Why Alternative Tools and Strategies for Math Matter

They would’ve mattered to me.

In High School, I failed Math every year and went to summer school. In hindsight, I had terrible number sense throughout my own education until I took Graduate Statistics. It was in that class that I found a practical application for Math. I collected data for research that I was doing, had supportive tools (e.g. calculator, charts for processes and procedures, a peer to cross check my work), and felt valued and Mathematically intelligent! I also got an ‘A’.

As folks in education, regardless of our roles, we all want to see our students succeed. For many students, Math can feel like a vaulting box that they’re scrambling to get over. The traditional way of teaching Math, mostly with paper and pencil, while effective for some, can leave others feeling frustrated, defeated, and convinced they "just aren't good at math."

Because I was one of those kids, as a teacher, I took so many workshops and PD sessions on all things Math and number sense that I lost count. I was determined to teach Math in a way that made sense to kids and feel grounded in my ability to do so.

I learned about different tools and strategies. I learned how to recognize when a student learns differently. I learned how to provide them with another way to grasp mathematical concepts, to “get it”. And I never lowered my expectations.

Mrs. Turner, my High School Math teacher, would have been proud. 

What could she have done differently to reach me? To reach other kids that were different thinkers? We know, there’s a need for more support!

Tools for Support Are Readily Available.

Think about it: if a student struggles to read a textbook, we don't just tell them to try harder. We offer audiobooks, graphic organizers, and assistive technology. Why should Math be any different? When students are given tools that align with their learning styles and address their specific challenges, awesome things can happen, like:

• Increased Engagement: When math becomes less abstract and more tangible, students become more invested and curious.

• Reduced Anxiety: The pressure of "getting it wrong" lessens when there are multiple ways to approach a problem. (I would’ve crawled under my desk, if she’d let me.)

• Deeper Understanding: Hands-on experiences and visual representations can solidify conceptual understanding far more effectively than rote memorization.

• Boosted Confidence: Success, even with the help of a tool, builds self-efficacy and encourages students to take on new challenges.

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Let’s find a time to connect and see how Inclusiveology can support your teachers with tools and strategies for Math and other academic areas. We provide expert support and insights into supporting students who are struggling or learning differently. We’d love to help your school community.

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What Do These Tools and Strategies Look Like Across Grade Levels?

The beauty of alternative approaches is their adaptability. Here are some examples of tools and strategies that can be implemented at various educational stages:

Elementary School:

Manipulatives: Unifix cubes, base ten blocks, fraction tiles, and Cuisenaire rods help young learners physically represent numbers, operations, and fractions. Kids with sensory concerns might also choose a manipulative that best suits their tactile need.

• Visual Schedules/Timers: For students who struggle with transitions or focus, visual timers can help them manage their time during Math activities. Sand timers, digital timers, or Time timers can be used depending on preference.

• Number Lines and 100 Charts: These visual aids provide concrete representations of number sequences and can assist with addition, subtraction, and skip counting. Teachers can post large anchor charts on the wall or provide students with their own mini chart.

• Interactive Games & Apps: Engaging digital tools can make practicing foundational Math skills fun and accessible.

  
  

Middle School:

• Graphic Organizers: Flowcharts for solving multi-step problems, KWL charts for new topics, or concept maps for understanding relationships between Mathematical ideas.

  

• Calculator Use: While mental Math is important, strategic calculator use can reduce cognitive load for students struggling with basic computation, allowing them to focus on higher-order problem-solving.

• Virtual Manipulatives: Online versions of physical manipulatives can be accessed anywhere and offer a dynamic way to explore concepts like algebra tiles or geometric shapes.

• Peer Tutoring & Collaborative Learning: Working with peers can provide different perspectives and help students articulate their thinking. 

High School:

• Formula Sheets & Reference Guides: Allowing students to use well-organized formula sheets during assessments can support recall and reduce anxiety, particularly for those with working memory challenges.

  

• Assistive Technology: Specialized software that offers text-to-speech, speech-to-text, or screen magnification can be invaluable for students with learning disabilities or visual impairments.

• Real-World Applications & Project-Based Learning: Connecting abstract Math concepts to practical, real-world scenarios makes the learning more relevant and engaging.

• Chunking & Scaffolding: Breaking down complex problems into smaller, ”digestible bites” and providing clear guidance at each stage. 

  
  

“Getting” Math Matters.

It mattered to me then, and it matters to kids now. Kids can be successful with Math when they have the right supports. When we give them tools and strategies that work for them, we show that we’re reaching all students. By giving our students appropriate tools, we support more than Mathematical ability - we build their resilience, enhance their thinking skills, and show them that there’s not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

I was a kid that experienced Math with a paper and pencil. In 2025, there’s so much available to helps kids “get great at Math”!

Let’s find a time to connect and see how Inclusiveology can support your teachers with tools and strategies for Math and other academic areas. We provide expert support and insights into supporting students who are struggling or learning differently. We’d love to help your school community.

Schedule a connect call