Literacy vs. Numeracy Struggles How Educational Therapy Bridges the Gap

1. Literacy vs. Numeracy Struggles: How Educational Therapy Bridges the Gap When we think of learning, literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy (math skills) often come to mind as the foundation of education. But what happens when a child struggles with one or both? For many parents, this can be a confusing and frustrating experience. Understanding these struggles and how educational therapy can help understand your child better and enable them with the environment to improve and grow. Literacy vs. Numeracy: What’s the Difference? Literacy - refers to reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills. It’s about making sense of words, sentences, and language. Numeracy - involves understanding numbers, patterns, and problem-solving in maths. It’s about making sense of quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning. While these skills seem separate, they are deeply connected. A child who struggles with literacy might also have trouble understanding word problems in maths. Likewise, a child who finds numeracy challenging may struggle with reading graphs or recognising patterns in text.

2. Read more on Literacy and Numeracy Why Some Children Struggle Literacy and numeracy difficulties can stem from various reasons, including: Learning differences like Dyslexia or Dyscalculia– affecting reading, writing, or number processing. Attention difficulties (e.g., ADHD)– making it hard to focus on reading or following multi-step math problems. Processing speed issues – causing delays in decoding words or solving equations. Poor working memory– making it difficult to retain and use information effectively. Lack of foundational skills – gaps in phonics, comprehension, or basic number sense that were never fully developed. If left unaddressed, these struggles can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and disengagement from learning. That’s where educational therapy comes in. How Educational Therapy Helps with Literacy & Numeracy Educational therapy is not tutoring but a structured intervention designed to build cognitive skills, improve learning strategies, and address underlying difficulties. Here’s how it makes a difference:

3. Literacy Support in Educational Therapy Phonemic awareness training – Helping children break down and recognise sounds in words. Fluency and comprehension techniques– Using structured reading programs to build confidence and understanding. Writing strategies– Teaching sentence structuring, spelling, and idea organisation. Multi-sensory learning– Engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods to reinforce language skills. Numeracy Support in Educational Therapy Breaking down maths concepts– Teaching numbers and operations step by step to improve understanding. Using visual aids and manipulatives– Making maths hands-on to support learning. Building number sense and problem-solving skills – Helping children see patterns and connections.

4. Connecting maths to real life – Using everyday examples to make learning meaningful and fun. Educational therapists customise these strategies based on a child’s specific challenges, strengths, and learning style. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Benefits of Educational Therapy Short-Term Gains: Improved confidence in reading, writing, and maths. Reduced frustration and anxiety around learning. More engagement in classroom activities. Better communication and expression of ideas. Long-Term Success: Stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Better academic performance and independence. Increased resilience and adaptability in learning. A solid foundation for future learning and career growth.

5. Why Parents Must Take Action If your child is struggling with literacy or numeracy, early intervention is key. The sooner challenges are addressed, the easier it is to close learning gaps. Parents should: ✔️ Observe their child’s learning patterns and challenges. ✔️ Communicate with teachers about any concerns. ✔️ Seek professional support from an Early Intervention Programme in Singapore or an Early Intervention Centre. How Total Communication Therapy Can Help At Total Communication Therapy, we offer specialised educational therapy 1:1 for every child. Our approach: ✅ Uses evidence-based strategies for literacy and numeracy. ✅ Focuses on building confidence and motivation in learning. ✅ Provides individualised support to address specific challenges. ✅ Equips parents with strategies to support learning at home. If your child is facing difficulties with reading, writing, or maths, it’s never too late to help to make the better of themselves.  Contact us today to learn more about our Early Intervention Programme in Singapore. CONTACT US Fill in our reach out form Call us: +65 9115 8895