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Unlocking Dyscalculia
Unlocking Dyscalculia
Author: Adrianne Meldrum
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© 2025 Made for Math
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Welcome to Unlocking Dyscalculia, the podcast and YouTube series that demystifies math learning challenges and empowers educators, parents, and students with research-backed strategies. Hosted by the team at Made for Math, this series explores the science behind dyscalculia, how it impacts learners, and most importantly—how to help.
Each episode dives into expert insights, real-life success stories, and practical intervention strategies grounded in cognitive science, reducing cognitive load, and leveraging dual coding to make math accessible. Whether you're a teacher looking for actionable tools, a parent seeking support for your child, or an adult struggling with numbers, Unlocking Dyscalculia is here to guide you on the path to math confidence.
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In this episode of Unlocking Dyscalculia, Adrianne Meldrum, founder and CEO of MFM, and Heather Brand, Operations Manager, dive into a phrase many of us have heard—the science of learning. It’s become a buzzword in education, but what does it actually mean? More importantly, how does it apply to how children learn math?Looking for our Subitizing Cards? Check them out here: Subitizing Playing Cards (Free Shipping) - Made for MathSee more interviews referenced in this episode here: madeformath.com/unlocking-dyscalculia Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMathConnect with us on Instagram: instagram.com/madeformathConnect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/madeformath
In this episode of Unlocking Dyscalculia, Heather Brand from Made for Math sits down with Alisa Dorman, President of Acadience Learning, to explore how curriculum-based measurement (CBM) tools can identify math learning challenges early—and help students thrive before frustration sets in.See more interviews referenced in this episode here: madeformath.com/unlocking-dyscalculia Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: youtube.com/madeformath Connect with us on Instagram: instagram.com/madeformathConnect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/madeformath
In a recent interview with Adrianne Meldrum, Nathaniel Hansford shared his journey as an educator, teaching across multiple countries and working with students with diverse needs. From classrooms in Korea to behavioral schools in England, Nathaniel’s experiences shaped not only his approach to teaching but also his understanding of how research informs educational practices.See more interviews referenced in this episode here: madeformath.com/unlocking-dyscalculia Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: youtube.com/madeformathConnect with us on Instagram: instagram.com/madeformathConnect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/madeformath
In this conversation, Adrianne Meldrum, CEO of Made for Math, sits down with Dr. Nathaniel Swain—teacher, instructional coach, researcher, and author of Harnessing the Science of Learning. Together, they dive into the fascinating intersections of language, cognition, and mathematics instruction.To read the full blog post and see interviews referenced in this video visit: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...You can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: / / @madeformath Follow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath
Too often, math is treated as if it’s just one skill. People say things like, “I’m not a math person”—something you’d rarely hear someone say about reading. The truth is, being “good at math” is not an all-or-nothing talent you’re born with. Just like reading, math proficiency is made up of many connected skills that can be strengthened over time.In this episode of Unlocking Dyscalculia, Adrianne Meldrum and Heather Brand dive into their vision for a Mathematical Proficiency Rope—a simpler, yet still deeply interconnected model that explains what it really takes to develop strong math skills.See more interviews referenced in this episode here: madeformath.com/unlocking-dyscalculia Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: / madeformath Connect with us on Instagram: instagram.com/madeformathConnect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/madeformath
Unlocking Dyscalculia host Adrianne Meldrum sits down with Canadian researcher and evidence-informed learning designer Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva. Together, they sit down to explore one of the most persistent—and misleading—ideas in education: learning styles. You’ve probably heard it before (or even said it yourself): “I’m a visual learner,” or “My student needs kinesthetic learning.” But is there any truth to it?Connect with Dr. Nidhi SachdevaFollow The Science of Learning Newsletter for regular updates on the latest breakthroughs in the learning sciences: https://scienceoflearning.substack.com/See more interviews referenced in this episode here: madeformath.com/unlocking-dyscalculia Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: https://www.youtube.com/madeformath Connect with us on Instagram: instagram.com/madeformathConnect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/madeformath
In the latest episode of Unlocking Dyscalculia, Heather Brand sits down with educator and consultant Brendan Lee to explore what happens when a teacher steps outside the traditional path and rethinks how we reach students—especially those who struggle with math. Join us as we uncover common math myths and share practical strategies you can use with your students instead.To read the full blog post and see interviews referenced in this video visit: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...You can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: / @madeformath Follow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath
In this episode of Unlocking Dyscalculia, Adrianne Meldrum is joined by Dr. Zach Groshell—educator, researcher, and host of the Progressively Incorrect podcast. Zach shares powerful insights on how working memory, visuals, and carefully crafted instruction can make or break student learning—especially for those who struggle with math. We talk about the science of learning, the pitfalls of cluttered teaching, and how explicit instruction benefits all learners.🎧 Listen to Zach’s podcast, Progressively Incorrect: https://educationrickshaw.com/categor...📘 Grab a copy of Zach’s book:Available now on Amazon — https://amzn.to/3XVK9Xashop.madeformath.com for cool math resources! Join our newsletter for the latest updates from MFM: https://madeformath.com/newsletter/See more interviews referenced in this video here: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys... Connect with us on Facebook: / madeformath Connect with us on Instagram: / madeformath Connect with us on LinkedIn: / made-for-math
Welcome to our web series, Unlocking Dyscalculia! We have 25+ episodes all about dyscalculia, with new additions being recorded monthly. Recently, our CEO, Adrianne Meldrum, had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Clements to dive deeper into his groundbreaking research on learning trajectories, subitizing, and why early math education is more critical than ever.Connect with Dr. Douglas Clements: https://www.learningtrajectories.org/shop.madeformath.com for cool math resources! See more interviews referenced in this video here: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys... Connect with us on Facebook: / madeformath Connect with us on Instagram: / madeformath Connect with us on LinkedIn: / made-for-math
In our latest episode of the Unlocking Dyscalculia series, CEO and Founder Adrianne Meldrum, along with Operations Manager Heather Brand, sit down with Dr. Jenni Back, an author, researcher, and retired mathematics consultant. Dr. Back has spent her career exploring effective ways to teach math, including the use of manipulatives to support student understanding.In this post, we explore the power of visual math tools like the Hungarian Ten Frame and Cuisenaire rods—two manipulatives that unlock deeper number sense and pattern recognition.To read the full blog post and see interviews referenced in this video visit: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...You can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMathFollow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath
In this episode of our Unlocking Dyscalculia series, Adrianne and Heather are joined by Dr. Sarah Powell, Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Powell shares her expertise in developing interventions for students with mathematics difficulties, focusing on peer tutoring, word-problem solving, math writing, and understanding the symbols and vocabulary of math.Dive into this fascinating conversation about the role of language in math learning and discover actionable strategies to help students thrive. Don't miss it!You can reach out to Dr. Sarah Powell by email: srpowell@utexas.eduOr on socials @sarahpowellphdSee more interviews referenced in this episode and resources here: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...You can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMathFollow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath
What are some common problems that students face when trying to learn math facts? What are useful strategies for parents and teachers to help aid in math fact mastery? Tune in to this enlightening conversation between Made for Math's CEO, Adrianne Meldrum, and Assistant Professor, Corey Peltier, as they discuss math fact fluency and The Science of Math. Connect with Corey: Email coreypeltier@ou.edu Corey's Article on Fluency: https://coreypeltier.substack.com/p/f... See more interviews referenced in this episode here: madeformath.com/unlocking-dyscalculia Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMathConnect with us on Instagram: instagram.com/madeformathConnect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/madeformath
Welcome to our web series, Unlocking Dyscalculia! We have 25+ episodes all about dyscalculia, with new additions being recorded monthly. In this video, Adrianne Meldrum, our CEO, sits down with the brilliant authors Giannis Karagiannakis and Marie-Pascale Noël to discuss their groundbreaking book "Effective Teaching Strategies for Dyscalculia and Learning Difficulties in Mathematics." Discover valuable insights into conquering math challenges and gain essential tools and techniques for teaching dyscalculic students. Don't miss out on this episode that can transform your teaching approach! Get your copy of "Effective Teaching Strategies for Dyscalculia and Learning Difficulties in Mathematics" here: https://amzn.to/45YNdDQ[Affiliate Link] Connect with Marie-Pascale: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/...Connect with Giannis: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/...shop.madeformath.com for cool math resources! See more interviews referenced in this video here: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...Connect with us on Facebook: / madeformath Connect with us on Instagram: / madeformath Connect with us on LinkedIn: / made-for-math
In this video, Made for Math's CEO, Adrianne Meldrum, connects with Author and Early-Years Teacher, Bridget Mather-Scott, and her son Will to talk about their book, Gary and Maths. This children's book shows the struggles that many students with dyslexia and dyscalculia face in mathematics. Buy your copy of Gary and Maths here: https://amzn.to/45LB1WH Get your copy of Ollie-O'clock here: https://amzn.to/443ZvsV(Affiliate Links)Connect with Bridget here: https://www.billybeeslearning.co.uk/See more interviews referenced in this episode here: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...You can subscribe to our Youtube for more awesomeness here: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMathFollow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath
Join us for an insightful discussion on supporting students in numeracy with Made for Math's CEO, Adrianne Meldrum, and Operations Manager, Heather Brand. We are thrilled to have the esteemed Dr. Eugenie Kestel as our special guest!Join us for an enriching conversation about online vs. in-person intervention and strategies to effectively teach math facts to students with learning disabilities. Connect with Dr. Eugenie through email here: eugenie@aceseducation.org.auSee more interviews referenced in this episode here: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...Subscribe to our Youtube for more awesomeness: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMathFollow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath
In this video, Made for Math's CEO Adrianne Meldrum and owner of Dyslexia Solutions Karee Atkinson have an enlightening conversation about getting creative when finding funding for your child's tutoring needs. Tune in to hear ways to advocate for your child with a learning disability and how to secure the financials to do so. See more interviews referenced in this episode and resources here: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...Find Karee Atkinson's website Dyslexia Solutions here: https://www.utahdyslexiasolutions.com/You can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMathFollow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath
Welcome to our web series, Unlocking Dyscalculia! We have 18 episodes all about dyscalculia. In this video, Made for Math's CEO Adrianne Meldrum and Professor Brian Butterworth discuss working memory, number sense, and subitizing. You'll hear an insightful conversation about navigating dyscalculia research and translating that knowledge into something useful for teachers and parents. They explore the prevalence of dyscalculia and cover what's next for Professor Butterworth. Check out this conversation with researcher and author Prof. Brain Butterworth. See more interviews referenced in this episode and resources here: https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...You can subscribe to our Youtube channel for more awesome videos: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMathFollow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath
In this video, you'll learn from Professor Mahesh C. Sharma about his method of teaching students a concept he refers to as Sight Facts. These facts are taught in a way using inherent processes all humans are born with. Come learn more about Sight Facts here:https://madeformath.com/sight-facts-s... Visit Professor Sharma's website here:https://mathematicsforall.org/
Dr. Yan Ping Xin, researcher, and COMPS creator, joins MFM CEO Adrianne Meldrum to answer this question: Why are word problems so tricky for students with dyscalculia? Sit in on this insightful conversation! Want to check out Dr. Xin's Conceptual Model Based Problem Solving program?Head to Springer to pick up the book: https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9789... Connect with Dr. Xin here:https://www.education.purdue.edu/facu...See more interviews referenced in this episode and resources here:https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...You can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMathFollow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath
What are the challenges in diagnosing dyscalculia? What is the Feifer Assessment of Mathematics (FAM)?How is it best used? How are diagnostics created?Sit it on this 42-minute discussion between Steven Feifer, creator of the FAM, and Made for Math's CEO Adrianne Meldrum. Want to check out the assessment for yourself? It's currently available through Par Inc. https://www.parinc.com/Products/Pkey/109See more interviews referenced in this episode and resources here:https://madeformath.com/unlocking-dys...You can subscribe to our YouTube channel for more awesomeness: https://www.youtube.com/@MadeforMath Follow us on Facebook: / madeformath Follow us on Instagram: / madeformath




