It Just Doesn't Add Up: Explaining Dyscalculia and Overcoming Number Problems for Children and Adults

by Paul Moorcraft

"This book will help to raise the profile of dyscalculia, and should be required reading for all sufferers, all parents of sufferers, and all teachers, not to mention ministers and officials in the Department for Education." Professor Brian Butterworth, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuropsychology, University College, London • This book explains dyscalculia - but for the first time from the perspective of a sufferer. • It is estimated up to 5% of the population suffers from the condition • Often humorous, sufferers and their carers will find it a relief and a joy to share experiences and learn more about how to cope. Prof Moorcraft is an award-winning novelist and author of numerous non-fiction books. He has taught in UK schools, colleges as well as 10 major universities around the world. But his greatest experience for writing this book is that he is an acute sufferer.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Dyscalculia

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2014

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated this book on a rarely discussed topic- I did not find a lot of new information and techniques for teaching discalculics, but did pick up a few tips or coping mechanisms. Anything to increase success is helpful.

[Amy Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for work, very informative.

[Tarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tidbits of information to help parents, teachers, and those with dyscalculia. Easy to read book on a subject that doesn't get enough attention.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently learned that there's a word for people like me who have had math challenges their entire lives; Dyscalculia. After reading Henry Winkler's book series "Hank Zipzer" about dyslexia, I was cautious to see if there were any books on dyscalculia. I found this one as an e-book from the library. Although I didn't read every word and just kind of glossed over most of it, it was an interesting read. Most of it was geared toward helping children who have dyscalculia, but there are a few tips for adults.
Quite honestly, this book kind of depressed me and brought up bad memories.
I hadn't been to school in years and I'd always regretted not getting a degree. Turns out I was ONE class short of it. The problem was that I placed into a very "low" math class and in order to advance to the class that actually counted toward a degree, it required taking three classes as prerequisites. Taking the 'easy' math class I was in was so stressful that I never perused math further. I ended up getting a certificate which I was proud of, but that 'dream' of getting a degree (and the fact that almost every job application asks what kind of degree you have), was always in my mind.
My most recent experience was last fall when I decided to go back to school and pursue a degree in a different field. I had dreams of taking classes and getting good grades, but my dream was shattered when I was put into a math class (the "easiest" one). I ended up dropping the class based on my very supportive instructor's recommendation. Had I chosen to take it over, it would have meant passing that class plus four more to get into the class that counted toward graduation. Ultimately I decided that it was going to take too long to peruse, and that I've gotten by this long without a degree and I've had a successful career path so far.
Now that you know my history, I only mention it because I did appreciate the information in this book. I will be reading it again more thoroughly at a later date, but I was curious as to the content.
The author is clearly British or English because words like "Ticks" instead of "Checkmarks", etc. are used. Sometimes it was hard to figure out what they meant, but I got the jest of it.
This book is a great resource for teachers and parents of learning challenged students as it gives great information. Adults may have to hunt for information geared toward them, but it's worth a look. And the cartoons are pretty cute too.