Dyscalculia checklist in Children
Does my child have number dyslexia (dyscalculia)?
Lots of children who have dyscalculia are also dyslexic but not all of them. About 40 - 60% of dyslexic children also have dyscalculia. One of the best signs you have of your child being dyscalculia is that they don’t enjoy maths or numbers and they will use every tool they have to avoid numbers. This can be a very good early sign. Young children in particular - usually love learning new things and love numbers. Look at the Dyscalculia checklist below to see if your child might suffer from Number Dyslexia or Dyscalculia.
For a super-easy way to teach them their number bonds head over to Fables World - they teach with super fun number characters and stories that kids find super easy to remember.
Dyscalculia Checklist: Early signs of Maths Dyslexia (Dyscalculia)
Problems learning numbers and counting.
“OMG, why can’t they count to 5? I’m not even expecting them to count to 10! Every other child their age has been counting for years, why can’t they get it? Aaaaaargh!!!
Uses fingers to help count rather than doing mental arithmetic.
“No matter what sum they are doing, they will always use their fingers to keep track of the numbers.”
They don’t often enjoy playing board games.
“I feel sorry for James, every time the family sits down to play a game he feels really left out.”
Learning to tell the time is super hard and confusing.
“Looks like you’ll only ever be able to read digital time, I give up!”
GO TO Fables World for an interactive learning clock that teaches with funny poos and toilets.
Difficulty identifying numbers eg 2 = 5, 4 = 7??
“No sweetheart - remember - that’s a 2 - not a 5.”
Confusing left and right. Easily disorientated when receiving directions.
“You needed to turn right to get to the toilets - not left. Remember - THIS way is your left and this way is your right.”
Place values are also tricky for them.
“300 doesn’t have the same value as 30. If you want 300 - which column would you put the three in? C’mon - I know you can do this!”
It will take longer for them to learn how to add than other children.
“We have done this so many times now and he just can’t seem to even remember which numbers add up to 10.”
Difficulty in counting numbers or objects in a small group eg the dots on a die.
“Mummy needs 5 tablespoons of sugar for the cake, you’ve only put in 3.”
If the answer is YES to the majority of the questions above in this Dyscalculia Checklist then your child will probably have dyscalculia (number dyslexia).
If you are still unsure (or your child is older than we have other Dyscalculia Checklists for them), instinct is often the best way to know if your child has maths-related problems. They will basically avoid maths at all costs, cry, tantrum or go extremely quiet when numbers or maths are involved.
After you have completed this Dyscalculia Checklist you now might know there is a problem but don’t worry there are websites out there that can transform your child’s learning and confidence. Try Fables World - it’s a website that teaches children using funny animation that involves poos and farts! It makes children laugh and they don’t even realise they’re learning.