Beyond Overload

Making Math Accessible for

Multilingual & Neurodiverse Learners

🌍 EAL/ELL Strategies • 🧠 Neurodiversity Support • 🎯 Classroom-Ready Tools

Today's Journey 🚀

1

🔍

The Challenge

Quick activity: Experience cognitive overload

2

🧠

The Why

Multilingual & neurodiverse learner needs

3

🛠️

Classroom Strategies

10 proven techniques you can use tomorrow

4

🎯

Your Action Plan

Practice + implementation roadmap

⚡ Quick Activity

Experience Cognitive Overload!

(2 minutes - partner up!)

🎲 Activity: Feel the Overload

Task A: COMPLEX

(like our EAL students experience)

Read this silently and solve:

​

"Calculate the quotient when the sum of fourteen and twenty-six is divided by the difference between thirty-two and twenty-eight, then multiply the result by three and subsequently subtract seven from that product."

Task B: STRUCTURED (scaffolded approach)

Do these steps:

​

1. Add: 14 + 26 = ___

2. Subtract: 32 - 28 = ___

3. Divide: Step 1 ÷ Step 2 = ___

4. Multiply: Step 3 × 3 = ___

5. Final: Step 4 - 7 = ___

💡 This Is What Students Experience DAILY

Task A felt like:

• Translating every word

• Holding 5+ things in memory

• Losing track mid-problem

• Stress & frustration

• "I'm not good at math"

This is the daily reality for:

🌍 EAL/ELL learners • 🧠 Students with ADHD/dyslexia • ♿ Processing differences

Task B felt like:

• One clear step at a time

• Easy to track progress

• Low anxiety

• Confidence building

• "I can do this!"

✓ Same math

✓ Different accessibility

✓ ALL students can succeed

🎯 Today's Goal: Learn classroom strategies that make Task B possible for EVERY student

🧠

Understanding Our Learners

Multilingual & Neurodiverse Needs

🌍 Multilingual/EAL/ELL Learner Challenges

🔄

Double Translation Load

Must translate: English words → L1 → math concept → math process → answer

Impact: Uses up working memory before even starting the math!

📚

Math Vocabulary Gap

Terms like 'quotient,' 'coefficient,' 'denominator' not in everyday English

Impact: Can know the math but not the words to explain it

🤔

Multiple Meanings

'Difference' (not the same vs. subtraction), 'product' (item vs. multiplication)

Impact: Confusion between everyday and math meanings

⚡

Processing Speed

Need extra time to decode language before doing math

Impact: Timed tasks = double penalty (language + math speed)

🧠 Neurodiverse Learner Challenges

ADHD • Dyslexia • Dyscalculia • Autism • Processing Differences

🎯

ADHD: Attention & Focus

What helps:

• Predictable routines

• Movement breaks

• Visual cues

• Chunked tasks

📖

Dyslexia: Reading/Sequencing

What helps:

• Read-aloud support

• Clear fonts

• Bullet points

• Step-by-step

🔢

Dyscalculia: Number Processing

What helps:

• Visual models

• Formula sheets

• Extra time

• Concrete examples

⚙️

Processing: Working Memory

What helps:

• Written instructions

• Scaffolds

• Reference cards

• Breaking down tasks

🧠 Why These Challenges Matter: Cognitive Load

Working memory is like RAM:

🔥 Extraneous Load

(THE CLUTTER)

Complex wording

Confusing layout

Too much text

Unnecessary info

MINIMIZE THIS!

Reduce the noise

📊 Intrinsic Load

(THE CONTENT)

The actual difficulty

(Calculus vs. Addition)

Can't eliminate,

but can manage

MANAGE THIS

Scaffold & chunk

✨ Germane Load

(THE LEARNING)

Brain building

connections

Deep processing

Real learning!

MAXIMIZE THIS!

This is the goal

💡 For multilingual & neurodiverse learners: Language & processing differences ADD extra load!

🛠️

Your Classroom Toolkit

10 Strategies Used in Math Classrooms

Strategy #1: 🎯 Process Over Product

Focus on HOW they think, not just IF they got it right

✓ What This Looks Like:

• Chunked, step-by-step work shown

• Partial credit for correct process

• Formula booklets on desks

• "Show your thinking" prompts

• Checkpoints between steps

• Celebrate problem-solving steps

Students learn: Mistakes in process = learning opportunities!

🎓 Why It Works:

For EAL Learners:

Can show understanding even with language barriers

For Neurodiverse:

ADHD: Clear checkpoints maintain focus

Dyslexia: Written steps = reference point

Anxiety: Reduces fear of "wrong answer"

💡 Formula booklets = working memory support!

Strategy #2: 📅 Predictable Lesson Structure

ESPECIALLY helpful for ADHD & Autistic learners

📋 Sample Lesson Structure:

1. Warm-up (5 min) - Review

2. Learning Target (2 min) - Write it down

3. Direct Teaching (15 min) - New concept

4. Guided Practice (10 min) - Together

5. Independent Work (15 min) - Your turn

6. Exit Ticket (3 min) - Show learning

🎯 Implementation Tips:

✓ Write structure on board daily

✓ Use timer for transitions

✓ Same structure = less anxiety

✓ Students know what's coming

✓ Reduces cognitive load from uncertainty

✓ Helps with time management

Routine = Security for anxious & ADHD learners

• Timer for transitions, Dart game
• Lessons are structured the same way for most of the sessions
• For example: I start my lesson with a video, explaining the concepts, questions and answers, DIYs, and another topic the same way. I usually end the class with an exit ticket.

​

Strategy #3: 📝 Bullet Points & Highlighting

Visual organization for EAL learners & those with processing challenges

❌ Dense Paragraph (Overwhelming):

"To solve quadratic equations by factoring, first ensure the equation equals zero, then factor the quadratic expression into two binomials, set each binomial equal to zero, and solve for the variable in each case."

Problems: No breaks, hard to scan, intimidating

✓ Bulleted & Highlighted (Clear):

Solving by Factoring:

• Set equation = 0

• Factor into two parts

• Set each part = 0

• Solve for x

Benefits: Easy to scan, clear steps, less intimidating

Strategy #4: 🗣️ Read Aloud

Critical for EAL learners & students with dyslexia

🌍 EAL/ELL Students

• Hear pronunciation

• Reduce decoding time

• Focus on MATH not reading

• Can follow along

📖 Dyslexic Students

• Bypass reading barrier

• Access content equally

• Auditory processing helps

• Less frustration

🎯 ADHD Students

• Dual input (hear + see)

• Maintains attention

• Pacing support

• Engagement boost

✨ All Students

• Clarifies tricky words

• Models pronunciation

• Ensures understanding

• Inclusive practice

💡 Pro Tip: Read word problems aloud, pause for questions, then read again!

Example: I read, you read, in turns especially for big questions with sub parts

Strategy #5: 📊 Differentiated Questions

Low • Medium • High - Everyone grows from their starting point

Example: Solving Linear Equations

🟢 LOW

x + 5 = 12

One step, scaffolded template provided

For: Building confidence, recent arrivals

🟡 MEDIUM

3x - 7 = 14

Two steps, hints available

For: Developing skills, most students

🔴 HIGH

2(x-3) + 5 = 3x - 1

Multi-step, extension challenge

For: Ready for complexity, advanced

🎯 All students work on same CONCEPT, different entry points = success for everyone!

Strategy #6: 🏃 Movement & Brain Breaks

Essential for ADHD, helps ALL learners with attention & retention

Activity

How It Works

Time

ADHD

Gallery Walk

Post problems around room, students walk & solve

10 min

✓✓✓

Stand & Solve

Stand up for word problems, sit when solved

Quick

✓✓

Partner Switch

switch partners to explain concept

Ongoing

✓✓✓

Brain Break

Stretch, shake out, 1-min dance after focused work

1-2 min

✓✓✓

Board Racing

Teams race to board, solve problem, return

5 min

✓✓✓

Walk-Talk-Solve

Pair up, walk hallway while discussing problem

3-5 min

✓✓

💡 Ideal timing: Movement break every 15-20 minutes of focused work (dependent on grade levels)

Movement breaks: Brain breaks, use of space (get up and move around), re-focus (go out, come back), dart game

Strategy #7: 📹 Visuals & Short Videos

Make abstract concepts concrete - dual coding in action!

📊 Types of Visuals:

✓ Diagrams & Models

Bar models, area models, graphs

​

✓ Color-Coded Steps

Different colors for operations

​

✓ Animated GIFs

Show transformations, processes

​

✓ Short Videos (1-3 min)

Quick concept explanations

​

✓ Real-World Photos

Connect to applications

🎯 Why Videos Work:

For EAL:

Visual context reduces language load

Can replay/pause as needed

For ADHD:

Engaging, maintains attention

Multi-sensory input helps focus

For Dyslexia:

Less reading required

Auditory + visual learning

💡 Keep videos SHORT (1-3 min) and follow with discussion/practice

Taylor series by Taylor swift: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gluMspectxc

​

Functions video:�https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PzCK8XHSeRJK4H6Z-naJDMJzIfm6fFhi/view?ts=67eaa649

Strategy #8: 🌍 Real-World Connections

Make abstract math CONCRETE and relevant

Math Topic

Abstract Version ❌

Real-World Version ✓

Percentages

Calculate 15% of 80

Calculate 15% tip on $80 restaurant bill

Linear Equations

Solve: 2x + 5 = 17

Phone plan: $5 + $2 per GB. Cost $17. How many GB?

Ratios

Simplify 12:18

Recipe serves 12, but you have 18 people. Adjust!

Area

Find area of rectangle

How much carpet for your bedroom? Cost?

🎯 Why It Works: Real contexts provide mental hooks for memory

EAL learners connect to familiar experiences • Increases engagement for ALL

Strategy #9: 📖 Formula Booklets/reference cards on Desks

External working memory = Game changer!

📋 What's in a Formula Booklet:

✓ Key formulas (area, volume, etc.)

✓ Vocabulary definitions

✓ Step-by-step procedures

✓ Common mistakes to avoid

✓ Example problems

✓ Visual diagrams

Students build familiarity through repeated use!

🎓 Why This Is Powerful:

For ALL learners:

Frees up working memory for problem-solving

Reduces anxiety about "forgetting formulas"

For EAL learners:

Written reference for vocabulary

Can check understanding anytime

For Neurodiverse:

External memory aid

Reduces cognitive load significantly

💡 Let students personalize with notes, color-coding, examples!

Familiarity with Formula Booklets, with the students during class time

Strategy #10: 📄 Well-Designed Worksheets

Structured practice with visual clarity

❌ Poor Design:

• Cramped spacing

• Tiny font

• No white space

• All problems same difficulty

• No visual organization

• Paragraph instructions

• No examples

Result: Overwhelmed before starting!

✓ Good Design:

• Generous spacing

• Clear, large font (12-14pt)

• White space around problems

• Low → Medium → High levels

• Numbered sections

• Bulleted instructions

• Worked example at top

Result: Clear, inviting, accessible!

💡 Bonus: Add QR codes linking to video help or worked solutions!

Worksheet example�https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rf9Yk7FsFmPJXxsScn6yTR4jklXMCxifvqdDRgFz1wo/edit?tab=t.0

🎯 Your 10-Strategy Quick Reference

🎯 Process Over Product

📅 Predictable Structure

📝 Bullets & Highlighting

🗣️ Read Aloud

📊 Differentiated Questions

6

🏃 Movement Breaks

8

🌍 Real-World Connections

📖 Formula Booklets

📄 Well-Designed Worksheets

💾 Screenshot this for your desk!

: 🏃 Movement & Brain Breaks

📹 Visuals & Short Videos

🌍 Real-World Connections

🎯

Your Turn: Practice!

Apply These Strategies to Your Own Lessons

🎲 Group Activity (10-15 minutes)

Your Mission:

Choose one upcoming lesson/topic and redesign ONE element using 2-3 strategies

1️⃣ Pick a topic you're teaching soon (word problems, equations, etc.)

2️⃣ Identify the challenge: What makes it hard for your students?

3️⃣ Choose 2-3 strategies from today that could help

4️⃣ Sketch your redesign: What changes? What stays?

5️⃣ Share with a partner: Get feedback & ideas

🤝 Work in groups of 2-3 • Be ready to share ONE key change you'll make!

📅 Your 4-Week Action Plan

Start small, build consistency, celebrate progress!

Week 1

Pick 2 Strategies

Choose 2 from the list. Try them in 1 lesson this week.

Week 2

Consistency

Use same 2 strategies daily. Notice what works.

Week 3

Add #3

Introduce one more strategy. Keep first 2 going.

Week 4

Reflect & Refine

What's working? What needs adjusting? Celebrate wins!

💡 Remember: Small consistent changes > big overwhelming overhauls!

🎯 Takeaways!

🌍

Multilingual Learners Need

Reduced language load, visuals, read-aloud, time

🧠

Neurodiverse Learners Need

Predictable structure, movement, scaffolds, external memory

📚

Cognitive Load Is Limited

Minimize clutter, chunk steps, provide reference materials

✨

You Already Have Tools

Small tweaks to your current practice = huge impact

🚀 Every strategy you use makes math more accessible for EVERY student!

🎉 You've Got This!

Questions? Share Your Ideas!

Together, we make math accessible for ALL learners! 💪🌍🧠