Dyscalculia: Tools for the Montessori Classroom

Dyscalculia is a learning difference characterized by challenges with number sense, understanding magnitude , and mathematical working memory. This can make it difficult to move from concrete materials to abstract thinking, even with strong Montessori instruction. 

The tools below are designed to strengthen understanding, provide additional structure, and support students in building more secure number sense over time.


Recommended Resources

  • YouCubed.org - Online home of Jo Boaler's Mathematical Mindsets. Learn about  5-10 minute number talks, an evidence-based practice that emphasizes process over performance, builds understanding and confidence, and supports diverse thinking
  • DyscTest.com - Going through this dyscalculia screener yourself can give you a greater understanding of the cognitive challenges these students face
  • Understood.org 
  • LDonline.org


Classroom Strategies

  • Daily practice with basic operations - Let students choose materials, but keep practice consistent and hands on. Equation boxes are great for this, but students may need to isolate fewer facts at a time (just 5s, then add in 2s, etc.)
  • Split multi-step operations into chunks.
  • Provide step-by-step charts and checklists
  • Review related skills right before introducing new ones (eg,  1-digit multiplication before 2-digit).
  • Use repetitive phrases like, “The answer in division is what one person gets.” Simple language helps cement concepts.
  • Use practical life to apply math to real situations (e.g. cooking, classroom jobs, simple budgeting) as meaningful math practice.


Tools

  • Graph paper is best for everyone. Enlarged or color-coded graph paper helps keep digits lined up. Print custom versions using spreadsheet templates.
  • Word Problems - Give reference charts with math terms. Let students highlight keywords and draw visuals to support comprehension.
  • Reinforce Place Value - Use color-coded materials like math mats and paper (you can make your own or have students color columns lightly with a pencil before they begin)
  • Calculators - when students are working with larger multi-step problems and get lost in the weeds, or to check their own work 
  • Grid Whiteboards 
  • Graphic Organizers - Make your own or use templates from Understood.org or Canva
  • Build a Math Library to provide accessible, engaging, and story-based entry points into mathematical thinking, while also giving students ample visual aids and explanations

Math Nonfiction Books -  DK and Usborne publish excellent, engaging math books, such as:
Stories and Fiction - Lots of student favorites


Dyscalculia doesn’t doom a child to disliking math forever. The structured, yet individualized nature of the Montessori Method makes it an ideal approach for these learners. By focusing on concrete, daily practice, explicit instruction, repetition, and real-world connections, you can help children develop both number sense and the confidence they need to move forward. 

Celebrate incremental progress and watch as small victories lead to big transformations!

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