Unveiling the Secrets of Math

Early in Ron Davis’s research, it became obvious that all symptoms of dyslexia were symptoms of disorientation. The root cause for dyscalculia is the same as for dyslexia in reading, a distortion in perceptions when hitting something confusing.

Dyscalculia is a condition that affects one’s ability to acquire arithmetic skills. This person may have difficulty acquiring and understanding simple numerical concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, or have problems learning facts and procedures. 

Common symptoms are mistakes with simple problems. heavy reliance on finger counting, or drawing hatch marks on paper instead of using numerals.  Other possible symptoms are right-left orientation, following directions such as maps or sequential instructions, learning how to tell time or being on time,  and remembering events in the correct sequence.

Sometimes, the problem with basic math lies in language. Many read ok and even understand a story but when faced with doing a math equation or word problem, they are lost. This is where a standard Davis Dyslexia Correction program may be all they need as the instruction for math is based upon language and sight words. Sight words often have multiple meanings and when applied to math mean something different than in common usage. For example, the word from can mean “beginning at” but in math it could mean “out of the whole amount of.”  

A Davis Math Mastery program is helpful when other symptoms appear. For example, not being able to follow a sequence of steps,  problems reading music, problems with organization, no sense of time, and problems with consequences. In a math program, the concepts of change, consequence, time, sequence, and order are mastered. These are followed by 12 exercises that ensure a basic understanding of principles involved with math, such as that written numerals represent a quantity.   

The program provides an interesting approach to multiplication and division exercises, and a hands-on practical approach to fractions and place value. I have to admit that while I could do math, these exercises brought it home to me. I understood it more and also understood why I had some compulsive solutions while doing 3-digit multiplication.

As always, this program isn’t a magical pill and it is important to complete follow-up work. But the program offers a different approach to simple arithmetic and often if those basic skills are missing, it becomes increasingly difficult to do the higher-end math.

We need math!  For many students, math is a difficult subject to thoroughly comprehend. In mathematics, there is one correct answer for any given equation, and when students are unable to reach the conclusion, it can be a discouraging feeling.

Math is more important to our everyday lives than just being able to solve for ‘x’ – it helps us with real-world problem solving, helps our brains process information faster, and it helps us develop critical thinking skills. It’s an important ingredient to financial skills and assists in making sound monetary decisions. Tipping a waiter, knowing how much money you have in your account and if the sale price of an item is really favorable all involve the manipulation of numbers. Having a fundamental understanding of how money works, how to manage your money, and calculating risk vs. reward will all be beneficial for your future.