Let’s face it—some students need a little extra support when it comes to math. Maybe they struggle with addition and subtraction, or they get overwhelmed by the rigorous early units in IM Grade 1 Math™. I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it can be to watch a student lose confidence before they even get started.
That’s why I started using Math Mats—and let me tell you, it changed everything! With just one simple trick, my students went from feeling frustrated to feeling confident and excited about math. Want to know what makes them so effective? Keep reading!
The Problem: Why Traditional Math Lessons Can Fall Flat
Let’s talk about what happens in a real 1st-grade math classroom. Some kids pick up addition and subtraction like it’s nothing, while others look at a number sentence and completely freeze. Worksheets? Too overwhelming. Whole-group lessons? Some kids get it, and others get lost.
And then there are those early units in IM Grade 1 Math™—they can feel rigorous for our struggling students. If they don’t build confidence early on, they start thinking, I’m just not good at math. And once that mindset kicks in, it’s hard to turn it around.
That’s why we need a better way to support those students—something structured, hands-on, and confidence-boosting. Enter Math Mats.
The Simple Trick: Illustrative Mathematics Math Mats!
So, what’s the trick that changed everything for my 1st graders? Math Mats.
These mats are designed to support students who need extra practice with IM Grade 1 Math™. They break big concepts down into manageable, structured activities that kids can actually do—without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s why they work:
✅ They give students the extra support they need to build fluency in addition, subtraction, and number sense.
✅ They’re hands-on and engaging, making math feel more like an activity than a worksheet.
✅ They’re versatile—perfect for small groups, intervention, independent practice, or early finishers.
✅ Slip them into dry-erase pockets, and BOOM! Instant reusable math practice that saves paper (and your sanity).
The best part? They help students feel successful in math—and that’s everything when you’re trying to build confident little mathematicians!
The Benefits of Using Math Mats
I’ve seen it firsthand: when struggling students use Math Mats, their attitude toward math completely shifts.
🔹 For Students:
- Builds confidence by giving them clear, structured practice.
- Reduces frustration with scaffolded, step-by-step learning.
- Makes math fun and hands-on (no more worksheet meltdowns!).
🔹 For Teachers:
- Perfect for small group instruction or intervention.
- Low-prep, easy-to-use, and aligned with IM Grade 1 Math™.
- Differentiation made simple—use them with different students at different times.
It’s a win-win for everyone!
How to Use Math Mats in Your Classroom
Not sure where to fit Math Mats into your daily routine? Here are some easy, low-prep ways to use them:
💡 Small Groups: Pull struggling students and use the mats to reinforce key concepts.
💡 Intervention Time: Target specific skills your students need extra practice with.
💡 Independent Work: Perfect for early finishers or students who need structured review.
💡 Math Centers: Slip them into dry-erase pockets and let students work through them at their own pace.
Pro Tip: Print them once, laminate or use dry-erase sleeves, and reuse them ALL YEAR LONG. Less prep = happier teacher!
Try these Math Mats Today!
If you’ve got students who need just a little more support with IM Grade 1 Math™, these Math Mats are exactly what you need. They take the stress out of math and give your students the structure they need to feel confident, not frustrated.
Grab your set today and start seeing the difference