Academic and Behavioral Interventions

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

Matthew Lynch published in Academic and Behavioral Interventions August 7, 2021

23 Strategies to Help Learners Who Have Trouble Solving Math Problems with Multiplication

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble solving math problems with multiplication? If so, keep reading.

1. Provide the student with alternative math facts. As the student shows success, slowly introduce more components of the regular tasks.

2. Select a peer to model how to solve multiplication problems for the student.

3. Ask the student a question when they are most likely to be able to respond successfully.

4. Provide information to the student on a one-to-one basis or use a peer tutor.

5. Create a math facts reference sheet for multiplication for the student to use at their desk when solving math problems.

6. Talk about and give the student a list of words and phrases that usually indicate a multiplication operation (e.g., area, each, times, product, double, triple, twice, etc.).

7. Assess the appropriateness of the task to determine (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled for the task is sufficient.

8. Get the student to use a calculator for drill of basic multiplication facts.

9. Get the student to check all math work. Praise the student for each error they correct.

10. Get the student to practice the multiplication tables each day with a peer using flash cards.

11. Get the student to be a tutor and teach a concept they have learned to another student.

12. Get the student to count by equal distances on a number line. Show that the equal distances represent skip counting, which is the concept of multiplication.

13. Get the student to independently solve half their multiplication problems each day. Let them use a calculator to address the other half of the task as reinforcement.

14. Get the student to perform timed drills with multiplication facts as reinforcement. The student “competes” against their own best time.

15. Get the student to solve multiplication problems by manipulating objects and stating the process(es) involved.

16. Get the student to talk through math problems as they solve them to find errors they are making.

17. Get the student to use a calculator to reinforce the process of multiplication. Get the student to solve several multiplication problems each day using a calculator.

18. Find specific multiplication problems the student fails to solve correctly. Target those problems for additional instruction, tutoring, and drill learning activities .

19. Provide all instructions, questions, and explanations in a clear, concise manner and at an appropriate rate for the student.

20. Make sure the student has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

21. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

22. Try gamifying your math lessons.

23. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

Matthew Lynch published in Academic and Behavioral Interventions August 7, 2021

25 Ways to Teach Learners to Solve Math Problems with Subtraction

Are you looking for ways to teach students to solve math problems with subtraction? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure the student has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

2. Make the student use graph paper to line up the numbers correctly in columns.

3. Teach the student the ideas of more than, less than, equal, and zero. The use of concrete objects should enable the learning process.

4. Teach the student why they are learning a math concept. Give the student concrete examples and chances for them to apply those ideas in real-life situations.

5. Teach the student the concept of ” away” (e.g., “You have three toys, and I take away two of them. How many do you have left?”).

6. Teach the student number ideas and the relationship of number symbols to numbers of objects before requiring them to solve math problems involving subtraction.

7. Give subtraction practice using an apps program or a hand-held educational device that gives instant feedback to the student.

8. Give the student a quiet space to work (e.g., “office,” study table, etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

9. Give the student enjoyable math learning activities during free time in the classroom (e.g., computer games, math games, manipulatives, etc.).

10. Do not require the student to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

11. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the student to hurry and solve subtraction problems incorrectly.

12. Give the student chances for tutoring by peers and teachers. Let the student tutor others when they have learned a concept.

13. Utilize daily drill learning activities to help the student memorize subtraction facts (e.g., written problems, flash cards, etc.).

14. Give the student self-checking learning resources. Require the student to make corrections before submitting work.

15. Give the student shorter math facts but give more of them throughout the day (e.g., four tasks of five problems each rather than one task of twenty problems).

16. Give the student increased chance for help or assistance on academic tasks (e.g., peer tutoring, instructions for tasks sent home, frequent interactions, etc.).

17. Praise the student for trying and finishing work. Place emphasis on the number of problems correctly solved. Urge the student to see how many more they can successfully solve without help. Get the student to keep a “private” chart of their math performance.

18. Praise the student for correctly solving subtraction problems: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., class privileges, line leading, passing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

19. Make the student check subtraction problems using addition (i.e., the difference plus the subtrahend equals the minuend). Praise the student for each error they correct.

20. Teach the student to use resources in their surroundings to help them solve math problems (e.g., counting figures, counting numbers of objects, using a calculator, etc.).

21. Complete the first problem or two of the math facts with the student to make sure that they know the instructions and the operation appropriate to solve the problems.

22. Give the student many concrete experiences to help them learn and remember subtraction facts. Utilize popsicle sticks, paper clips, fingers, etc., to form groupings to teach subtraction facts.

23. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

24. Try gamifying your math lessons.

25. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

Matthew Lynch published in Academic and Behavioral Interventions August 7, 2021

23 Strategies to Help Learners Who Have Trouble Solving Math Problems with Subtraction

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble solving math problems with subtraction? If so, keep reading.

1. Provide the student with alternative math facts. As the student shows success, slowly introduce more components of the regular tasks.

2. Select a peer to model how to solve subtraction problems for the student.

3. Ask the student a question when they are most likely to be able to respond successfully.

4. Provide information to the student on a one-to-one basis or use a peer tutor.

5. Create a math facts reference sheet for subtraction for the student to use at their desk when solving math problems.

6. Talk about and give the student a list of words and phrases that usually indicate subtraction operations (e.g., difference between, from, left, how many less, how much taller, how much farther, etc.).

7. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled for the task is sufficient.

8. Give chances for the student to apply subtraction facts in real-life situations (e.g., getting change in the cafeteria, measuring the length of objects in industrial arts, etc.).

9. Get the student to be a tutor and teach a concept they have learned to another student.

10. Get the student to check all math work. Praise the student for each error they correct.

11. Get the student to independently solve half their subtraction problems each day. Let them use a calculator to solve the other half of the task as reinforcement.

12. Get the student to subtract a specific number of objects from a group, then pair number symbols with the objects while the student solves the subtraction problem. For the last step, the student subtracts the number of symbols without using objects.

13. Get the student to perform timed drills with subtraction facts as reinforcement. The student “competes” against their own best times.

14. Get the student to solve subtraction problems by manipulating objects and stating the process(es) involved.

15. Get the student to talk through math problems as they solve them to find errors they are making.

16. Get the student to use a calculator for drill of basic subtraction facts.

17. Get the student to use a calculator to reinforce the process of subtraction. Get the student to solve several problems each day using a calculator.

18. Give the student a number line attached to their desk to help solve subtraction problems.

19. Provide all instructions, questions, and explanations in a clear, concise manner and at an appropriate rate for the student.

20. Make sure that the language used to connect with the student about subtraction is consistent (e.g., “Subtract the numbers.” “What is the difference? etc.).

21. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

22. Try gamifying your math lessons.

23. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

Matthew Lynch published in Academic and Behavioral Interventions August 7, 2021

24 Ways to Teach Learners to Solve Math Problems with Addition

Are you looking for ways to teach students to solve math problems with addition? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure that the language used to connect with the student about addition is consistent (e.g., “Add the numbers.” “What is the total?” or “Find the sum.”).

2. Make sure the student has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

3. Do not require the student to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

4. Teach the student the ideas of more than, less than, equal, and zero. The use of concrete objects should enable the learning process.

5. Teach the student why they are learning the concept of addition. Give the student concrete examples and chances for them to apply the concept in real-life situations.

6. Teach the student number ideas and the relationship of number symbols to numbers of objects before requiring them to solve math problems involving addition.

7. Give practice of addition facts using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives instant feedback to the student.

8. Give the student a quiet space to work (e.g., “office,” study table, etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

9. Give the student enjoyable math learning activities during free time in the classroom (e.g., computer games, math games, manipulatives, etc.).

10. Give the student an increased chance for help or assistance on academic tasks (e.g., peer tutoring, instructions for tasks sent home, frequent interactions, etc.).

11. Make the student use graph paper to line up the numbers correctly in columns.

12. Give the student chances for tutoring by peers or teachers. Let the student tutor others when they have learned a concept.

13. Give the student self-checking learning resources. Require the student to make corrections before submitting work.

14. Give the student shorter math assignments but give more of them throughout the day (e.g., four tasks of five problems each rather than one task of twenty problems).

15. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the student to hurry and solve addition problems incorrectly.

16. Praise the student for trying and finishing work. Place emphasis on the number of problems correctly solved. Urge the student to see how many more they can correctly solve without help. Get the student to keep a “private” chart of their math performance.

17. Praise the student for correctly solving addition problems: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

18. Teach the student to use resources in their surroundings to help them solve math problems (e.g., counting figures, counting numbers of objects, using a calculator, etc.).

19. Utilize daily drill learning activities to help the student memorize addition facts (e.g., written problems, flash cards, etc.).

20. Complete the first problem or two of the math assignment with the student to make sure that they know the instructions and the operation appropriate to solve the problems.

21. Give the student many concrete experiences to help them learn and remember math facts. Utilize popsicle sticks, tongue depressors, paper clips, buttons, fingers, etc., to form groupings to teach addition facts.

22. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

23. Try gamifying your math lessons.

24. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

Matthew Lynch published in Academic and Behavioral Interventions August 7, 2021

23 Strategies to Help Learners Who Have Trouble Solving Math Problems with Addition

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble solving math problems with addition? If so, keep reading.

1. Provide the student with alternative math assignments. As the student shows success, slowly introduce more components of the regular tasks.

2. Ask the student a question when they are most likely to be able to respond successfully.

3. Select a peer to model how to solve addition problems for the student.

4. Provide information to the student on a one-to-one basis or use a peer tutor.

5. Create a math facts reference sheet for addition for the student to use at their desk when solving math problems.

6. Talk about and give the student a list of words and phrases that indicate an addition operation in word problems (e.g., together, altogether, sum, in all, both, gained, received, total, saved, etc.).

7. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled for the task is sufficient.

8. Give chances for the student to apply addition facts in real-life situations (e.g., getting change in the cafeteria, measuring the length of objects in industrial arts, etc.).

9. Get the student to be a tutor and teach a concept they have learned to another student.

10. Get the student to add numbers of objects. Get them to then pair number symbols with the correct number of objects while they solve simple addition problems. As the student shows success in solving simple addition problems, slowly lessen pairing objects with the number symbols until only number symbols are used.

11. Get the student to check all math work. Praise the student for each error they correct.

12. Get the student to independently solve half of their addition facts/problems each day. Let them use a calculator to solve the rest of the problems as reinforcement.

13. Get the student to group objects into sets and then add the sets together to acquire a sum.

14. Get the student to perform timed drills with addition math facts. The student “competes” against their own best time.

15. Get the student to solve addition problems by manipulating objects and stating the process(es) involved.

16. Get the student to talk through the math problems as they solve them to find errors they are making.

17. Get the student to use a calculator for drill of basic addition facts.

18. Get the student to use a calculator to reinforce the process of addition. Get the student to solve several addition problems each day using a calculator.

19. Give the student a number line attached to their desk to help solve addition problems.

20. Provide all instructions, questions, and explanations in a clear, concise manner and at an appropriate rate for the student.

21. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

22. Try gamifying your math lessons.

23. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

Matthew Lynch published in Academic and Behavioral Interventions August 7, 2021

15 Ways to Teach Kids Tell Time

Are you looking for ways to teach kids to tell time? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the student to set the hands on a clock as the teacher/tutor indicates times of the day.

2. Provide the student with word problems involving telling time on their capacity and ability level (e.g., “At 10 minutes after 9 o’clock, you will begin walking to school. It takes 10 minutes to walk to school. What time will it be when you arrive?”).

3. Make sure the student has a clock face with hands to manipulate when learning to tell time.

4. Using a large clock face, set the hands, and have the student indicate the time. Begin with the hours, the half hours, the quarter hours, etc.

5. Make sure the student can read a digital clock or watch.

6. Get watches in the classroom that the student can “borrow” to wear during the school day while they are learning to tell time.

7. Make sure the student knows why they are learning to tell time. Give the student concrete examples and chances to apply those ideas in real-life situations.

8. Make sure the student is not required to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

9. Get the student to learn to recognize one specific “essential” time and let the teacher know when the clock has reached that specific time.

10. Get the student to work with a peer each day practicing skills required for telling time.

11. Give practice in telling time by using apps programs that give instant feedback to the student.

12. Praise the student for telling time correctly: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, line leading, five minutes free time, passing out learning materials, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

13. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

14. Try gamifying your math lessons.

15. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

Matthew Lynch published in Academic and Behavioral Interventions August 6, 2021

15 Strategies to Help Learners Who Cannot Tell Time

Are you looking for strategies to help students who cannot tell time? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure the student knows all the ideas involved in telling time (e.g., counting by 15s, 10s, 5s; the big hand; the little hand; etc.).

2. Make sure the student knows the ideas of morning, afternoon, evening, and night.

3. Make sure the student knows which seasons come before and after other seasons.

4. Make sure the student knows the concept of the length of a minute, five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen minutes, one hour, ninety minutes, twenty-four hours, etc.

5. Make sure the student has a standard clock in the classroom to use as a visual reference.

6. Make sure the student knows the number of hours in a day, days in a week, weeks in a year, etc.

7. Make sure the student knows the terms used in telling time (e.g., “a quarter ’til,” “half past,” “ten ’til,” “a quarter after,” etc.).

8. Make sure the student can count by common divisors of time (e.g., one minute, five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes, an hour, etc.).

9. Get the student to recognize when activities happen in the daily routine (schedule) (e.g., recess at 10:15, lunch at 11:45, dismissal at 3:20, etc.).

10. Get the student to indicate when the clock in the classroom is on the hour.

11. Get the student to indicate when the clock in the classroom is on the half hour.

12. Get the student to indicate when the clock in the classroom is on the quarter hour.

13. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

14. Try gamifying your math lessons.

15. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

Matthew Lynch published in Academic and Behavioral Interventions August 6, 2021

21 Strategies to Help Learners Who Have Trouble Skip Counting

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble skip counting? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the student to count the value of nickels, dimes, quarters, etc., by adding repeated, equal increments.

2. Give the student a number line on their desk to use as a reference for skip counting.

3. Get the student to use a number line when counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, etc., so they can see that the increments are being added.

4. Get the student to count by 2s, 5s, 10s, etc., and write the numbers as they count. The student can then go back to the numbers they have written and see that the increment used (e.g., 2, 5, 10, etc.) is added to each number.

5. Get the student to use concrete objects (pennies, paper clips, etc.) when counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, etc., to see that the total number is increasing in equal increments.

6. Get the student to use a calculator to do skip counting, adding 2, 5, 10, etc., to each successive number to see that skip counting increases by the increment used in counting.

7. Get the student to use a clock in the classroom to count by 2s, 5s, 10s, etc.

8. Teach the student number ideas and the relationship of number symbols to several objects before requiring them to solve math problems involving addition.

9. Select a peer to work with the student to help them understand the concept of skip counting.

10. Teach the student why they are learning the concept. Give the student concrete examples and chances for them to apply the concept in real-life situations.

11. Utilize manipulative objects (e.g., abacus, base ten blocks, etc.) to give a visual image when teaching the student the concept of skip counting.

12. Do not require the student to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

13. Get the student to practice a new skill or task alone or with an aide, the teacher, or a peer before trying it with the entire group or before being graded on it.

14. Get the student to be a peer tutor and teach a concept they have learned to another student. This can serve as reinforcement for the student.

15. Give skip counting practice using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives instant feedback to the student.

16. Make sure the student has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

17. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

18. Try gamifying your math lessons.

19. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

Matthew Lynch published in Academic and Behavioral Interventions August 6, 2021

16 Ways to Help Learners Solve Problems Involving Measurement

Are you looking for ways to help students solve problems involving measurement? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the student to use a calculator to solve measurement problems, check the accuracy of problems worked, etc.

2. Allow students to use dry ingredients such as macaroni, beans, rice, etc., to measure fractions of a cup.

3. Make sure the language used to connect with the student about measurement is consistent (e.g., meters, grams, etc.).

4. Make sure the student has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill.

5. Do not require the student to learn more information than they are capable of learning at any time.

6. Make sure the student knows the basic ideas of fractions before requiring them to solve problems involving fractional measurement (e.g., ¼ inch, 1-½ feet, etc.).

7. Teach the student why they are learning measuring ideas. Give the student concrete examples and chances for them to apply the ideas in real-life situations.

8. Give practice solving measurement problems using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives instant feedback to the student.

9. Complete the first problem or two of the math assignment with the student to make sure that they know instructions and the operation appropriate to solve the problem.

10. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the student to hurry and make mistakes solving measurement problems.

11. Praise the student for correctly solving problems involving measurement: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

12. Daily, examine those skills, ideas, tasks, etc., that have been previously introduced.

13. Give the student enjoyable measurement learning activities during free time in the classroom (e.g., computer games, math games, etc.).

14. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

15. Try gamifying your math lessons.

16. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists: