Math Interventions for Elementary Students in Gen Ed and Resource Settings

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 Math Interventions for Elementary Students in 

Gen Ed and Resource Settings

One of my favorite things about being a special educator is finding ways for students to access content. That could be making text more accessible for comprehension by building background knowledge or modifying the level of the text. In writing, it could be going step by step, modeling each part of writing a paragraph. 

In math, multi-modal learning is where I've found the most success.

This may be with hands-on manipulatives, graphic organizers, or visual supports.

Below are some of my favorites that have been most effective with my elementary-age resource students.

Manipulatives/Hands-On Instruction

  • Counters - This could be anything: bears, squares, circles. Anything that kids can count. I've even used little trucks before for a student who was interested in vehicles. This helps students develop 1:1 correspondence.
    • I have written IEP goals before for younger students where a number 0-10 was written on a dry erase board and the student has to identify the number and then count out that many objects. This goal works on number identification AND 1:1 correspondence.

                        
  • Rekenrek/Abacus - Before a few years ago, I didn't know the difference! But rekenreks or an abacus are both helpful ways for a student to see addition and subtraction.
               


Graphic Organizers
I print copies of these on card stock and put them in these reusable clear pockets from Amazon so that students can write on them using dry erase markers.
  • Multiplication Graphic Organizer - Remembering the steps for 3x1, 2x2, or 3x2 digit multiplication is often a challenge for students with dyscalculia or executive functioning struggles. These 3x1, 2x2, and 3x2 digit multiplication graphic organizers (listed in my TPT store) help students keep numbers lined up while also remembering each step. 


  • Long Division Graphic Organizer - Similar to the multiplication graphic organizer, I use the same type resource for long division (linked here to my TPT store) where students put them in clear pockets. 

  • Place Value Chart - This can be used from 1st to 5th grade - where obviously first grade has columns for tens and ones places, then expands as new place value is introduced. Below is an example of the one I use (this one is similar to the one I use from the Eureka Squared curriculum, which is what my district uses for core instruction). It helps students visualize compared numbers, and again, for students who struggle with executive functioning, it ensures that digits are lined up. It also helps students practice putting zeroes where there is no digit listed. That is typically a difficult skill for students.


Visual Supports
These could be posted around the room on chart paper, laminated (e.g. multiplication table, number line, 100s number chart) or use these reusable clear pockets from Amazon with dry erase markers.
  • Multiplication Table - I use the same one of these that we use on our statewide testing in the spring. That way, students have practice using it all year. It is laminated, and they use it daily in small group. I even give a copy of this exact chart to their general education teachers so they can use them in that setting too.

  • 100s Number Chart - This is used for addition and subtraction. Typically, for group, I give students both a multiplication table and 100s number table so they must distinguish which visual support they need for which type of problem. This helps to build independence. Practicing with this 100s number chart also helps with 1:1 correspondence.

  • Number Line - I typically use a number line with younger students before moving to a 100s number table. It takes a lot of repetition and practice for students to understand adding numbers get bigger and subtracting numbers is taking away or getting smaller. This visual representation helps students see numbers in relation to other numbers.


  • Graph Paper / Lined Paper- This helps again with executive functioning and making sure numbers are lined up. Similarly, with lined/notebook paper turned horizontally, students can solve problems and numbers will stay lined up. (TIP: This is easier with wide ruled paper!)

Fraction Circles/Fraction Bars - These are good visuals to help students better understand fractions. They are especially helpful to visualize comparing fractions.

Other Instructional Resources
  • Mnemonic device for solving problems, like CUBES or PEMDAS - For solving word problems, I use CUBES (or CUBE). I have the visual of the steps on my wall so students may easily reference it. I reference it step-by-step when we solve word problems together.
  • Core curriculum resources / modify core curriculum - My district uses Eureka Squared curriculum. Within module resources, there are additional worksheets that general education teachers don't use. They are one-pagers that review the day's lesson and the back reviews key points from previous lessons. I typically try to do one to two of these per week, in addition to student-specific IEP goal work. 
    • I have heard from teachers that students have so much confidence when they return to gen ed and say, "Hey! I've done this before!" To me, that confidence boost is worth doing gen ed work in small group. (Obviously, I can't cover everything done in the gen ed classroom; I must prioritize which skills we review, and also must be sure the skill is accessible to the students.)


Obviously, this list is not exhaustive. I see new, different resources all the time. Are there any that I am missing? I love to build my repertoire!


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