It’s NOT a 5x5! Why Grid Paper Trips Kids Up

Is your student really drawing a 5x5 square—or just counting boxes?In this episode of the Tier 1 Interventions Workshop, we take a deep dive into grid paper misconceptions and why so many students—even in middle school—struggle with precision, tracing, and accurate visual-motor control.You’ll learn:Why grid paper is often too abstract too soonHow to scaffold from geoboards to dot paper before expecting grid paper masteryOccupational therapy strategies for tracing, alignment, and ruler useClassroom interventions that work across all grade levelsThe construction paper trick that might blow your mind!Perfect for math teachers, occupational therapists, and interventionists seeking low-cost, high-impact classroom accommodations.👉 Subscribe and share this with a fellow educator who needs a boost of inspiration!🔗 Find the full Geo Board training module: https://disabilitylabs.com***************************************************************************BOOKSMaking Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64KHandwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7Both books are also available in paperback and hardcover versions. All versions are available wherever books are sold.Math DYSconnected - To be released in 2024.***************************************************************************TIME CODES01:00 – Chunk 4: What grid paper doesn’t teach (and why it matters)02:30 – The 5x5 illusion: Why most students count boxes, not lines05:30 – Precision vs. accuracy: How visual-motor issues affect math06:30 – Why dot paper often works better than grid paper07:30 – OT tip: Use triangular rulers (Alpha Triangles) for better control09:00 – The progression: From geoboards to independence on graph paper12:00 – Why all students—not just those with IEPs—benefit from scaffolding13:00 – Segment wrap-up: Grid paper as the most abstract tool14:00 – Cheri: Rethinking design copying through the OT + math lens15:00 – Why unstructured play with dot paper boosts spatial reasoning16:00 – Natalie’s takeaway: The next big layer is brain science17:00 – Binder tricks: Slant boards and seating supports on a budget19:00 – The construction paper hack: Boosting tactile feedback for writing20:00 – Teacher reactions: Best facilitation yet21:00 – Krista on cross-audience clarity: OT + teacher integration that clicks***************************************************************************SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-1-interventions/id1729403599?uo=4SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIyAMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029This podcast is created from excerpts from the Tier 1 Interventions Workshop. To hear the full math intervention, subscribe to watch the event live monthly on the 3rd Saturday during the school year.***************************************************************************MISSIONMinds on Math, LLC: To provide engaging, high-quality professional development and instructional coaching for teachers to improve student achievement and understanding of mathematics.Dotterer Educational Consulting, a Therapy Services, LLC company: To provide professional development to improve writing skills through efficient lesson planning for regular education classrooms.***************************************************************************FREE RESOURCEShttps://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cheri-dotterer-classroom-coach-18603393525***************************************************************************Other ways to connect with Jonily and CheriFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventionsIG: https://www.instagram.com/cheridotterer/     https://www.instagram.com/jonilyzupancic/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheridotterer/                  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonily-zupancic-29aa7a54/X: https://twitter.com/CheriDotterer    https://twitter.com/mindsonmathTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer             https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath***************************************************************************QUESTIONWhat is your biggest struggle in your classroom right now? Include grade level and your role. Share in the comments or email us at:[email protected]@mindsonmath.com***************************************************************************HASHTAGS#jonily  #cheri #Tier1Interventions #GeoboardMath #MathStrategies #OTinSchools #MathIntervention #Dyscalculia #NeuroscienceInEducation