--- title: Visual Learning Transforms ELL Math Education description: In traditional ELL math education, English language learners can miss out on crucial opportunities to understand the meaning behind the math. image: https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Blog_Assets/Images/BlogHeader_ELL_math_696x360-2.jpg --- [![](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MIND-logo-2018.jpg?width=1701&height=623&name=MIND-logo-2018.jpg)](http://www.mindresearch.org/) [![mind logo](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/graphics/logos/MIND-logos-color2.svg)](https://www.mindeducation.org/) [![mind white logo](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/graphics/logos/MIND-logos-white2.svg)](https://www.mindeducation.org/) - [Our Approach](https://2024.mindresearch.org/our-approach) - [Why MIND?](https://2024.mindresearch.org/why-math-education) - [Our Research](https://2024.mindresearch.org/our-research) - [Our Patents](https://2024.mindresearch.org/patents) - [Our Impact](https://2024.mindresearch.org/impact) - [Our Partners](https://2024.mindresearch.org/partners) - [Partner Stories](https://2024.mindresearch.org/partner-stories) - Our Programs - [ST Math](http://www.stmath.com/) - [InsightMath](http://www.insightmath.com/) - [MathMINDs](https://www.mindresearch.org/mathminds) - [Life at MIND](https://2024.mindresearch.org/careers) - Resources - [Blog](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog) - [Math Discourse](https://2024.mindresearch.org/puzzletalks) - [Podcast](https://2024.mindresearch.org/edtech-podcast) - [News](https://2024.mindresearch.org/news) - [Activities](https://2024.mindresearch.org/stem-resources) - [Donate](https://store.mindresearch.org/pages/donate) **Student privacy****:** learn more about our commitment to keeping students safe [Read More](https://www.mindresearch.org/privacy-policy) ![MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/graphics/headers/_blog-headers/MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5.png?width=2000&height=667&name=MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5.png "MIND-on-Math_Blog-Header-5") Category Community Teaching & Learning Technology & Games Research & Outcomes Neuroscience Celebrations & Successes [![Subscribe](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/237516/a35fb57d-2960-4554-a0f3-e7bb5946fc70.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/237516/a35fb57d-2960-4554-a0f3-e7bb5946fc70) [Teaching & Learning](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/topic/teaching-learning) # Visual Learning Transforms ELL Math Education By [Calli Wright](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/author/calli-wright) - - - - - [mailto:?subject=Visual%20Learning%20Transforms%20ELL%20Math%20Education&body=Visual%20Learning%20Transforms%20ELL%20Math%20Education%20https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/ell-math-resources](mailto:?subject=Visual%20Learning%20Transforms%20ELL%20Math%20Education&body=Visual%20Learning%20Transforms%20ELL%20Math%20Education%20https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/ell-math-resources) - All students, regardless of language proficiency level, have the ability to think deeply about mathematical concepts. However, when math is presented only as words and numbers on a page, English language learners (ELL) can miss out on crucial opportunities to understand the meaning behind the math. The ST Math game-based learning program guides students at all language proficiency levels in visualizing math concepts through tantalizingly tricky puzzle challenges. ## **How it Works** Designed by experts in neuroscience, the [ST Math](https://www.stmath.com/) brain-building games provide all students the opportunity to become confident and capable problem solvers and to reach higher levels of math achievement. #### 1. ST Math Visually Presents Math Concepts ![ELL math Screen Shot 1](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Assets/Images/ELL%20Screen%20Shot%201%20copy.jpg?width=320&name=ELL%20Screen%20Shot%201%20copy.jpg "ELL math Screen Shot 1")  The game visually asks the ratio question: “If each purple fruit monster eats 3 bananas, how many bananas will 3 monsters eat?” #### **2. Introduces Mathematical Symbols Gradually**  ![ELL math Screen Shot 2](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Assets/Images/ELL%20Screen%20Shot%202%20copy.jpg?width=320&name=ELL%20Screen%20Shot%202%20copy.jpg "ELL math Screen Shot 2") Using the division bar, the visual asks: “If each monster eats 2 bananas, how many monsters will eat 14 bananas?” #### 3. Connects Language to the Math Concepts  ![ELL math Screen Shot 3](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Assets/Images/ELL%20Screen%20Shot%203%20copy.jpg?width=320&name=ELL%20Screen%20Shot%203%20copy.jpg "ELL math Screen Shot 3") Students learn the language for stating ratios. #### 4. Transfers Learning from One Concept to the Next ![ELL math Screen Shot 4](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Assets/Images/ELL%20Screen%20Shot%204%20copy.jpg?width=320&name=ELL%20Screen%20Shot%204%20copy.jpg "ELL math Screen Shot 4") Students learn that ratios are used in linear relationships.   ## **ELL Math Education Stories and Resources** Learn more about how visualizing math can guide students at all language proficiency levels to deeply understand mathematical concepts and thrive in the classroom and beyond. MIND Research Institute has built and compiled a variety of material you can use to explore the challenges and opportunities of ELL math education. Check out the stories, videos and graphics below:   [Breaking Barriers to Math Success for English Language Learners (Infographic)](http://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/infographic-ell-math-success) By 2025, it is predicted that nearly 1 out of every 4 public school students will be an English Language Learner. Get an overview and more facts from the infographic.   [What's Making a Difference in Math Education for ELLs?](http://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/whats-making-a-difference-in-math-education-for-ells) Stories from educators across the nation about how they are helping ELL students make progress in math.   [What Is It Like to Learn Math In a Different Language? (Video)](http://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/ell-math-lesson-in-another-language) This video guides the audience through the experience of being a student in a math class taught in Welsh.   [Data Teams Embedding ST Math to Strengthen Math Instruction](http://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/data-teams-embedding-st-math-to-strengthen-math-instruction) When Dr. Bailey’s teachers looked at their ST Math data, they noticed that some ELL students were farther ahead in their math understanding than their classroom interactions suggested.   [One School Beats the Odds in Chicago Public Schools (Profile)](http://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/chavez-st-math/) Cesar E. Chavez Multicultural Academic Center has a population of nearly 50% ELL students and 98% low-income. Read how Chavez students are rising up in the midst of challenge. ![ELL-math-PDF-preview](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Assets/Images/ELL-PDF-preview.png?width=250&name=ELL-PDF-preview.png "ELL-math-PDF-preview")  [Download the ELL Math Education PDF](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Collateral/Specialty%20Topics/ELL_EP-GN-134_web.pdf)   ![Calli Wright](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Blog/Authors/calli-wright-board-games.jpg) ### About the Author Calli Wright was the Marketing Manager at MIND Research Institute. She loves playing and designing board games, which she often talks about on twitter [@CalliWrights](https://twitter.com/CalliWrights). ### Comment #### [Physical Math Manipulatives vs. Digital Manipulatives](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/math-manipulatives-digital) [Math is Universal: Interview with Education Leaders](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/math-is-universal) ### Search Result By: ![feature image](https://2024.mindresearch.org/hubfs/Blog/Images/Inside-our-Minds-logo-teal-800x800.png) [Featured Podcast](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/topic/featured-podcast) ### [Rethinking Attendance in Edtech](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/rethinking-attendance-in-edtech) [Listen Now](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/rethinking-attendance-in-edtech) ##### LATEST PODCAST EPISODES ###### BY MIND RESEARCH INSTITUTE - [Rethinking Attendance in Edtech](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/rethinking-attendance-in-edtech) - [People, Process, and Penguins: Designing Math Experiences](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/people-process-penguins) - [Bridging STEM Gaps with STEMconnector CEO Jo Webber](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/bridging-stem-gaps-with-stemconnector-ceo-jo-webber) - [The EdTech Genome Project: Talking Implementation with Elizabeth Birie](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/edtech-genome-project) - [From Meeting the Moment to Foundational Change](https://2024.mindresearch.org/blog/from-meeting-the-moment-to-foundational-change) ##### [See all podcasts](https://www.mindresearch.org/edtech-podcast) ## Interested in Contributing? 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