XtraMath helps students develop quick recall and automaticity of basic math facts by focusing on what they can retrieve from memory rather than relying on manual calculations.
Before starting XtraMath, students should have a solid understanding of basic math operations. Practicing math facts without time pressure first can help build confidence before transitioning to fluency practice.
Struggling is not failure—it’s part of learning! XtraMath challenges students at their skill level, which may feel difficult at first. The goal is steady progress over time, not instant perfection.
✅ For students who need more time:
XtraMath offers a 12-Second Threshold, designed for early learners (K-2), students with disabilities, and those needing extra support. This extended time reduces pressure and allows students to focus on recall without rushing. It also helps those still developing typing skills and fine motor control.
💡Learn how to adjust the timing threshold: Can I give my students more time to answer problems?
✅ For students with slow typing speed:
Most young students become comfortable typing numbers after a few sessions. However, if typing remains a challenge, have the student practice number-typing games before returning to XtraMath.
✅ For students with fine motor difficulties:
Students may find a touchscreen easier to use than a keyboard or mouse. Another option is for them to say the answer aloud while an adult or older student types it in for them.
✅ For students experiencing anxiety or frustration:
Encourage a growth mindset by reminding students that mistakes are a natural part of learning. XtraMath adapts to their level—if a student struggles with certain math facts, the program will reintroduce those facts until they improve.
Teachers can also recognize students’ effort with blank certificates, available on the Resources page. These certificates reward perseverance, even before full mastery!
💡Learn how to reduce time pressure: Can I turn off the timer during student activities?
📖 For more strategies on reducing math anxiety, check out our blog: From Stress to Success: Tackling Math Anxiety with XtraMath
✅ For students struggling with motivation:
Make fluency practice more engaging by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating progress. Consider using classroom incentives, such as recognition charts, brag tags, or friendly competitions.
To help teachers make fluency practice more engaging, we’ve created ready-to-print classroom incentives in your Resources page.
📖 For more strategies on student motivation, visit our blog: Creative Strategies to Boost XtraMath Usage
✅ For students who need additional visual or auditory support:
XtraMath follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 offering high-contrast visuals for readability and captions in all videos to support students with auditory processing challenges.
Additionally, XtraMath offers an American Sign Language (ASL) version, where a teacher signs instructions and encouragement in the program’s videos. Some features, like trophies, extended time thresholds, and captioning, are unavailable in the ASL version as it is based on an older platform.
💡Read our blog post about how XtraMath improves accessibility for all students.
By customizing the program to meet each student’s needs and creating a positive, supportive learning environment, XtraMath can be a powerful tool for building fluency and confidence in math!
