No Head For Numbers Summary

The article “No Head for Numbers” by Carlin Flora tells the story of a girl named Steph Zech with a specific math learning disability known as dyscalculia and the difficulties of the disability. Dyscalculia is similar to dyslexia in many ways except that instead of having the trouble of comprehending letters, those who have dyscalculia have the trouble of calculating and comprehending numbers. Steph Zech recently graduated from high school with a admirable record, both academically and socially. But when anything is associated with math, Steph struggles. Many children are affected by dyscalculia and go undiagnosed. Several research groups are looking into ways to reboot children’s “number sense” with games and puzzles. The article tells that scientists are optimistic because of the way

In one way, Charlie and Steph Zech are alike. Although Charlie has complete learning disabilities and Steph has a specific disability, they share struggles. They both struggle over learning subjects, need extended help, and have to live with it. The article explains how scientists are working to cure and improve dyscalculia, much like how researchers worked on Charlie. The article does not really support the idea that an operation such as what Charlie had done to him is possible but, it does tell of tests and games, much like Charlie’s races with Algernon, to help improve the mind’s mathematical sense. “In the game, which is designed to strengthen the brain circuits that support number sense, the child tries to beat a cartoon opponent to the end of a number line disguised as a colorful racetrack...Young children who play the game do show improvements on basic numerical cognition,” (Flora). It’s almost as if the dyscalculic children who play this game are racing an electronic Algernon. In conclusion, “Flowers for Algernon” and Charlie Gordon have many similarities to “No Head for Numbers” and Steph