Math is often called a "universal language," but that's only true for the math itself. The way math is taught — through word problems, written instructions, and verbal explanations — is deeply language-dependent. An English language learner who understands the math perfectly can still fail a word problem because they don't know what "remaining" means, can't parse a complex sentence structure, or misunderstand "how many more" as addition instead of subtraction.
The best math tools for ELL students reduce the language barrier without reducing the math. They use visual representations, minimize unnecessary text, provide context clues, and let students demonstrate mathematical understanding even when their English vocabulary is limited. This guide covers the tools that do this well and practical strategies for supporting ELL students in math.
The Language Barrier in Math
Understanding the specific ways language interferes with math learning helps parents and teachers choose the right tools.
Mathematical Vocabulary
Math has its own vocabulary that even native English speakers struggle with. Words like "quotient," "denominator," "coefficient," and "expression" have no everyday equivalent. ELL students face a double challenge: learning conversational English and mathematical English simultaneously. Many mathematical terms sound similar ("factor" vs "fraction") or have different meanings in everyday language ("product," "table," "power").
Word Problem Structure
Word problems are the hardest format for ELL students. They require reading comprehension, identifying relevant information, translating verbal descriptions into mathematical operations, and understanding cultural contexts that may be unfamiliar. A problem about tipping at a restaurant assumes cultural knowledge that students from many countries don't have.
Instruction Language
Game interfaces, instructions, and feedback are in English. "Simplify your answer," "select all that apply," "drag the correct value" — these instructional phrases are barriers even when the math is accessible. The best tools minimize instructions or make them learnable through context rather than reading.
Best Math Games for ELL Students
1. Infinilearn
Best for: ELL students with intermediate English who need adaptive math practice · Price: Free · Grades: 6-8
Infinilearn's RPG format provides context clues that help ELL students understand what's being asked even when the English isn't fully clear. The game world creates a visual narrative — students can see they're in a battle and need to solve a problem to attack — which reduces reliance on text instructions. The math problems themselves use standard mathematical notation that's consistent across languages.
The adaptive system is particularly valuable for ELL students because it separates math ability from language ability. A student who understands the math but struggles with English text will still progress as long as they can parse the mathematical notation. The system targets math weaknesses, not language weaknesses.
The teacher dashboard helps teachers distinguish between math gaps and language gaps. If an ELL student's accuracy is low on word-problem-style questions but high on computation, that's a language signal, not a math signal.
ELL strengths: Visual context clues, mathematical notation over text, adaptive difficulty, free, teacher data for differentiating language vs math gaps.
Limitation: Game interface and some problem text is in English. Beginning-level ELL students may need support navigating the interface initially.
2. ST Math
Best for: Beginning ELL students who need language-free math instruction · Price: School license only · Grades: K-8
ST Math is the gold standard for language-free math education. The entire program uses visual puzzles with zero text. Students solve spatial-temporal problems that teach math concepts through manipulation rather than reading. A penguin needs to cross the screen, and students adjust mathematical elements to create a path. No words are needed at any point.
For beginning ELL students who can't yet read English instructions, ST Math removes the language barrier entirely. The math is real and rigorous — it just doesn't require English to access.
ELL strengths: Zero language requirement, visual approach, builds conceptual understanding.
Limitation: Only available through school districts. Not available for families to purchase. The language-free approach also means students aren't building math vocabulary in English, which they'll eventually need for tests and classes.
3. GeoGebra
Best for: Visual geometry and algebra exploration with minimal text · Price: Free · Grades: 6-12
GeoGebra's interface is highly visual. Students construct and manipulate geometric figures, graph equations, and explore mathematical relationships through interaction rather than reading. The interface labels are short (single words or icons), and the mathematical notation is universal. Many ELL students find GeoGebra more accessible than text-heavy platforms.
GeoGebra is also available in over 60 languages. Students can switch the interface to their native language while still doing the same mathematical work — which allows them to build math understanding while their English develops.
ELL strengths: Visual interface, available in 60+ languages, minimal text, universal mathematical notation.
Limitation: It's a tool, not a game. Requires teacher direction for structured learning.
4. Khan Academy (with Translation)
Best for: ELL students who can access content in their native language · Price: Free · Grades: All
Khan Academy offers courses in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and several other languages. Students can learn math concepts in their native language first, building mathematical understanding without the English barrier, and then transition to the English version as their language skills improve. The practice exercises use mathematical notation that's consistent across language versions.
ELL strengths: Available in multiple languages, video instruction in native language, free.
Limitation: Not all languages are supported. The non-English versions may not cover every topic. Not gamified.
5. Prodigy
Best for: ELL students with basic English who enjoy game-based learning · Price: Free with premium ($9.95/mo) · Grades: 1-8
Prodigy's wizard-battle format provides visual context similar to Infinilearn. The game world gives contextual cues about what to do even when the English text isn't fully understood. The math problems use standard notation, and the multiple-choice format reduces the language demand compared to free-response problems.
ELL strengths: Visual game context, multiple-choice reduces language demand, familiar to many students.
Limitation: Paywall frustration. Interface is English-only. Word problems within the game can be challenging for beginning ELL students.
Strategies for Supporting ELL Students in Math
For Teachers
- Separate math assessment from language assessment. If an ELL student can solve 3x + 7 = 22 but can't answer "Sarah has three times a number plus seven cookies, totaling twenty-two. How many is the number?" — that's a language gap, not a math gap. Use computation-based assessments alongside word problems to understand what the student actually knows mathematically.
- Build a math word wall. Post key mathematical vocabulary with visual definitions. "Quotient: the answer to a division problem" with an example showing 12 ÷ 3 = 4 and an arrow pointing to the 4. ELL students reference these during class and games.
- Use sentence frames for word problems. "The problem is asking me to find ___." "I know ___ and ___." "I need to use ___ (operation)." These frames scaffold the translation process from English to math.
- Pair ELL students with bilingual peers. A classmate who speaks the same native language can translate instructions and explanations. This is the fastest way to remove the language barrier during game-based practice.
For Parents
- Use math games in your native language first. If Khan Academy or GeoGebra is available in your language, use that version for math learning. Building strong math concepts in the native language transfers to English math more effectively than struggling with both simultaneously.
- Practice math vocabulary at home. When cooking, shopping, or doing daily activities, use both languages for math words. "We need half — la mitad — of this recipe." Building the bridge between native-language and English math vocabulary speeds up the transition.
- Don't worry about speed. ELL students are doing double the cognitive work — understanding the language AND doing the math. It takes longer, and that's completely normal. Use the Infinilearn parent dashboard to track math accuracy (is the math improving?) rather than speed or volume.
The Bottom Line
The best math tools for ELL students minimize language demands without minimizing math rigor. Visual game-based tools like Infinilearn and ST Math let students demonstrate and build math skills even when their English is developing. Native-language resources like Khan Academy's translated courses build math understanding without the language barrier. And teacher strategies that separate math assessment from language assessment ensure ELL students get credit for what they actually know.
The goal is building math skills and English skills simultaneously — not letting one block the other. Start with the tool that best matches your student's current English level, and transition to more text-heavy resources as their language develops.