Introduction
For many students, maths can feel like an uphill climb. When a child has dyscalculia, that climb simply needs a gentler path, better tools, and a little more time. The wonderful news is that within the Kairos and Homelife Academy (HLA) educational structure, parents have the freedom and flexibility to personalise learning. This means you can choose the programs, pace, and teaching style that truly meet your child’s needs, while HLA provides the formal oversight and transcripts for matriculation.
Every student and every family is unique. What works great for one child may look completely different for another. We want to commend you for your dedication in walking this journey with your child
Tackling a learning difference like dyscalculia takes patience, creativity, and heart, and you are already giving your student the greatest gift of all: a learning path that fits them.
Below is a guide to a selection (not exhaustive) of maths programmes available in South Africa, with notes on how each supports dyscalculic learners, which grades they suit best, and what costs you can expect. And yes, you are of course not limited to these. Any of these options, or others you may discover, can be adapted within your Kairos plan, with you, the parent, guiding, supporting, and celebrating each small victory along the way.
Also included in this article is how these resources can be incorporated into your schooling and what further considerations may help you make the best choices for your child.
This article is designed to encourage and support you as you walk this journey with your child and his/her uniqueness. As with any learning difference, consulting an educational psychologist, learning support specialist, or remedial education professional is recommended to provide tailored insight and guidance.
Annerine Wenhold
What is Dyscalculia?
It is helpful to understand what Dyscalcula is. First of all, dyscalculia isn’t just “being bad at maths”; it’s a specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to acquire arithmetic skills. It often relates to a difficulty with number sense – the fundamental intuition about numbers, quantities, and their relationships. This can manifest as struggles with:
- Subitising (recognising small quantities without counting).
- Sequential concepts (like telling time, using a calendar, or following multi-step problems).
- Spatial organisation (lining up numbers, place value).
- Memorising facts (like times tables) without conceptual understanding.
This is precisely why a multisensory, concrete-to-abstract programmes listed below are so effective: they build that missing number sense.
Maths Programmes and Supports for Kairos Families
For students with dyscalculia, the best programmes are multisensory, concrete-to-abstract, and mastery-based, with strong visual and conceptual supports. Based on this, consider these resource options (not an exhaustive list) based on their suitability for dyscalculia first, then others for reinforcement or older learners.
Maths programs for your consideration (sorted by support for students with dyscalculia)
| Programme / Organisation | Grades / Age | What It Does & Key Features | How Well Suited for Dyscalculia | Typical Cost (ZAR) |
| Dynamo Maths | Gr R–8 | Online, research-based intervention focused on number sense and sequencing. Interactive and self-paced with clear visuals. | Excellent fit. Specifically designed for dyscalculia; builds confidence and conceptual understanding. | Free 14-day trial, then about R250–R400 per month |
| Familyzone Learning – Davis Math Mastery™ | Gr 2–12 | One-on-one intensive programme (48 hours over about eight days). Uses hands-on clay modelling and orientation counselling to master foundational concepts. | Very strong. Ideal for deep foundational gaps and for learners who think visually. | Around R39,000 once-off (includes facilitator and materials. a short, highly-specialised intervention). |
| Math-U-See | Gr R–12 | Multisensory, mastery-based programme using manipulatives to teach concepts step by step. Clear video lessons and progression guides. | Very good for visual learners and students who benefit from concrete-to-abstract instruction. Its mastery-based, block-manipulative system is one of the most popular and effective concrete tools for learners needing a strong foundation. | About R1,500–R4,500 per level depending on kit |
| Making Math Real (MMR) | Gr 1–12 | A widely-respected multisensory teaching framework that strengthens number sense and spatial reasoning (thus, great for dyscalculia). | Excellent long-term approach; requires some tutor or parent training. | Training and materials from R5,000 upwards |
| TouchMath | Gr R–4 | Multisensory approach using tactile “touch points” to teach number value and operations. | Excellent for early learners who need concrete reinforcement. | About R1,500–R3,000 for a full kit (imported) |
| Singapore Maths | Gr R–12 | While the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach is a gold standard for dyscalculia, Singapore Maths is a curriculum built on the CPA method, not solely a programme. | Very strong methodology and curriculum for foundational concept for building strong foundations. Requires a strong grasp of verbal language, which can be challenging for some dyslexic/dyscalculic learners without careful, multisensory delivery | Workbooks and guides vary by level; about R400–R1,200 per workbook set |
| Seriously Addictive Mathematics (SAM) | Gr R–7 | SAM is an enrichment and foundational programme based on Singapore Maths (CPA). | The focus on small-group lessons is helpful for the social and conceptual learning of younger students. The monthly cost is typical for SA tuition centres. | About R1,200–R1,800 per month depending on centre |
| Denison Maths (Denison Algebra) | Gr 6–12 | The focus on video-based, structured, clear explanations is excellent for older students who struggle with abstract math | Good option for older students who benefit from consistency and clear explanations of Algebraic concepts. Works best with multisensory support. | Around R4,000–R6,000 per full-year course (self-paced) |
| Robo-Math (Solutions4Learning) | Gr 1–12 | Diagnostic assessments followed by personalised plans and regular support sessions. | The core strength is the diagnostic assessment and personalised plans to fill gaps, which is essential for a dyscalculic learner. It explicitly aims to build core math concepts and confidence, which aligns perfectly with intervention needs. | R400–R800 per month depending on package |
| Edulution | Gr 3–9 | Combines digital learning with real-life coaches and tablets for personalised learning. | A good supplement for practice and fluency. Less focused on deep remediation but very motivating. | Often school-sponsored; private access about R200–R300 per month |
| Jump Math | Gr 1–8 | Highly structured, scaffolded, step-by-step workbooks and lessons that build confidence gradually. | Very good for homeschool settings; simple and encouraging to use. The incremental steps minimize cognitive load, which is crucial for dyscalculia. | Workbooks around R250 each |
| Mathletics SA | Gr R–12 | Adaptive online platform with gamified practice, motivation and fluency. | Great for practice and reinforcement. Best used alongside other tools (not core remediation). | About R1,200–R1,500 per year |
| OLICO Maths Education | Gr 1–9 | South African non-profit offering free numeracy lessons, games, and printable materials focused on number sense. | An excellent, free resource focused on number sense. It’s perfect as a foundational building block or supplement. | Free (community-based or downloadable) |
How to Incorporate These into your Educational Plan
As you know, you as parent guide the learning process and choose the right tools (which includes resources and tutors) for your children. Here’s a simple plan for making these maths supports part of your Kairos journey.
1. Start with a diagnostic
Begin by identifying where your child’s gaps are using an educational specialist, or tools like Dynamo Maths, Robo-Math, or Davis Math assessments.
We encourage parents to seek a psycho-educational assessment from an educational psychologist. This will not only pinpoints math-specific gaps but also clarifies if dyslexia, ADHD, or other co-occurring conditions are impacting learning, which can dramatically change the intervention strategy. The specialist assessments (Dynamo, Robot-math, Davis) are excellent programme-specific tools, but the psycho-educational assessment provides the formal diagnosis and broader context, which will ensure that your teaching time targets exactly what’s missing.
2. Choose one main program and one support tool
Building on the spesialist advice, you may consider pairing for example Dynamo Maths or Robo-Math for remediation with Mathletics or Jump Math for practice and confidence building.
3. Use a consistent routine
Short daily sessions (20–30 minutes – depending on the age of the child) have been found to more effective than long, occasional lessons. Consistency helps mastery stick.
4. Add manipulatives and real-life math
Use coins, measuring cups, or blocks to bring abstract ideas to life. The Math-U-See manipulatives are also great. This aligns perfectly with the Kairos emphasis on mastery and understanding.
5. Track progress for proof of growth
Keep track of your child’s progress, including any daily assessment results and your reflections. These can store in your subject portfolio, with semester results then to be shared on Applecore twice a year. Keeping track of this progress will also build your child’s and your confidence that learning is taking place.
6. Encourage and celebrate
Small wins matter. Focus on progress and confidence rather than perfection. Many dyscalculic learners thrive when they feel seen and supported.
What to Look For When Choosing a Program
Here are some key qualities that make a maths programme work well for a dyscalculic learner in the Kairos context:
Address Working Memory
Dyscalculic learners often have weak working memory and processing speed. Choose programmes that use short, focused lessons, offer visual aids that stay visible (like Math-U-See blocks or Singapore bar models), and reduce the amount of notetaking or writing required for the initial understanding of a concept.
The Language of Math
Many with dyscalculia also have some degree of dyslexia. Be mindful of the language used in the curriculum. Look for resources that explicitly teach the vocabulary and function words of maths (e.g., of, by, product, sum) as these can be a source of confusion. Davis Math Mastery, for instance, specifically addresses this with “trigger words.”
Start where your child truly is, not by grade label
Mastery builds from a firm foundation, even if that means revisiting earlier content.
Choose program with strong visual or hands-on components
Dyscalculic learners (especially) need to see and feel maths, not just memorise it.
Look for structured, incremental lessons with frequent review
Predictable routines reduce anxiety and build confidence.
Foster a growth mindset
Praise effort and persistence. Celebrate every bit of progress.
Track learning
Keep simple notes, photos, or short reflections. This helps with accountability and motivates your child
Remain flexible
If a resource isn’t working after a few weeks, pivot to another. Kairos allows that freedom.
Final Encouragement
I firmly believe that every child can learn math – even with dyscalculia. Yes, the pace may be slower, but progress is absolutely possible. With Kairos, you have the freedom and flexibility to create a learning plan that truly fits your child’s unique needs. With patience, the right tools, and a focus on confidence, your student can not only meet the requirements for matriculation but also rediscover the joy of learning.
You are already doing something remarkable by approaching your child’s learning with care, creativity, and courage. Every small step matters. Every moment of curiosity you inspire, every bit of confidence you nurture, helps your child grow not only in skill but also in resilience, confidence, and joy. That is the very heart of the Kairos journey.
Kairos Academy SA 