Three Math Teaching Tools I'm Excited About in 2025
- Adri Westlake
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to present at the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Spring Conference in Kansas City, MO. As a classroom teacher working with many special education and multilingual students, I am always on the lookout for tools that can better serve these populations. Here are three math tools that impressed me and how I see them benefiting my middle school classroom. (Note: I am not affiliated with any of these companies, nor am I receiving anything for promoting them—I just genuinely find them valuable!)
The NumWorks calculator is a modern graphing calculator positioned as a competitor to the TI-84. Like the TI-84, it is approved for use on AP, SAT, and ACT exams. While it may not be significantly cheaper, NumWorks offers some unique features that set it apart.
One of the standout features is the NumWorks emulator. Available through the NumWorks website, this online tool allows students to access the calculator's functions without needing the physical device. The emulator can be downloaded onto a device or embedded into a Learning Management System (LMS) for easy student access. Additionally, NumWorks provides a free app for iPhones and Android devices, making it accessible to students who may not have one-to-one devices or cannot afford a personal graphing calculator.
For students with fine motor skill challenges, the emulator’s interface is a game-changer. The fullscreen option also benefits students with visual impairments. I appreciate the simplicity of the calculator's design—each button clearly displays its secondary and tertiary functions, reducing confusion and making navigation intuitive. Another win for multilingual learners is the lack of abbreviations on the calculator, ensuring that students can understand all functions without additional translation.
Engaging middle school students in math can be a challenge, but EdGems Math Storyboards make it easier by providing relatable, real-world contexts in a graphic novel/comic-style format. These story-driven lessons help answer the infamous student question: "When are we ever going to use this?"
The characters in each Storyboard are diverse, representing a range of backgrounds in a way that feels age-appropriate—fun but not childish. The lessons are flexible and can be used in any order, making them adaptable to different curriculum structures. Each Storyboard is leveled by grade: A for sixth, B for seventh, and C for eighth.
I see a lot of potential for using these in intervention and remediation, particularly for students who struggle with reading comprehension and may feel overwhelmed by traditional textbooks. By breaking concepts into engaging, visual narratives, EdGems makes math more accessible and relevant for all learners.
Math Ready, an Australian-based platform, blends gamified learning with structured skill practice. It combines elements of interactive games like Kahoot and Blooket with the targeted skill-building of platforms like IXL and DeltaMath. Designed for students in grades 1-8, Math Ready allows teachers to assign specific tasks or set up competitive games for students to play against their peers.
A standout feature is the ability to group students by ability level, ensuring that all students remain engaged and competitive. Instead of a single winner, multiple groups can have their own champions, fostering motivation among struggling learners. As students accumulate points, they can use them to customize a scene within the platform, adding a fun, personalized touch to their learning experience.
One of the biggest perks? Math Ready is free for teachers in 2025, making it an excellent, cost-effective tool for classrooms.
Final Thoughts
All three of these tools bring something valuable to the table—whether it’s accessibility, engagement, or adaptability. The NumWorks calculator simplifies and modernizes graphing technology, EdGems Storyboards bring math concepts to life through storytelling, and Math Ready keeps students motivated through interactive learning. I’m excited to see how these resources enhance my teaching and my students’ learning experiences in the coming year! Have you used any of these tools? Leave a comment and let me know what you think of them!
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