It’s NOT a 5x5! Why Grid Paper Trips Kids Up
Tier 1 Interventions · Jonily Zupancic and Cheri Dotterer
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (media.transistor.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
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 soon- How to scaffold from geoboards to dot paper before expecting grid paper mastery
- Occupational therapy strategies for tracing, alignment, and ruler use
- Classroom interventions that work across all grade levels
- The 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
***************************************************************************
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.
***************************************************************************
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
***************************************************************************
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.
***************************************************************************
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.
***************************************************************************
FREE RESOURCES
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jonily-zupancic-8523599443
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cheri-dotterer-classroom-coach-18603393525
***************************************************************************
Other ways to connect with Jonily and Cheri
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tier1interventions
IG: 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/mindsonmath
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheridotterer
https://www.tiktok.com/@mindsonmath
***************************************************************************
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:
***************************************************************************
HASHTAGS
#jonily #cheri #Tier1Interventions #GeoboardMath #MathStrategies #OTinSchools #MathIntervention #Dyscalculia #NeuroscienceInEducation