I’m lucky enough to be one of those slightly annoying people who love maths! And I used to love teaching it in the classroom too. But I know many people hate it, for lots of different reasons.
There’s been quite a lot in the press recently about dyscalculia and maths-specific learning difficulties, but when people hear the word dyslexia, they understandably and rightly think about difficulties with reading and spelling – not maths. However, dyslexia can have a big impact on maths-learning as well as literacy. Dyslexia changes the way the brain processes information, and maths – despite what we’re often told – is full of language, memory, symbols and sequencing…all things that can be tricky for dyslexic learners.
Maths is way more language-heavy than we think
Think about a typical maths lesson. There are instructions to read, word problems to decode, symbols to interpret, and specialist vocabulary like total, difference, factor, multiple, estimate, greater than… the list goes on.
For an individual with dyslexia, deciphering that language can take up so much mental energy that there’s very little left for the actual maths. They might understand the concept perfectly when it’s explained verbally or shown with objects — but put it on a worksheet full of text and suddenly it feels impossible.
Word problems are often the worst offenders. A dyslexic learner may know how to do the maths but struggle to work out what the question is even asking.
Working Memory: The hidden struggle
Another big piece of the puzzle is working memory — basically the brain’s post-it note. Maths tasks often ask learners to:
- Remember steps in the right order
- Hold numbers in their head…often while doing something else!
- Keep track of where they are in a calculation
- Temporarily remember key parts of a worded problem
Dyslexic learners often have weaker working memory, which means multi-step maths can feel like trying to juggle while riding a bike. They might forget a number halfway through, lose their place, or mix up steps — not because they don’t understand, but because the information just doesn’t “stay put”. This is especially noticeable with things like:
- Mental arithmetic
- Long calculations
- Written strategies with multiple step
Symbols, sequences…and sneaky confusion
Maths is full of symbols that look annoyingly similar. Think +, ×, ÷, −, <, >. For some dyslexic learners, these can be easy to mix up, especially under pressure.
Sequencing can also be problematic. Maths often depends on doing things in the right order — steps in a method, days of the week, months of the year, number sequences, or even counting backwards. If sequencing isn’t secure, maths can feel unpredictable and stressful.
Speed, timers and general confidence-knockers
Timed maths tests can be brutal for dyslexic learners. Processing takes longer, even when understanding is solid. When speed is valued over thinking, confidence can take a serious hit. Over time, this can lead to:
- Fear of getting it wrong and/or a reluctance to try
- Maths anxiety
- Avoidance tactics
- Shutting down or giving up quickly
And once confidence drops, learning gets even harder.
The Good News (because there is some!)
Dyslexic learners sometimes have real strengths in maths when it’s taught in the right way. Many are skilled at:
- Visual and spatial thinking
- Spotting patterns
- Problem-solving – when pressure is removed
- Understanding concepts deeply when taught practically or when overlearning opportunities are in place
Using hands-on resources, visual models, clear language, repetition, and step-by-step support can make a huge difference. So can removing unnecessary text, allowing extra time, and focusing on understanding rather than speed.
Final thoughts…
If a dyslexic child is struggling with maths, it’s not necessarily a sign that they’re “bad at it”. It’s often a sign that the maths is being taught in a way that doesn’t quite tally with how their brain works.
With the right support, patience, and approach, maths can become something that finally makes sense – and maybe even something they enjoy!
