How Abacus Help Kids conquer Dyslexia or Dyscalculia?

Introduction

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading, writing, and spelling abilities. For dyslexic children, academic challenges, especially in mathematics, can be daunting.

Dyscalculia is a specific mathematical learning disorder that affects the ability to understand number-based information or mathematics. Developmental Dyscalculia as the name suggests is very prevalent in school-age children. Developmental Dyscalculia is present in almost 3 to 7% of school-age children and it affects children’s mathematic/ arithmetic abilities for a lifetime.

Understanding Dyslexia and its Challenges

Dyslexia and Dyscalculia are both neurological condition that hinders the brain's ability to process phonological information, affecting language, mathematical and cognitive skills. Dyslexic children commonly experience learning difficulties in recognizing words, decoding text, and comprehending what they read. Additionally, they might struggle with writing and spelling.

Whereas Dyscalculic kids often suffer from specific disability in understanding and processing numbers or mathematics in general. In the context of mathematics, dyslexic children may have learning difficulty understanding mathematical symbols and processing complex calculations. Dyslexia and Dyscalculia are both considered learning disabilities and can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and disinterest in learning among affected children.

Early intervention and specialized support are crucial in helping dyslexic/dyscalculic children overcome these obstacles and reach their full potential.

Identifying Learning Challenges:

Practical Tips on Recognizing Dyslexia or Dyscalculia

Recognizing learning challenges early can make a significant difference in your child's educational journey. Dyslexia and Dyscalculia are common learning difficulties that can affect children from a young age, typically becoming noticeable between ages 5 to 12.

For Dyslexia, watch for signs such as:

• Difficulty reading, often reading below the expected level for their age

• Frequent spelling errors and problems with writing

• Trouble following written instructions

• Confusion with the order of letters in words and reversing letters

• Difficulty processing and understanding what they hear

Children with Dyscalculia may exhibit:

• Problems understanding numbers and the concept of quantity

• Difficulty with basic arithmetic operations, like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

• Trouble grasping mathematical concepts and principles

• Confusion over time-related tasks, such as reading clocks or understanding schedules

• Difficulty recognizing patterns and sequencing

These challenges can manifest despite regular practice and can affect a child's confidence and performance in school. If you notice your child consistently struggling in these areas, it might indicate Dyslexia or Dyscalculia.

Consulting with educational professionals for a formal assessment can provide clarity and guide you in supporting your child's learning journey effectively. Early identification and intervention are key to helping children overcome these challenges and succeed academically.

The Abacus for Dyslexia/ Dyscalculia and its Benefits

What is an Abacus?

The Abacus is an ancient counting tool used for arithmetic calculations. It consists of rows of beads that represent different numerical values. The user manipulates the beads to perform calculations, making it a tactile and visual tool.

Historical context

Abacus is an ancient counting tool. The abacus has a long history, dating back thousands of years. Its simplicity and effectiveness in aiding calculations have made it an enduring tool in various cultures worldwide.

How does learning Abacus help dyslexic or Dyscalculic children?

The Abacus is well-suited for dyslexic/dyscalculic children because it allows them to perform mathematical operations using tangible beads rather than relying solely on abstract symbols. This hands-on approach appeals to their visual and tactile senses, making it easier for them to understand mathematical concepts.

The benefits of using Abacus to overcome learning difficulties in Dyslexic and Dyscalculic kids

1. Visualization: Dyslexic or dyscalculic children often struggle with abstract concepts. The Abacus provides a concrete representation of numbers and mathematical operations, helping them better visualize and comprehend mathematical processes.

2. Multi-sensory learning: The Abacus engages visual, tactile, and kinesthetic senses. This multi-sensory approach enhances learning and retention, as dyslexic or dyscalculic children benefit from experiencing concepts in different ways.

3. Breaking down complex problems: Children having Dyslexia or Dyscalculia disorder may find it challenging to tackle complex mathematical problems all at once. Learning Abacus allows them to break down these problems into smaller, manageable steps, facilitating their understanding and problem-solving abilities.

4. Building confidence: Children with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia often struggle with low academic confidence due to their challenges. Achieving success in mental math using the Abacus can boost their self-esteem, making them more willing to participate in academic and mathematical activities.

Studies and Success Stories

Numerous research studies and academic papers have highlighted the positive impact of using the Abacus for helping kids suffering from dyslexia or dyscalculia disorders. These studies have shown significant improvements in their mathematical abilities, problem-solving skills, and overall academic performance.

Real-life success stories of dyslexic children who have benefited from the Abacus are inspiring and encouraging. These stories demonstrate how learning Abacus helps dyslexia/ dyscalculic kids gain confidence in math, leading to improvements in other areas of their education.

Published research article on effects of Abacus mental math learning on children with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia disorder:

In a study conducted by Yujie Lu, Mei Ma, Guozhong Chen, and Xinlin Zhou from Beijing Normal University, the effect of a long-term Abacus course on the prevalence of Developmental Dyscalculia (DD) was investigated. The research involved 479 students in second or third grade, randomly assigned to either Abacus classes or control classes. The results revealed that no children in the Abacus classes were diagnosed with DD, while the prevalence in the control classes was 6.4%. Furthermore, students who received Abacus training demonstrated better performance in arithmetic computation and spatial short-term memory. These findings suggest that the Abacus course could be an effective tool for DD intervention in natural education settings.

Access the full research here- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346480491_Can_abacus_course_eradicate_developmental_dyscalculia

How can you provide Abacus classes to your kids?

Incorporating the Abacus learning into the school curriculum or as an after-school program: Schools can introduce the Abacus as part of their math curriculum or offer it as an extracurricular activity to interested students. This approach exposes dyslexic children to the Abacus in a structured environment. Unfortunately, very less schools are providing Abacus classes as part of their curriculum. The problem lies with lack of awareness among educators and parents about this magical tool.

Joining an Abacus learning center: An Abacus learning center is an after-school tuition center that provides Abacus training to students in groups. These classes are usually cost-effective due to the group setting. However, these tend to be less effective on the learning front as trainers are not able to provide individual attention and required support in group classes.

Taking individual Abacus classes from an Abacus tutor- An individual Abacus tutor can be very helpful in teaching Abacus to dyslexic or dyscalculic kids. An individual teacher can easily assess the learning difficulties, capabilities, and interests and can customize the classes for a child. An individual tutor gives you an advantage of one-to-one interactive classes to your kid which keeps a child engaged and motivated to learn Abacus.

Taking online Abacus classes for Dyslexic or Dyscalculic kids: Online Abacus classes can be the best way to learn Abacus for a Dyslexic or Dyscalculic kid because of flexibility and use of newer technologies in the class and curriculum. Online Abacus classes are usually in one-on-one format which gives an advantage of customized learning and better engagement with teachers. Online classes also save us from the hassle of traveling to the Abacus tuition center.

ReLearn Education offers one-to-one online Abacus classes in the UK/ USA and worldwide for Dyslexic and Dyscalculic kids. If you are living in London, England, Scotland or Ireland and looking for an Abacus class for your kid, please visit- www.relearneducation.com

Conclusion

The Abacus has proven to be a valuable tool in aiding dyslexic and dyscalculic children's mathematical abilities and cognitive skills. By visualizing mathematical concepts, engaging multiple senses, breaking down complex problems, and boosting confidence, the abacus empowers dyslexic and dyscalculic students to succeed in math. Integrating the Abacus into educational settings with collaborative efforts and customized approaches can make a significant positive impact on dyslexic children's academic and personal development. As part of a holistic support system, the abacus offers dyslexic children a pathway to unlock their mathematical potential and thrive in their education journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is dyslexia, and how does it impact a child's learning experience?

Answer - Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading, writing, and spelling abilities. It hinders a child's ability to process phonological information, leading to difficulties in recognizing words and comprehending text. This can result in academic challenges, low self-esteem, and frustration in their learning experience.

Q2: What is dyscalculia, and how does it impact a child's learning experience?

Answer - Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects a child's ability to understand and work with numbers. It impairs their mathematical comprehension and fluency, making it challenging to perform basic arithmetic operations, recognize patterns, and grasp mathematical concepts. Children with dyscalculia may experience difficulties in math-related tasks, leading to lower academic achievement and a negative impact on their overall learning experience.

Q3: How can learning Abacus benefit dyslexic or dyscalculic children in improving their mathematical abilities?

Answer - Learning Abacus benefits dyslexic or dyscalculic children by offering a visual and tactile approach to learning math. It helps them visualize and understand mathematical concepts through tangible beads, engages multiple senses for better retention, breaks down complex problems into manageable steps, and boosts confidence, leading to improved mathematical abilities.

Q4: What are the advantages of using the Abacus as a multi-sensory learning tool for dyslexic and dyscalculic kids?

Answer - Using the Abacus as a multi-sensory learning tool for dyslexic and dyscalculic kids provides several advantages. It engages visual, tactile, and kinesthetic senses, enhancing comprehension and retention. The tangible beads help dyslexic children visualize math concepts, break down complex problems into smaller steps, and build confidence, leading to improved mathematical abilities.

Q5: How can educators and parents collaborate to integrate the Abacus effectively into the learning process for dyslexic/ dyscalculic students?

Answer - Educators and parents can collaborate by communicating openly about the child's needs and progress. They can undergo training on using the abacus effectively. Integrating the Abacus into the school curriculum or providing online Abacus classes to kids, and customizing the approach based on individual needs ensures successful implementation for dyslexic/dyscalculic students.

Q6: Besides the Abacus, what other interventions and support systems are essential in assisting dyslexic and dyscalculic children to succeed in their education?

Answer - In addition to the Abacus, essential interventions for dyslexic children include specialized reading programs, one-on-one tutoring, assistive technologies, and accommodations in the classroom. Emotional and social support, along with a supportive and understanding learning environment, play crucial roles in helping dyslexic children succeed in their education.

Q7: Why ReLearn Education’s online Abacus classes are considered best Abacus classes for kids with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia?

Answer- ReLearn Education's online Abacus classes are considered the best for kids with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia due to several reasons.

Firstly, ReLearn online Abacus classes are conducted on a one-to-one basis, allowing personalized attention and tailored learning approaches to cater to each child's specific needs.

Secondly, ReLearn online Abacus classes are designed to be engaging and interactive, making use of innovative teaching methods and a game-based Abacus learning app. This approach helps children with learning disabilities stay motivated and enthusiastic about their math journey.

Additionally, ReLearn’s online Abacus classes offer flexible schedules, accommodating the diverse needs of children with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia. Parents can choose suitable timings, ensuring that their child can learn at their own pace.

Moreover, the online Abacus classes are led by highly trained and certified teachers who specialize in teaching children with learning disabilities. These instructors are well-equipped to address individual challenges and provide the necessary support to ensure effective learning outcomes for every child.

Overall, ReLearn Education's online Abacus classes in UK & USA stand out as the best choice for kids with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia due to their personalized approach, engaging learning methods, flexible scheduling, and dedicated and qualified teachers.