Decyphering Dyscalculia With Judy Hornigold

Have you ever heard of the term 'Dyscalculia'?

In a very simplistic way, dyscalculia could be thought of as the 'numbers equivalent of dyslexia'.  It is a condition that is perceived as a specific learning difficulty associated with mathematics or perhaps more specifically arithmetic.

Sadly the condition is not well known and research suggests that there is a prevalence of approximately 5% of the UK population.  That said, here in the UK, mathematical learning difficulties are thought to have a higher prevalence of 25%.  The lack of understanding and definition of what dyscalculia is makes it extremely difficult to state a definite figure for prevalence.

The condition however is known to co-occur with the other more well known specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADD/ADHD and this is considered to be fairly frequent however one should not assume that because someone is dyslexic that they will also have a problem with dyscalculia as we all know that one's experience with SEN will be very different to that of someone else.

The British Dyslexia Association provides further insights into this condition on their website.

It is because of this lack of understanding about dyscalculia that myself and Georgina Smith wanted to invite dyslexia and dyscalculia specialist, Judy Hornigold to lead a workshop on Dyscalculia at the SEN Jigsaw Conference on 21st April 2018.  Judy's workshop is entitled, Decyphering Dyscalculia.

I asked Judy some questions about her work.

Judy, we are very excited to have you join us at the SEN Jigsaw Conference in April.  Please could you tell our readers a little about yourself?

I am an independent education consultant specialising in dyscalculia and dyslexia and have been a Singapore Maths trainer for UK based Maths No Problem since 2014.  I am particularly passionate about the teaching of maths and of finding ways to support learners with dyscalculia and general maths learning difficulties.
I have written the PGCert in Dyscalculia and Maths Learning Difficulties for Edge Hill University and an accredited dyscalculia course for the BDA.

Why do you do what you do?

I love maths with a passion and it troubles me that so many children struggle with maths.  I am always looking for different ways to help children to discover the joy and wonder of maths and to help it come alive for them.
The video below shows Judy in action!

What will your workshop be about at the SEN Jigsaw Conference?

Book Today. Click Here.

 My workshop is entitles 'Decyphering Dyscalculia' and it will explore how you can identify children with dyscalculia and then look at ways for supporting them through the use of appropriate manipulative and activities.  We will be using ten frames, Cuisenaire Rods and bar modelling and double sided counters!

What will your delegates take away from your workshop?

 The delegates will take away an understanding of what dyscalculia is and how this differs from general maths difficulties.  They will also have strategies and ideas to use straight away in their classrooms to support children who are struggling with maths.

How can our readers find out more about you?

For more information about me and my work then your readers are invited to take a look at my website which can be found by clicking here , or they could simply come to the SEN Jigsaw Conference and attend my workshop.  Click here to book your ticket.

Judy will be leading a webinar on anxiety and maths on the 23rd January 2018.  

For more information simply click here.