Learning is not a one-size-fits-all process. For many children, certain brain differences can result in learning difficulties that significantly impact how easily they are able to acquire foundational academic skills.

These difficulties, which most commonly include conditions like Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia, are common lifelong neurological conditions that are not a reflection of a person’s overall intelligence or effort. With the right strategies, support, and accommodations, individuals with these differences can achieve great success! However, identifying and addressing these challenges early in the primary years is important, as timely and targeted intervention can fundamentally change a child’s educational trajectory, fostering long-term success and stronger self-esteem.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills needed for accurate and fluent word recognition and spelling. It stems from a deficit in the phonological component of language and most commonly results in foundational reading difficulties. Early identification provides the strongest basis for effective intervention.

While dyslexia is primarily characterised by challenges with word recognition, spelling, and reading fluency, its impact is highly individualised and extends far beyond basic literacy. As academic demands increase, individuals may struggle with complex language tasks like essay writing and reading comprehension, or even face difficulties with spoken communication and social interaction.

Crucially, the persistent gap between a person’s actual intelligence and their academic performance can severely undermine self-esteem, leading to chronic stress and a diminished sense of capability. Understanding that dyslexia is a multifaceted language processing disorder, rather than a simple reading problem, is essential for providing the targeted instruction and emotional support necessary for long-term success in both school and the workplace.

What To Look For – Common Signs Of Dyslexia

In the preschool and early primary years, signs of potential dyslexic difficulties often centre on a child’s written language skills. Spelling might look quite jumbled at times because students have trouble remembering the letter symbols for each sound. According to the International Dyslexia Foundation, the commonly encountered indicators teachers and parents should look for are:

• Difficulties learning to speak
• Poor spelling, symbolic errors, and reversing letter sequences
• Dislike and avoidance of writing and reading
• Easily distracted by background noise
• Looks like they are guessing words on the page
• Mixing up math symbols
• Difficulty memorising numbers
• Does not spell phonetically (doesn’t use sound knowledge to spell)

*It is important to note here that not all students who have these difficulties immediately have dyslexia. Formal testing is required to confirm. More from the International Dyslexia Foundation on What Is Dyslexia here.

What Is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty affecting the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Similar to dyslexia, it is characterised by a core deficit, in this case relating to number sense and mathematical cognition. It is thought to affect approximately 5–7% of the population, often leading to anxiety and avoidance of math-related tasks.

What To Look For – Common Signs Of Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a lifelong learning challenge that affects how the brain processes numbers, with symptoms that evolve as a person ages and math becomes more complex. Often appearing as early as preschool, it manifests not just as a struggle with classroom arithmetic, but as a fundamental difficulty with number sense, the ability to grasp quantities, understand mathematical logic, and connect symbols (like the number 5) to their actual meanings.

These challenges frequently spill over into daily life, making it difficult to estimate time, judge distances, manage money, or retain numerical information in working memory while solving problems. Recognising these signs early is the first step toward implementing the specialised, practical strategies needed to navigate a world built on numerical data. According to the British Dyslexia Association 60% of individuals with dyslexia will have difficulties with maths, these are some more of the common signs of Dyscalculia.

• Difficulty understanding more vs less or the logic behind formulas.
• Struggling to connect the digit “7” to the word “seven” or a group of seven objects for example.
• Inability to hold numbers in the head or recall basic multiplication tables.
• Challenges with analogue skills like reading clocks, calculating tips, or estimating travel distance.

What Is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a specific learning difficulty that impacts a child’s ability to write. This goes beyond poor handwriting; it involves difficulties with the physical act of writing (motor skills) and the cognitive process of translating thoughts into written language (spelling, grammar, composition). For a child with dysgraphia, the effort required to form letters physically drains the energy needed for creative and analytical thinking.

What To look For – Common Signs Of Dysgraphia

The signs of writing difficulties often become apparent when more formal writing tasks are introduced in the latter primary years. Some common signs are:

• Handwriting is often very difficult to read, with mixed upper and lower case letters, irregular sizes, and inconsistent spacing between letters and words.
• An awkward or rigid pencil grip, or trouble with other fine motor skills, such as tying their shoes, cutting with scissors, or manipulating small objects.
• The act of writing is slow and requires excessive time and effort, making it difficult for the child to keep up with time-limited writing assignments.
• Despite knowing the content, the student struggles to organise thoughts on paper, often resulting in simple sentences, missing punctuation, and frequent grammatical errors.

What Is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder, is a more physically oriented learning difficulty that affects fine and gross motor coordination and motor planning. It involves the brain struggling to accurately process information and execute a planned action. This difficulty impacts both physical tasks and, often, aspects of daily living. According to the NHS in the UK some of the more common signs are as follows.

What To look For – Common Signs Of Dyspraxia

Developmental co-ordination disorders can cause a wide range of issues in both adults and children. Some of these may be noticeable at an early age, while others may only become obvious as they age. Common signs of coordination difficulties frequently appear as early as the preschool years, affecting the child’s interaction with their physical environment, what this might look like is:

• The child may appear noticeably clumsy, stumbling frequently, having poor balance, or struggling to master simple physical skills like hopping, skipping, running, or catching a ball long after their peers.
• Difficulties that extend beyond academic writing to everyday tasks, such as fastening buttons, tying shoelaces, using cutlery, and managing zips and toggles.
• Struggling to imitate physical movements or learn new motor skills, such as a dance routine or the sequence of actions needed for a new sport.
• Trouble judging distance, speed, and spatial awareness, which can lead to bumping into objects or people. They may also find it hard to sit still, constantly fidgeting or changing position to receive sensory feedback.

 

Successful support for any learning difficulty is truly a team effort involving educators, specialists, and parents. Creating an inclusive and supportive environment requires consistent communication and a shared understanding of the child’s individual challenges and needs. At Mastery Schools NZ, we help primary-aged children develop the skills and confidence necessary to navigate their young academic lives successfully. We know they are capable, competent learners – they just need the right key to unlock their unique potential!

 

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified specialist, psychologist, or medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of a healthcare provider or educational professional for any questions regarding a child’s health or specific learning needs.