Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble working math problems from left to right instead of right to left? If so, keep reading.

1. Select a peer to model working math problems from right to left for the learner.

2. Create a math reference sheet for the learner to keep at their desk (e.g., steps used in doing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems).

3. Display a sizeable poster-board sign or use the smartboard to create a message that indicates reading begins to the left and math problems start to the right.

4. Get the learner to check their math assignments using a calculator.

5. Get the learner to talk through math problems as they are solving them to find errors the learner is making.

6. Get the learner to use a calculator to solve math problems.

7. Get the learner to orally explain steps to the teacher for solving a math problem to check the learner’s thinking processes.

8. Give the learner a number line on their desk to use as a reference.

9. Teach the learner why they are learning a math concept. Give the learner concrete examples and chances for them to apply those ideas in real-life situations.

10. Make sure the learner has learned place value ideas and knows that columns to the left are higher values than those to the right.

11. Make sure the learner has mastery of math ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

12. Make sure the learner knows place value and can explain the concept of the ones column, the tens column, etc.

13. Embody proper right-to-left solving of math problems on the smartboard or overhead projector before the learner begins a new task.

14. Pair the learner with another learner to solve math problems on the smartboard.

15. Give math practice using an app or a hand-held educational device that gives instant feedback to the learner.

16. Consider using Alexa for the Math Classroom.

17. Try gamifying your math lessons.

18. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many math app lists:

9 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Kids Who Hate Math

10 Apps to Teach Preschoolers Math

20 Math Apps for Students of All Ages

Advanced Math Apps, Tools, and Resources for That We Love

Elementary School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Fraction Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

High School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Interactive Math for the Google Classroom

Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That I Would Use If I Were Still in the Classroom

Math Manipulatives Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Middle School Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

Multiplication Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

PreK Math Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love 

YouTube Channels for the Math Classroom