
Don’t overlook graph paper if your students are struggling with math! It’s an effective yet often overlooked way to scaffold, differentiate, and help students master arithmetic.
A simple sheet of graph paper can improve students’ math arithmetic skills for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. – And fractions, decimals, equations, and most other types of math.
(Keep reading – there’s a FREEBIE at the end of this post!!)

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Graph Paper to the Rescue!
This simple sheet of graph paper can do so much to help students.
Reminding students of the importance of legible handwriting and the alignment of numbers when dealing with mathematics is essential for success. But the use of graph paper can go beyond math.
Graph paper is also a great alternative for creative writing projects, handwriting practice, and spelling tests; it’s truly a multi-purpose tool. Plus, its uniqueness makes it a hit among students!
Benefits of graph paper
- Alignment of Numbers and Columns
- Neatness and Number Size – improves graphomotor skills (skills needed for writing).
- Handwriting (penmanship) and number formation
- Effective for visual learners and visual discrimination
- Organized Writing = Organized Thinking
In special education classrooms, graph paper is a staple item and an effective intervention. It’s cost-efficient, easy to use, and easily available, which makes it an ideal support for those suffering from dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyslexia.
You’ll have to experiment with the different sizes of graph paper available. Many kinds of graph paper are available online that can be printed for instant use.
Try these online printable graph papers: Style #1, Style #2, Style #3.
Graph Paper Alternative
If you don’t have any graph paper handy, try this trick:
Use a sheet of lined paper sideways!
It doesn’t get any easier than that!
No-Prep Graph Paper Math
Check out the No-Prep multiplication and division graph paper sets – ready to print – from Teachers Pay Teachers.
This mega-pack contains 11 different Multiplication and Division Graph Paper Resources to save you valuable time!
FREE Multiplication Graph Paper Set!
It’s time for the well-deserved reward! I think you and your students will love using this FREE SAMPLE! If you find it useful, be sure to visit my shop to check more other graph paper resources. I use them in my classroom, and they work!
More Articles about Long Division:
- Differentiated Long Division Worksheets for FREE – Grab these differentiated long division worksheets for FREE and dramatically boost student success and your teaching success!
- How to Teach Multi-Digit Multiplication and Long Division – This blog article will introduce you to differentiated multiplication and long division resources. Plus, you’ll learn exactly how I used them in my classroom.
More Differentiated Long Division Resources:
- Long Division Differentiated Worksheets and Organizers – Visit my TPT shop to see the complete set of organizers and worksheets included in this original set.
- All Division Resources – Click here to check out the division resources in my TPT shop.
- 2-Digit Divisors Long Division Differentiated Worksheets and Organizers – When you’re ready to move on to 2-digit divisors, you’ll appreciate this set that boosts long division learning with your students.
- 2 Digit Multiplication Worksheets and Organizers – Differentiated Resource – Visit TPT to check out the complete set of organizers and worksheets included in this original set.
Articles about Multi-Digit Multiplication:
- 3 Ideas for Teaching Multi-Digit Multiplication – Here are 3 FAST ideas for teaching multi-digit multiplication. These interventions are easy and quick for busy teachers.
- 2-Digit Multiplication Worksheets: Differentiated – Here’s a visual method for teaching 2-digit multiplication using differentiated visual cues to guide students’ learning for success.
- 2-Digit Multiplication Made Easier! – Here’s how to use the double-digit multiplication organizers and worksheets.
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