
This Paper Game Teaches Quadratics—Without Students Knowing!
In this hands-on episode, recorded live at our June Tier 1 Interventions event, Jonily shares a robust and adaptable math strategy using nothing more than a piece of paper and red and white counters. This deceptively simple game helps students across all grade levels—from first grade to Algebra—grasp deep mathematical thinking, including one-to-one correspondence and quadratic patterns.
You’ll hear how:
A low-prep game introduces linear vs. non-linear thinking
A low-prep game introduces linear vs. non-linear thinking
- Random grouping strategies increase classroom engagement
- Sensory and contextual experiences improve retention
- You might be misinterpreting your own standards, and how to fix it
Special presenter, Audrie, also joins to demonstrate her creative take on visibly random grouping cards and how they bring zest and structure to math instruction. Whether you teach primary students or high schoolers, this episode gives you tools to turn math into a movement-driven, memory-rich experience.
While you are there, join our 3d community. https://disabilitylabs.com/community/3d-learning-lounge-1
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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
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
00:45 Game instructions
04:00 Why primary students need thinking tools
07:00 Random Grouping Cards
13:00 What happens when students play
17:00 Teacher reflections
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to the Audio version of the podcast here on YouTube or your favorite podcast app.
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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Other ways to connect with Jonily and Cheri
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/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 #MathStrategies #OTinSchools #MathIntervention #Dyscalculia #NeuroscienceInEducation
Episode Video
Creators and Guests

Host
Cheri Dotterer
Hacking barriers to writing success, dysgraphia No ✏️ Required. 30-sec@time Speaker | Podcast Host | Author | Consultanthttps://t.co/eM1CXSUIoZ