Cognitive Exercises Solve Reading and Math Difficulties

Posted by Erica Warren on May 22, 2021

Many young learners struggle with basic reading and math because the cognitive skills required to do these tasks are weak. Therefore, these children need to strengthen these processing areas before they attempt to learn how to decode words and execute basic computations.

Activities that strengthening reading skills

What are the Core Areas of Cognition Required for Basic Reading and Math?

Sequential processing and memory: The ability to scan, make sense of, and remember information in a sequence or series.
Auditory processing and memory: The ability to listen, make sense of, and remember information that is heard.
Visual processing and memory: The ability to scan, make sense of, and remember visual information and symbols.
Attention to detail: The ability to thoroughly and accurately perceive and consider all the details and then determine the most important piece or pieces of information.
Speed of processing: The ability to perform simple repetitive cognitive tasks quickly and fluently.
Spatial skills: The ability to mentally manipulate 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional figures.
Tracking: The ability to scan text from left to right.

Basic Exercises can Help to Remediate Weak Cognitive Areas

Each of the cognitive areas listed above can be strengthened. However, what is most important is the activities need to be focused and engaging enough to enchant young learners. From my work with children over the past 15 years, I have recently created two publications that offer fun activities and games that your primary students will be sure to love. These activities can also be used with older students as a form of cognitive remediation.

Following Directions Primary:

My newest publication, Following Directions Primary, offers a comprehensive, 49 page, digital download that includes process of elimination and coloring activities. It develops abilities with the use of cute animals and aliens as well as letters, numbers, shapes and arrows. As students develop listening skills, they also enhance linguistic abilities and core cognitive skills. If you are interested in learning more about this publication you can come to my product page. You can even download free samples.

Reversing Reversals Primary:

This past summer, I created Reversing Reversals Primary. This two focuses on strengthening the cognitive foundation needed for reading and math. It also works on the cognitive areas that impact students with dyslexia such as perception. This publication, which is available as a digital download, offers 72 pages of activities and a game and teaches all of the cognitive skills with the use of colorful animal images. If you are interested in learning more about this publication you can come to my product page. You can even download a free sample.

By helping young learners to develop their core, cognitive foundation before commencing with reading and math instruction, you can assure that these students will have the abilities necessary to succeed. Furthermore, you can avoid learning difficulties and allow your young learners to progress with confidence.

Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.