Read about a surprisingly simple learning tool – graph paper. Discover how this cost-efficient resource can improve your students’ understanding, accuracy, and confidence in math.
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.
Looking for the FREEBIE? Grab it here!
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. However, 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
Aligning numbers and columns on graph paper is much easier than traditional lined paper. This can help students better understand place value, decimal points, and lining up equations. It also promotes accuracy in calculations as well as organization.
For students who struggle with writing, the gridlines on graph paper work as a guide for consistent letter formation and spacing. This can improve students’ handwriting and make it neater.
It can also aid in improving their graphomotor skills, which are essential for other fine motor activities like cutting and drawing.
For visual learners, the gridlines on graph paper act as a visual aid in understanding mathematical concepts. Students can see how numbers are aligned and how they relate to each other. This can help them better grasp concepts.
Graph paper also promotes organized thinking. Students can easily keep track of their work and see patterns in their calculations. This can help them identify mistakes and improve their problem-solving skills.
Graph paper is a staple and an effective intervention in special education classrooms.
It’s cost-efficient, easy to use, and easily available, making it an ideal support for students with dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyslexia.
You’ll have to experiment with the different sizes of graph paper available. Graph paper is available online and 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!
I think you and your students will love using this multiplication FREE SAMPLE.
If you find it useful, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers shop to check other graph paper resources. I’ve used 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 students’ 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.
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 and Organizers – Differentiated Resources – Visit TPT to check out the complete set of organizers and worksheets included in this original set.
Thanks so much for your support – I hope you’ll visit my TPT store and click the star to follow me!