87: Part 2 Dyscalculia Explained: Number Sense, Time Blindness, and Building Confidence with Practical Strategies

In our just released Part 2 of Ep 87 Dyscalculia Explained: Number Sense, Time Blindness, and Building Confidence with Practical Strategies, Dr Shae Marie Wisszell on the Dear Dyslexic Podcast sits down with Michael Shanaha to explore dyscalculia and why it is often invisible due to low awareness, even among maths teachers. Michael explains dyscalculia as a core difficulty with basic number sense (value, bigger/ smaller, numerosity), distinct from maths anxiety, working memory limitations, or processing speed challenges that can also make maths hard. The conversation covers real-life impacts beyond school, including understanding time, money, fractions, discounts, and financial decisions, with examples from the guest’s experience supporting their daughter and tutoring students. Together, Shae and Michael discuss using concrete supports like counters, real money, visual timers, routines, and explicit instruction (counting, number bonds, practice and repetition) to build foundations, reduce anxiety, and create success that improves confidence and mindset over time. Watch now on YouTube or on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with someone who needs to know they’re not alone! 00:00 Welcome to Dear Dyslexic 00:29 Dyscalculia myths and awareness 03:07 What dyscalculia really is 06:57 Time sense and routines 10:10 Everyday maths challenges 11:38 Money and real world practice 14:37 Teaching number sense basics 22:23 Math anxiety and mindset 24:54 Building confidence with small wins 27:37 Core strategies and fluency drills 31:30 Gentle support and finger counting 35:12 Wrap up and resource