My child is doing fine in reading and writing, but math is so difficult. Why is it so hard and what should I do?
Answer: A child can have a form of dyslexia in just math known as dysnomia or dyscalculia and not in reading or writing. The misconception is that if numbers or letters are not reversed, then they can't have dyslexia.
Dyslexia can show up in some subjects and not be present in others. It can be in reading but not writing, speaking but not reading and so forth..
If you ask your child, “How much does a car cost which is a general math-money concept, they may reply $200,000. If you ask them how much does the house cost they may reply $2,000. This may surprise you. Try to start with the basic concept that houses cost more than cars. Money is not the same as math. Math is not the same as money. We all know people who have a high income and are deeply in debt or lost some possessions. They know math but are eluded when it comes to applying the math towards a budget. Then there are adults with low incomes that can manage their money quite well.
Once the general concept of money is understood, then the math facts take on a more important meaning. You can do this by giving your child an allowance. Then when they ask for a new computer game, Game Cube, Game Boy, cell phone, etc. ask them to go over how much allowance they have saved, and how many weeks it will take them to make their purchase. In this way they learn to apply the rules of addition, subtraction, and time. (their time not yours!) You might get lucky enough to leave your wallet at home.
SHELLEY TZORFAS is the Founder of Specialized Tutoring/Learning Assessments, and has been tutoring students with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia as well as undiagnosed kids for nearly twenty-five years.
Shelley views Dyslexia as a "processing of information problem, either in the visual, auditory or kinesthetic mode," and strives to educate the general public about learning disabilities. Like other dyslexics, Shelley has had varied, successful careers. These range from appearing on a PBS documentary, and exhibiting artwork in museums. She is currently writing a book on learning differences.
Shelley, nee Gelfman, is a single mother of two boys and lives in New Jersey. She is available for consultation and/or tutoring, and may be reached at her website at www.betterschoolresults.com . Her email is stzorfas@gmail.com , phone number is
(908) 735-9053.
