Resources

Videos

Publications

Websites / Useful Links

 

Videos

The 'Maths Explained' Video Tutorials

One of the biggest problems for learners who are dyscalculic and/or who have trouble in learning mathematics is retaining facts and procedures in long term memory.The best way of addressing these problems is to develop understanding of those maths facts and procedures.

Maths Explained is a collection of video tutorials that teach understanding for basic facts and for many of the key maths topics, such as fractions and division.

Based on 25 years of successfully teaching students who had failed when taught by 'traditional' methods... and based on research from around the world on how children and adults can learn to understand and succeed in maths.

From as little as £2.50 for one tutorial to £60 for over 10 hours of tutorials... and you can play them as many times as you wish.

There are very few thoroughly trained and experienced tutors for maths learning problems in the UK or indeed many other countries. In response to this lack of availability of tutors I have recorded a series of 34 tutorials which address the core topics of maths.

The tutorials can be used for:

• Teacher training (I use the material in my own teacher training sessions)
• Supporting classroom assistants when working with students
• Supporting teachers when working with students
• Independent study by individual students, where the amount of each video watched at one time and the number of times it is watched can be controlled by the student.

(Note that at this stage there is no requirement for a site licence for schools)

Maths Explained is a series of videos which do as the title suggests - the videos explain maths. They are designed primarily for those who struggle to learn maths, but will help anyone who wishes to improve their understanding of basic maths.

Area of a Circle

• The videos explain maths from the beginning, developing an understanding of maths and a confidence in using maths and numbers.
• They are underpinned by Steve's research and experience and also research from experts around the world.
• The videos use simple and clear visual images, often with animations to illustrate the concepts and which are matched to maths vocabulary.
• They are designed to address and circumvent the learning barriers that prevent so many people from succeeding in maths.
• The structure is developmental and inter-linked so that understanding supports memory. This is not about a dependence on rote learning.
• The videos, as a whole or in parts, can be watched repeatedly until understanding is secure. No one will say, 'I've already explained that to you too many times.'
• The videos are not a quick-fix compendium of tricks and mnemonics. They are not games. They build and constantly reflect back on the roots of maths. They are conceptual. They are about understanding maths.
• They are about going back to the earliest concepts and rebuilding a resilient understanding of the basic skills and concepts.
• The videos are not age-specific (for example, there are no dancing clowns or elephants). Any age of learner can benefit from these videos.

"It is such an excellent course and your visuals are great!" Gilly Payne, Professional Course Tutor at the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre

"Thank you so much for this program. I wish it were mandatory viewing of every teacher in Australia, for the damage their lack of understanding of learning differences does is too great. My 13 year old has just started your program and for the first time in his life is understanding math!"

The Equation Balance

The tutorials were launched at the end of 2014. They can be purchased individually or as sets via the website There are sample clips from the videos on the Maths Explained website www.mathsexplained.co.uk The tutorials have been purchased in 18 countries, including: South Africa, Australia, Ireland, USA, UK, NZ, Canada, Malta, Spain, Switzerland, India, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Portugal, Thailand, Singapore and Japan.

 

Publications - Steve

I have written a range of materials for maths including books, worksheets, a test of thinking style and many papers. My book, 'The Trouble with Maths', won a major special needs (TES/nasen) award in 2004. It is now in 3rd edition. 'More Trouble with Maths' has been translated into Norwegian. 'Mathematics for Dyslexics and Dyscalculics' will be translated into Mandarin in 2017. An appropriately modified edition of 'Mathematics Learning Difficulties, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia' will be published in India in 2017.

		The International Handbook I compiled and edited the Routledge International Handbook of Dyscalculia and Mathematical Learning Difficulties published in 2015. Contributing authors include: Daniel Ansari, Mark Ashcraft, Robert Ashlock, Lynn Fuchs, David Geary, Russell Gersten, Nancy Jordan, Bob Reeves, Karin Landerl and Robert Siegler. NEWS: A paperback version will be available in October 2017 at £39.99
		Mathematics for Dyslexics and Dyscalculics (2017) 4th edition Written with Richard Ashcroft and published by Wiley Mathematics for Dyslexics, including Dyscalculia will be translated into Mandarin and published in 2018 The 4th edition, a seminal book in this field for more than twenty years, discusses the factors that contribute to the potential difficulties dyslexic learners may have with mathematics, and suggests ways of addressing these difficulties.
		The Trouble With Maths The award winning book now in 3rd edition: The Trouble with Maths: A Practical Guide to Helping Learners with Numeracy Difficulties. 3rd edition. (2017) Steve Chinn. ISBN 978-1-138-18746-7.
		More Trouble With Maths From the Foreword by Professor Maggie Snowling: This is an astonishing book! It should be on the shelves of all professionals in the field of maths education and educational assessment. ISBN 978-1-138-18750-4 'More Trouble with Maths: A complete manual to identifying and diagnosing mathematical difficulties.' 2nd edition (2017) Routledge. There is very little written about diagnosis and assessment of dyscalculia and maths learning difficulties. This book provides a collection of tests and diagnostic procedures, all free to photocopy, which will combine to provide a comprehensive diagnosis for ages 7 to 59 years old. It is a low-cost resource. It is now in 2nd edition.
		Maths Learning Difficulties and Dyscalculia Written for the BDA's 40th anniversary series 'Mathematics Learning Difficulties, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia', written for the BDA's 40th Anniversary series, was published in 2012 by the BDA.It is their best-selling title from that series of ten books. 1st edition now sold out. 2nd edition due 2018. This book has also been adjusted in vocabulary for publication in India by Unique Ability Consulting.
		Practical Guides to individual topics in Maths The 'What to do when you can't' titles are published by Egon Publishers Ltd WTDWYC Add and Subtract WTDWYC Learn the Times Tables WTDWYC Multiply and Divide WTDWYC Tell the Time WTDWYC Do Fractions, Decimals and Percentages These highly accessible books are written for parents, older pupils, students and adults and offer a non-patronising, consistent and developing pathway through basic arithmetic. The 'What to do when you can't" series are available from SEN Books.
		The Fear of Maths Written for parents and adult dyslexics. The third edition was published in August 2011, re-titled, 'The Fear of Maths and How to Overcome It'. It has been updated significantly.
		Addressing the Unproductive Classroom Behaviours of Students with Special Needs 'Addressing the Unproductive Classroom Behaviours of Students with Special Needs', was published by Jessica Kingsley in 2010. This book, a departure from my usual maths books, is based on research done with colleagues in Ireland and the Netherlands. It takes a pragmatic approach to identifying and addressing unproductive classroom behaviours. All the author's royalties go to the Majika school, Hazey View, South Africa. This book was short-listed for a nasen award in 2011.
		Worksheets The eight book set of Worksheets Plus are once again in print. They are available from SEN Marketing
		Nimcon Big Ideas 'Big Ideas' (2017) Steve Chinn, Fiona Goddard and Liz Henning. Numicon/OUP NEW Sept 2017 'Building a secure future in mathematics for every child' Suitable for: Schools with pupils in Upper Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3 (aged 10 upwards) who need a more secure understanding of key concepts within the primary maths curriculum. Numicon Big Ideas includes an initial assessment and 48 step-by-step sessions across 5 key areas: Place Value, Adding and Subtracting, Multiplying and Dividing, Fractions, and Working with Fractions, Decimals and Percentages. The sessions are suitable for delivery by non-specialists and focus on strong re-teaching of key topics using an active, practical approach to support reasoning and mathematical conversation.

 

Publications - Judy Hornigold

		Understanding Maths Learning Difficulties Published by OUP
		Help! My Child Has Dyslexia Published by LDA Originally a guide for parents but now frequently used by TAs, Teachers and Sencos.
		Dyscalculia Pocketbook Tips, tools and techniques for supporting children whose mathematical ability is affected by dyscalculia. Published by Teachers Pocketbooks
		Dyscalculia Lesson Plans Book 1 and 2 and Resources Kit Designed to help deliver Dyscalculia Lesson Plans in both Book 1 and Book 2 and can also be used independently to support children with mathematical learning difficulties. Published by TTS
		Making Maths Visual and Tactile

SEN books

Books can be ordered direct from the publishers or from
SEN Marketing,
618 Leeds Rd,
Outwood,
Wakefield, WF1 2LT

Tel: 01924 871 697

 

Useful Sites / Resources

Primary

• www.mathsexplained.co.uk (Tutorials that address the core topics in maths in a dyslexia/dyscalculia friendly way)
• www.stevechinn.co.uk
• www.wordshark.co.uk/numbershark.aspx
• www.dynamomaths.co.uk
• The 'What to do when you can't …¦.' series of maths books by Steve Chinn
• Chinn, S. 'Maths learning difficulties, dyslexia and dyscalculia.' British Dyslexia Association
• Emerson, J and Babtie, P (2014) The Dyscalculia Solution, Bloomsbury
• Hornigold, J. 2017, 'Understanding Maths Learning Difficulties', Open University Press
• Hornigold, J, 2013 'Dyscalculia Lesson Plans' Nottingham. Special Direct
• Chinn et al (2017) 'Numicon: Big Ideas.' Oxford University Press. Suitable for: Schools with pupils in Upper Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3 (aged 10 upwards) who need a more secure understanding of key concepts within the primary maths curriculum.
• Dyscalculia Screener - Dynamo Assessment (6-9yrs) www.dynamomaths.co.uk
• Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils (CReSTeD): http://www.crested.org.uk
• R. Ashlock (2010) 'Error Patterns in Computation' 10th edn Pearson
• Chinn, S. (2017) 'The Trouble with Maths' 3rd edn. Routledge
• Chinn, S. and Ashcroft, R. (2017) 'Maths and Dyslexia and Dyscalculia: A Teaching Handbook' 4th edn. Wiley
• Henderson, A. (2012) 'Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Mathematics: A Practical Guide' 2nd edn. Taylor and Francis
• www.mathsexplained.co.uk (tutorials that address topics in a visual and non-age specific way)

Secondary

• dyscalculia-screener.co.uk/ , which claims to be, 'the World's only post 16 screener'.
• Mathematics Pro a GCSE revision app.
• Moorcraft, P. (2015) 'It Just Doesn't Add Up: Explaining Dyscalculia and Overcoming Number Problems for Children and Adults' Original Paperback
• www.mathsexplained.co.uk (tutorials that address topics in a non-age specific way)
• stemreader.org.uk is a Windows application with tools to help read and explore equations. With STEMReader you can hear equations read aloud and see the transcript on screen, break down equations into simple chunks to make them easier to understand and check the meaning of unfamiliar symbols.

Further Education

• Moorcraft, P. (2015) 'It Just Doesn't Add Up: Explaining Dyscalculia and Overcoming Number Problems for Children and Adults'. Original Paperback
• www.mathsexplained.co.uk (tutorials that address topics in a non-age specific way)
• dyscalculia-screener.co.uk A screener for post-16
• Swipes app An intuitive to-do list which gives the fastest way to organise any list of tasks into priorities, scheduled events and history of accomplishments
• www.todoist.com. Another App for organising.
• www.mathscentre.ac.uk Resources for learners in HE and those applying for HE
• stemreader.org.uk is a Windows application with tools to help read and explore equations. With STEMReader you can hear equations read aloud and see the transcript on screen, break down equations into simple chunks to make them easier to understand and check the meaning of unfamiliar symbols. untimeapp.com A timer app that shows how much time is left in a visual way

(With gratitude to Pete Jarrett of Tutorum.co.uk for his assistance in suggesting resources for FE and HE sections. Note: Pete does assessments for dyscalculia.)