Teaching Times Tables to Dyslexic Children: A Comprehensive Guide

Teaching times tables to children with dyslexia can be challenging, but there are effective strategies and resources that can make the learning process easier and more enjoyable. This guide will explore some innovative methods and tools to help dyslexic children master their times tables.

Introduction to Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and sometimes spoken language. Children with dyslexia often struggle with processing language, which can make learning multiplication, a form of abstract reasoning, particularly difficult. However, there are several creative and engaging methods that can help them overcome these challenges.

Enter TIMES TALES: A Multi-Function Visualization Tool

One such tool is called TIMES TALES, a unique program that uses a combination of stories and visual mnemonics to teach the multiplication tables. TIMES TALES is designed to be accessible and engaging for students with dyslexia, making the learning process more intuitive and memorable.

How TIMES TALES Works

Each number in the multiplication table is represented by a colorful character. For example, the number 3 is visually represented as a hungry caesar, and the number 4 is a toy piano player. These characters are paired with a story that includes the product of the two numbers being multiplied. For instance, the story for 3 x 4 might revolve around the hungry caesar (3) who plays the toy piano (4) and eats 12 sandwiches (12 being the product of 3 x 4). This method leverages the brain's natural story-telling capabilities, making it easier for dyslexic children to grasp and recall the multiplication facts.

Incorporating Multiple Sensory Experiences

Children with dyslexia often benefit from multiple sensory experiences, as they may have difficulty with visual or auditory processing alone. Therefore, incorporating both auditory and visual elements can further enhance learning.

Using Audio-Visual Tools

One effective way to do this is by using audio-visual methods that combine hearing the calculations with seeing the written words and numbers. For example, a child can listen to a recorded multiplication fact while simultaneously seeing it written out. This dual approach can help reinforce the connection between the spoken and written forms of the numbers, making it easier to comprehend and remember.

Physical Activities

Using physical objects like building blocks, pie pieces, or sticks can also be beneficial. These manipulatives allow children to visualize and interact with the concepts, making abstract ideas more concrete. For example, a child can use sticks or blocks to physically draw out the multiplication fact 2 x 3, placing two groups of three sticks in front of them to visually see and count the total amount.

Understanding Multiplication as Successive Addition

Another effective strategy is helping children understand that multiplication is essentially a form of repetitive addition. This can be demonstrated through simple examples:

2 x 3 2 2 2 6 7 x 9 63 (i.e., 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 63) 8 x 9 72 (i.e., 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 72)

By breaking down multiplication into repeated addition, children can build a stronger conceptual understanding and find the process less abstract.

Additional Resources for Dyslexic Learning

There are many websites and resources that can further aid dyslexic children in learning their times tables. One such website is Dyslexia Assist. This website offers a wealth of information and resources specifically tailored to the needs of dyslexic individuals.

The Dyslexia Assist website provides a variety of tools and methods, such as mnemonic devices, visual aids, and interactive games, designed to make learning multiplication more accessible and engaging. Parents and educators can find detailed explanations, printable worksheets, and step-by-step tutorials to help dyslexic children navigate the challenges of learning their times tables.

Conclusion

Teaching times tables to children with dyslexia requires patience, creativity, and a variety of tools. Tools like TIMES TALES, combined with multi-sensory learning techniques and a conceptual understanding of multiplication, can significantly enhance the learning experience. Additionally, leveraging resources from specialized websites can provide a well-rounded approach to mastering times tables for dyslexic children.