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:

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

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BOOKS

Making Mathineers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Mathineers-Transformational-Experiences-Conceptual-ebook/dp/B08NFCZ64K

Handwriting Brain Body DISconnect Digital Version: https://disabilitylabs.com/courses/hwbbd

 On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Handwriting-Brain-Body-DisConnect-techniques-ebook/dp/B07N1XB1G7

Both books are also available in paperback and hardcover versions. All versions are available wherever books are sold.

Math DYSconnected - To be released in 2024.

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TIME CODES

01:00 – Chunk 4: What grid paper doesn’t teach (and why it matters)

02:30 – The 5x5 illusion: Why most students count boxes, not lines

05:30 – Precision vs. accuracy: How visual-motor issues affect math

06:30 – Why dot paper often works better than grid paper

07:30 – OT tip: Use triangular rulers (Alpha Triangles) for better control

09:00 – The progression: From geoboards to independence on graph paper

12:00 – Why all students—not just those with IEPs—benefit from scaffolding

13:00 – Segment wrap-up: Grid paper as the most abstract tool

14:00 – Cheri: Rethinking design copying through the OT + math lens

15:00 – Why unstructured play with dot paper boosts spatial reasoning

16:00 – Natalie’s takeaway: The next big layer is brain science

17:00 – Binder tricks: Slant boards and seating supports on a budget

19:00 – The construction paper hack: Boosting tactile feedback for writing

20:00 – Teacher reactions: Best facilitation yet

21:00 – Krista on cross-audience clarity: OT + teacher integration that clicks

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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=4

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Wmq8ddduGz4eUMK7LVIy

AMAZON MUSIC/AUDIBLE: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/89f67d1a-98b5-4592-a53c-8f4acb3d8029

This 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.

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MISSION

Minds 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.

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FREE RESOURCES

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer

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QUESTION

What is your biggest struggle in your classroom right now? Include grade level and your role. Share in the comments or email us at:

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HASHTAGS

#jonily  #cheri #Tier1Interventions #GeoboardMath #MathStrategies #OTinSchools #MathIntervention #Dyscalculia #NeuroscienceInEducation