When Numbers Feel Foreign, Maths Intervention Makes It Click

You know your child is bright. They can hold deep conversations, build epic LEGO cities, or tell the most creative stories. But when it comes to numbers, something just doesn’t click.

They might still be counting on fingers, avoiding homework, or melting down at the sight of a fractions test. Sound familiar?

This isn’t laziness or lack of effort. For many kids, especially those with dyslexia or working memory challenges, maths isn’t just hard, it feels completely foreign. Abstract. Confusing. Impossible.

At DyslexAbility, we see it every day. And the answer isn’t more worksheets. It’s an approach that makes maths make sense, through colour, shape, touch, and story.

The Real Issue: What If Your Child Can't See What the Numbers Mean?

Maths builds on itself. If your child missed key steps in counting, place value, or understanding number patterns, later concepts like multiplication, fractions, or algebra become a nightmare.

Here’s what struggling often looks like:

• They can’t count in 2s, 5s or 10s without help.

• They confuse the order of numbers.

• Place value (hundreds, tens, units) makes no sense.

• They can't remember times tables.

• Homework takes hours and ends in frustration.

• They panic when faced with symbols like ÷ or ×.

Sometimes, these signs point to dyscalculia. Sometimes, they show up in kids with dyslexia or ADHD. Either way, the child isn’t broken. The teaching method is.

Why Traditional Methods Don’t Work

Most school systems rely heavily on rote learning and worksheets. But for kids who struggle with number sense, abstract worksheets don’t teach why math works. They’re being asked to move numbers they don’t understand.

Imagine trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle without knowing what the picture looks like.

Without strong foundations, kids fall further behind. And confidence plummets.

What Actually Helps: Multisensory, Hands-On Maths Intervention

At DyslexAbility, our maths intervention uses evidence-based, multisensory techniques that help children truly understand maths.

We use programs like Math-U-See, where:

• Every number has a colour and a size.

• Fractions are taught using physical pieces.

• Decimal concepts come alive on something called Decimal Street.

• Abstract ideas are first learned with hands-on blocks, then moved to paper.

By holding maths in their hands, kids finally see how numbers work together. Once they experience it physically, they can translate it onto paper and into real-world maths.

It’s Not About the Grade Level. It’s About the Gaps.

In schools, maths is often taught to the year level, not the student. But if your child is in Year 6 and still unsure about multiplication, no amount of algebra worksheets will help.

We go back. We backfill. We start where the child is, not where the curriculum says they should be.

That’s where the magic happens.

When to Consider a Maths Intervention

You might need a more tailored approach if:

• Homework is ending in tears (yours or theirs).

• They avoid anything to do with numbers.

• They "can’t remember" maths facts, even after lots of practice.

• Teachers say they’re falling behind or "not engaging".

• You feel like you’re reteaching every night with no progress.

We can help you work out whether it’s dyscalculia, missed foundations, or a bit of both. Either way, it’s never too late to rebuild.

Explore the Parent Learning Hub

Want to dive deeper? Inside our Parent Learning Hub, you’ll find:

• A guide to identifying maths challenges.

• Tips for building number sense at home.

• Printable resources and visual aids.

• Support for navigating school meetings and IEPs.

We’ve created these resources so you can support your child with confidence.

Your Child Isn’t Bad at Maths. They Just Need a New Way In.

When maths is taught in a way that connects to how your child learns best, everything changes. Confidence builds. Concepts click. And children who once avoided maths start raising their hand.

If your child needs a maths practitioner who understands how to teach differently, we’re here.

👉 Book a screening or explore the Parent Learning Hub to get started.