Building Math Skills Through Play: Helping Children with Learning Difficulties

Math can be a challenge for many children, especially those with learning differences like dyscalculia or ADHD. But it doesn’t have to be frustrating—learning math through play can make it fun, engaging, and accessible. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we use playful, hands-on approaches to help children understand numbers, patterns, and logic at their own pace.

Learning Through Play Makes a Difference
In the image above, a child is clearly engaged and enjoying an activity that involves sorting, matching, or identifying numbers. These kinds of playful tasks build a solid foundation for essential math skills such as:

• Number recognition

• Counting and sequencing

• Spatial awareness

• Problem-solving

• Pattern matching

Play-based math learning also improves attention, memory, and self-confidence—especially important for children who may struggle in traditional classroom settings.

Who Benefits from Play-Based Math Learning?
At OrbRom Center, we work with children who have:

• Dyscalculia: Difficulty understanding numbers and math concepts

• ADHD: Challenges with attention, impulsivity, and working memory

• Autism: Need for structured, visual, and repetitive learning

• General developmental delays

For these children, traditional rote learning methods often don’t work. Instead, our therapists and educators use games, puzzles, manipulatives, and colorful tools—like the ones pictured above—to bring math concepts to life.

Our Approach at OrbRom Center
We begin with a developmental assessment to identify the child’s specific needs and strengths. Then we create a tailored intervention program that integrates playful learning with therapeutic goals.

Some of the methods we use include:

• Color-coded math boards to help visualize concepts

• Movement-based games to improve number sequencing and memory

• Hands-on manipulatives for addition, subtraction, and comparisons

• Story-based math to tie numbers to real-life situations

Our learning sessions are pressure-free and guided by experienced therapists who understand how to keep children motivated, focused, and successful.

Why Early Support Matters
When math challenges are not addressed early, they can lead to academic anxiety, low self-esteem, and school avoidance. By using games and hands-on activities, children gain confidence and start to see math as something they can do—not something to fear.

Conclusion
Play-based math learning is a powerful way to support children with learning difficulties. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we use creative, personalized strategies to help every child build confidence and competence in math. If your child is struggling with numbers or focus, book a developmental assessment today to discover how we can help.