What Are Dot Patterns? (Learning Tools for Dyscalculia)
Image of Dot Patterns 1-10 with glass counters.
If you've been following me long enough, you have heard me talk about the importance of dot patterns for dyscalculics of all ages.
What are dot patterns?
Dot patterns are visual representations of the numbers 1-10. Each number has its own specific pattern of dots which represent that number. The patterns 1-6 match that of dot patterns on dice or dominoes, and 7-10 are patterns of doubles or near-doubles of 1-6.*
Why are they important for dyscalculics?
So many reasons!
Dot patterns provide a visual representation of numbers that depicts the quantity of that number.
Experience with dot patterns enables dyscalculics to develop the ability to subitize and recognize small quantities.
Dot patterns work develops a sense of numbers as groups/sets.
This multisensory teaching method enables dyscalculics to physically experience numbers and make those brain connections, before moving to the visual and abstract.
Dyscalculics learn “math facts” through experience of how the various dot patterns combine (compose) or separate (decompose).
Dot patterns work helps establish the missing understanding of the relationships between the numbers.
It doesn’t tax the limited memory system.
Dot patterns help with grasping critical math concepts such as doubling, halving, even/odd numbers, and regrouping.
Numeral patterns are not easily recognized by dyscalculics, but dot patterns are!
Are dot patterns the same as Touch Math?
No. It’s important to help dyscalculics to not rely on counting-in-ones (which Touch Math and other programs do) because dyscalculics are prone to errors and need help establishing an understanding for numbers.
*The Dot Pattern teaching I most resonate with, and that is taught by The Dyscalculia Network, Jane Emerson, the Emerson House, and Ronit Bird are the doubles and near-double patterns developed by Dorian Yeo. This double/near double patterns help establish important numeracy concepts such as doubling and halving. These differ slightly from those used by Mahesh Sharma, Steve Chinn, Chris Woodin but they both express a similar methodology and emphasize dot patterns as an important learning strategy for dyscalculia.
Want to learn more about dot patterns?
Join me for one of my coaching packages where we can explore the power of dot patterns together.