I have a numeracy difficulty, what can help?

Identifying the problems

It is quite common for people with dyslexia to have other specific learning difficulties. These co-occurring difficulties or co-morbidities include dyscalculia, a neurodevelopmental learning difference which causes difficulty in understanding number and number processes. (Scottish Working Definition of Dyscalculia 2022)

It should be noted that some people have difficulties with maths and arithmetic, which are not necessarily related to dyscalculia.

Learners with dyscalculia may:

• Struggle with the basic concept of numbers, e.g. recognising a group of four counters as "four" or equate the numeral '4' with four concrete objects
• Have difficulty with fundamental numerical concepts, e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• Have limited skills in estimation tasks or sensing whether their answer is correct or approximately correct
• Have no devised strategies to compensate for lack of recall
• Find it hard to lay out their work neatly, resulting in mistakes, e.g. in adding up a column of numbers
• Struggle with mental arithmetic, possibly as a result of short-term and working memory issues
• Display high levels of maths anxiety and deploy avoidance tactics.

There is a new toolkit designed by IOE (UCL's Faculty of Education and Society) to help teachers and parents to identify dyscalculia called ADD UP (Awareness of Developmental Dyscalculia and Mathematical Difficulties toolkit). Their top tips for supporting learners with dyscalculia include:

• Provide explicit instruction and drill and practice
• Teach students to break problems down (use songs, mnemonics) to help them remember strategies to do this
• Work on one problem at a time (cover all the other items, remove irrelevant pictures)
• Check on how student solves the problem and provide direct feedback on correct and incorrect answers
• Provide number lines, manipulatives, calculators and cheat sheets
• Teach mathematical language explicitly and check understanding

There are many way that technology can be used creatively to take forward these supportive tips. For example, when looking at a list of word problems we can 'cover all the other items, remove irrelevant pictures' by using Immersive Reader Line Ruler tool in Microsoft Word to focus on one question at a time.

Technologies to support numeracy difficulties

Reading number and mathematical equations

Technology - in conjunction with other strategies - can help to address the support needs of the dyscalculic learner. These may be the same assistive technologies that can benefit the dyslexic learner too. For example, if reading text in a novel is problematic then it stands to reason that reading a maths problem in a text book is a barrier to the learner. In this scenario, text to speech software would enable the text to be read out loud using a computer voice.

The TeeJay and Heinemann Scottish Primary maths books are available for Scottish pupils with print disabilities from the Books for All Scotland database.

Most text to speech readers don't read mathematical expressions correctly, e.g. will generally be read as "(letter) X 2", rather than "X²", which can be confusing. Text to speech is still very useful for word-based problems.

If you do need to have the expression read by your device, try Equatio or type your mathematics with the Microsoft Equation Editor, which can be read it with Immersive Reader, like this:

Other technology solutions to make the reading of maths problems easier for someone with dyslexia and dyscalculia include:

• Text (font, spacing) and page background colours can be changed or coloured overlays used to help learners with a combination of visual stress and dyscalculia e.g. ssOverlay will allow the user to have a colour tint to the whole computer screen.
• Isolating or enlarging text to focus on one question at a time e.g. Vu-Bar, an on-screen slotted ruler which helps the user not to skip a line or drop to the line below. Or you could use the Line Focus option in Immersive Reader.
• Using a Scanning Pen for text-to-speech - A scanning pen, such as the C-Pen Reader-Pen can be useful for reading paper-based problems. Simply scan over a word, or a line of text, to have it read out loud.
• Using the camera on the iPad with Live Text to read text on paper, on a worksheet, in a text book.

Writing number and mathematics

Most people find it easiest to write number and mathematical expressions using a pencil or pen (either paper or touch screen) because it's simplest faster and allows greater freedom and fluency. However, some people reverse numbers or find it hard to write numbers or layout calculations neatly and using technology may help with these challenges.

CALL has created templates to help when typing calculations. They look like this:

and are available to download as Word calculation templates and PDF calculation templates.

Useful apps for writing calculations on iPad are ModMath (see below) and Math Paper.

Tools for writing mathematics and scientific expressions include:

Microsoft Office Equation Editor

Google Docs Equation Editor

Pages Equation Editor

Equatio

FX Equation

Solving equations

There are a number of auto-solving maths apps such as MyScript calculator app (£2.99) which can be used by the learner to write out a sum and the app produces the answer in real time. The learner has to be able to write the numerals and the mathematical operations in a clear form that is recognised by the app. This app can allow learners to get the answer to a sum that they would not be able to do with independent working. Good use of the app can be in mixed ability group settings with the learner using the app to confirm the workings of other group members. It can be used for practice of times tables by erasing the number and writing the next one e.g. 4 x 5 = then rub out the 5 and write '6' for the next sum and so forth. Shona in Case Study 1 below uses the MyScript calculator for support.

Older learners working on algebraic equations can use an auto-solving maths app such as PhotoMath. This app uses the camera on the device to take a photo of a handwritten equation (or you can type it in) and it will give you the answer. The most important feature is that you are then able to see a breakdown of the solving steps and learn from that.

Photomath is also available on Chromebooks too and the app rates as the number one app in the Guardian list of Best Maths apps for Chromebooks (2021).

Graphing and drawing tools

Digital graph paper with large squares can make plotting graphs easier than drawing on paper. QTVI teacher Sarah Hughes has a free graph paper generator on her website which allows you to customise graph paper for downloading or saving as a pdf for further editing.

On the iPad you can create graph paper in the Notes app by starting a new note, tapping on the three dot in the top right hand corner and choosing Lines and Grids. There is even a Ruler tool you can use for measuring. Having all these tools on hand within one app makes it extremely user friendly.

Maths tools and supports in OneNote digital notebooks

OneNote digital notebooks are an excellent way for learners with ASN to help with organisation of curricular resources. Everything automatically saves and syncs to work done at school can be then accessed at home on a different device. For learners with numeracy difficulties, they can set up a section of the notebook for Maths Support and have a page for each reminder e.g.

• Times tables
• Fraction wall
• Measure chart
• Digital clocks and calendars
• Angles and shapes infographs

Within each page you could embed support videos or links to online games for practice activities.

The video above shows the main math tools:

• Converting handwritten maths equations to ink, show it on a graph in a sidebar and then add that graph to the OneNote page
• Auto-solving equations
• Generation of practice quizzes in Forms

Interactive maths games and activities online

Here are some examples of good websites with maths activities to support the learners with numeracy difficulties:

• Doorway Online interactive and accessible number activities (Number, Money, Time)
• Topmarks portal (Shape, Position and Movement)
• Topmarks portal (Information Handling)
• Splat 100 Square (Number)
• Numbershark
• Sumdog - engaging learning games
• Education City (maths learning)
• BBC Bitsize maths (index of subjects)
• Geogebra free resources (all areas of maths)

Early numeracy support - Case Study 1

David, a Primary 3 struggles with all aspects of early numeracy. He is unable to make 1:1 correspondence when counting concrete objects and cannot make an estimation of how many counters are in a pile on the desk. He is provided with manipulatives (cubes, cars, pencils) to provide a concrete, visible model that will support him to solve problems and develop concepts.

How can technology help with his learning?

Computers, mobile devices, touch screen tablets and smartphones are engaging and motivating. For learners struggling with basic numeracy these devices can be used to access activities, software, apps and games that can support the concepts they are trying to grasp. For David, using technology for maths activities is a fun experience and reduces his levels of anxiety and has boosted his self esteem.

iPad apps to help David

• Number Frames This app gives options to use different counting frames and counters. You can even change the counters to little animal icons which David liked. Once he moved the icons into the frame he was encouraged to write the sum beside it. The app has a clear interface which helps him focus on the activity. To further help him focus when using the app, the teachers switched on Guided Access which locks him into this app and prevents him going to another app or to YouTube.
• Bitsboard numeracy activities Bitsboard is a very popular app for literacy activities but it also offers numeracy games too. Math Facts is a fun learning activity to help you remember and master simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The Math Facts game also includes a drawing tool which helps David to grasp new maths concepts.
• Subitising Flashcards This app is often used as a starter activity for David to help familiarise himself with looking at a flashcard and being able to count how many objects are on it.

An important feature of David's learning journey is the use of technology alongside the use of concrete materials. The iPad activities can reinforce numerical concepts but it is essential to know that he is gaining transferable skills. When using the Number Frames app, the teacher had a similar grid created on laminated paper and used either small blocks or coloured discs to re-create the number patterns.