X Tables
inclusion

Maths accessibility for dyslexia

Support reading-heavy word problems with layout, language and visuals.

Quick answer

Maths accessibility for dyslexia means making maths easier to read and understand by using clear layouts, simple language, and helpful visuals. This helps children with dyslexia succeed in maths without getting confused by how the information is presented.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to make maths easier to read and understand if you have dyslexia, and you will know how to use helpful tools and strategies to solve maths problems. Success signs:
  • You can spot when a maths problem might be hard to read
  • You can use simple language to explain what a maths problem is asking
  • You can use pictures or numbers to help you understand a problem
  • You can ask for help if you need it

Why this matters

Maths is all around us, from counting your pocket money to measuring ingredients for baking. If you have dyslexia, you might find reading and understanding maths problems difficult, but that doesn't mean you can't do maths. By making maths more accessible, you can focus on the maths skills instead of getting stuck on how the problem is written. This helps you feel confident and successful in maths, just like everyone else.

How it works

Making maths more accessible means changing how information is shown, not changing what you need to learn. Here's how it works:
  1. Clear layout: Problems are written in big, clear letters with space between lines and words.
  2. Simple language: Words are chosen to be easy to understand, not just complicated ones.
  3. Visual help: Pictures, charts, and number lines help explain what the problem is asking.
  4. Extra support: You can use tools like calculators, rulers, or even a friend to help you.

Examples you can see

Let's look at a maths problem and how we can make it easier to read and understand. Hard version: "Tommy has 3 bags of sweets. Each bag contains 4 sweets. How many sweets does Tommy have in total?" Easier version: "Tommy has 3 bags. Each bag has 4 sweets. How many sweets are there altogether?" Even easier with pictures:
  1. Draw 3 circles (for the bags)
  2. Put 4 dots inside each circle (for the sweets)
  3. Count all the dots
Real-world example: Imagine you're helping your parent bake cookies. The recipe says, "You need 2 cups of flour for each batch. You want to make 4 batches." You can draw 4 circles and put 2 dots in each circle to help you figure out how many cups you need.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Maths Explorer's Quest You are a brave explorer who needs to solve maths puzzles to find a hidden treasure. But the clues are written in a way that might be hard to read. Here's your first challenge:
  1. Find 3 boxes of marbles
  2. Each box has 5 marbles
  3. How many marbles are there in total?
Helpful steps:
  1. Draw 3 boxes
  2. Put 5 dots in each box
  3. Count all the dots
Now, you can try this with your own set of objects – maybe toy cars, blocks, or even your fingers!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that maths problems must be hard to read. Why it happens: You might think that if it's hard to read, it must be hard to solve. Fix: Remember that good maths problems are clear and helpful, not confusing.
  • Mistake: Not asking for help when you need it. Why it happens: You might be scared that it's embarrassing or that you're "not good at maths". Fix: Asking for help is a smart move. Everyone needs help sometimes!
  • Mistake: Trying to read everything in one go. Why it happens: You might feel pressure to understand everything at once. Fix: Read one sentence at a time, or even one word at a time if that helps.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Reading the problem out loud together
  • Breaking the problem into smaller parts
  • Using drawings or objects to show what the problem is asking
  • Using a ruler or highlighter to make the text stand out
  • Letting your child explain how they understand the problem
Five-minute tips:
  1. Read the problem slowly together
  2. Ask, "What is this problem asking?"
  3. Draw a simple picture to show the problem
  4. Use real objects to show what's happening
  5. Encourage your child to ask questions

Practice questions

  1. There are 4 groups of 3 apples. How many apples are there in total?
  2. Lucy has 5 toy cars. Each car has 2 wheels. How many wheels are there in total?
  3. There are 6 boxes of crayons. Each box has 4 crayons. How many crayons are there altogether?
  4. Tom has 3 toy trains. Each train has 5 wheels. How many wheels are there in total?
  5. There are 7 groups of 2 stars. How many stars are there in total?
Answers:
  1. 12 apples
  2. 10 wheels
  3. 24 crayons
  4. 15 wheels
  5. 14 stars

FAQ

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difference that makes it hard to read and write. It doesn't mean someone is not smart – it just means they learn differently.

How can I make maths easier if I have dyslexia?

You can use pictures, objects, and simple words to help understand problems. You can also ask for help or use tools like calculators or rulers.

Do I need to be good at reading to be good at maths?

No! Maths is about understanding numbers and solving problems. You can be great at maths even if reading is hard for you.

Can I still do well in maths if I have dyslexia?

Yes! With the right support and tools, you can do very well in maths. Many successful people have dyslexia!

What should I do if I find a maths problem hard to read?

Ask for help, take a deep breath, and try to break the problem into smaller parts. You can also draw pictures or use objects to help.