What Is Beat Dyscalculia?
Beat Dyscalculia (incorporating Addacus) is a highly structured, multi-sensory numeracy programme that can be used to teach maths to children of all ages and abilities but is specifically designed as an intervention programme for children in Key Stage 1 and 2 who are struggling with the core curriculum. It is particularly effective for those with dyscalculia, dyslexia and autism. It has also been used with children in Key Stage 3 who are working below the expected levels.
The ABC of Numbers
Beat Dyscalculia has been created from the principle that Activities Build Concepts, and a belief that maths is a language. It is crucial therefore, that children learn the vocabulary of numbers right from the start and that they are given the opportunity to talk about and explore concepts in order to help them understand them.
The Beat Dyscalculia Packs
Our products are available to buy as 3 packs that work together and build on each other to take children from the very foundations of numbers, counting and maths to being competent in:
- recognition of number symbols and their values i.e.the threeness of three
- odd and even
- addition
- subtraction
- greater than and less than
- place value
- multiplication
- division
- working with bigger numbers
- simple fractions
- time

- physical activities, such as manipulating the materials to explore and discuss number
- listening and interacting
- speaking and explaining to peers
- calculations using the materials to help
- pencil and paper activities
- drawing
- songs for each number and for the four processes of number
- stories, games and poems
Concepts are taught and repeated in different ways in order to reinforce what’s being learnt. Children are encouraged to explore and learn in a structured way with the support of and interaction with a teacher, teaching assistant or parent.
Addacus
An essential part of Beat Dyscalculia is the Addacus machine – a patented abacus with a difference, invented by Celia Stone. The Addacus is designed to teach the concept on hundreds, tens and units, place value and decimals and can be used to do basic addition and subtraction in a fun and physical way. Crucially, unlike a traditional abacus, each post only holds 9 cubes so that when you get to ten, you automatically know that you have to ‘exchange’ ten units for a ten and ‘carry over’ to the next post.
It has been researched, tested and modified by The Centre for Design Research at Northumbria University.
The Addacus is included in Pack 1, and is used throughout the Beat Dyscalculia course. Addacus machines can also be bought separately from our online shop.