Tarnya Ackland

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Our daughter has been receiving tutor lessons since she was diagnosed with dyslexia in early 2021. Penne came recommended through our daughter’s school as a possible option of incorporating private tutor lessons in her learning plan. Our daughter loves Penne and the other tutors she has had over the course of time. Our daughter has flourished in her learning and a big part of that has been to do with the confidence she has built through tutoring and the care and support shown by her tutors. We will be forever grateful for the support, kindness and guidance Penne and her team have provided our daughter.

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We have been using PMB services in the tutoring space for many years. We are extremely happy with the ongoing support, learning, knowledge, and skills gained. I would highly recommend the team for tutoring with all year levels, including to year 12.

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My has attended PMB. And now my daughter is. Penne is fantastic at working with family that have ASD. Her team are also amazing.

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