Math skills are divided into different categories. Within these categories, there are some specific signs that your child may be having difficulty.
Number sense and numeration
- Has trouble recognizing numbers.
- Has trouble learning number names.
- Has counting difficulties: does not realize numbers go in order; when counting, does not realize last number counted is the total; only counts objects one way.
- Does not understand one-to-one correspondence by Grade one.
- Unable to add and subtract with counters in Grade one.
- Does not realize that adding and subtraction are reciprocal operations by the end of Grade one.
- Number facts are slow to develop: child always uses fingers or counters to find the answer.
- Has trouble learning and remembering computational procedures.
Measurement
- Cannot learn to tell time or use money.
- Has trouble reading or answering questions about a simple graph.
Geometry and spatial sense
- Has trouble learning names of shapes such as circle, square, rectangle, diamond, and oval.
- Does not know the meaning of terms such as more, less, half, part, or spatial terms like behind, over, beside.
Patterning and algebra
- Has trouble recognizing and extending recurrent patterns.
- Cannot put objects in order.
- Has trouble sorting by colour, shape, size, or texture.
Data management and probability
- Has trouble representing data on a graph.
- Is not aware of the frequency of occurrence of different events.
- Has trouble determining what operation to use to solve math word problems.