Multilingual Math Apps for ELL Students
Early Childhood Education
Aug 8, 2025
Explore multilingual math apps that empower English Language Learners by bridging language barriers and enhancing math skills.
Math can be tough for English Language Learners (ELLs) - but not because they can't do math. It's the language used in math instruction that often creates barriers. Word problems, math vocabulary, and instructions can overwhelm students still learning English. Multilingual math apps are stepping in to solve this problem by providing tools that support math and language learning simultaneously.
Here are three apps that stand out for their support of ELL students:
Funexpected Math: Supports 16 languages, offers interactive, visual learning and a personalized digital tutor for ages 3–7.
Matific: Available in 40+ languages for grades K–6, emphasizing problem-solving with minimal text reliance.
Amplify Desmos Math: Covers K–12 with built-in Spanish support, integrating math and language learning into every lesson.
Each app provides unique features to help students navigate language barriers while building math confidence. Whether you're a teacher or a parent, these tools can make math more accessible for multilingual learners.
1. Funexpected Math
Funexpected Math offers a thoughtful, research-backed approach to help young ELL (English Language Learner) students build math skills while supporting their language development. It’s a valuable tool for diverse classrooms across the U.S. thanks to its multilingual features and engaging design.
Multilingual Support
This award-winning app supports 16 different languages, making it a standout resource for multilingual math learning. ELL students can begin by learning math concepts in their native language, easing their transition into English. This approach removes a key obstacle for ELL students, allowing them to showcase their mathematical abilities without being held back by language barriers.
Age/Grade Range
Funexpected Math is tailored for children aged 3-7, covering pre-K through early elementary grades. These years are critical for laying the groundwork in math, and the app’s supportive, multilingual environment ensures that young learners - especially those new to the U.S. education system - receive the foundation they need to succeed in the long run.
Key Features for Math and Language Learning
The app combines a rich curriculum with interactive and hands-on learning. Here’s what it offers:
Over 10,000 interactive tasks and 675 lessons
Coverage of 50+ topics, including math, logic, early coding, and spatial skills
A digital tutor that provides personalized guidance in the student’s chosen language
This personalized approach ensures that each child progresses at their own pace, which is particularly helpful for ELL students who may need extra time to process both math concepts and language.
Suitability for ELL Students
Funexpected Math is designed to seamlessly blend math learning with language development. Its visual and interactive approach - featuring games, animations, and hands-on activities - minimizes reliance on complex English instructions. This allows students to grasp math concepts through visual and tactile experiences, making it easier for them to succeed regardless of their English proficiency.
The app recognizes that many ELL students already have strong math reasoning skills but may struggle to express them due to language barriers. By offering content in multiple languages and prioritizing interactive learning, Funexpected Math creates a supportive environment where students can strengthen both their math and English skills without added pressure.
2. Matific
Matific is a widely used math learning platform, reaching students in over 50 countries [1]. Developed by education experts from institutions like Stanford, Harvard, Berkeley, and the Einstein Institute, it has proven to enhance student performance by 34% when integrated regularly into classroom activities [2].
Age/Grade Range
Designed for learners aged 4 to 15, Matific offers engaging math activities tailored for grades K–6. The platform aligns its personalized instruction with local curricula, making it a versatile tool for educators worldwide [3]. Its success is reflected in the numbers: 89% of teachers recommend it, 73% report increased student interest in math, and it has earned over 15,000 five-star reviews [2].
Multilingual Support
Matific’s global reach is bolstered by its availability in more than 40 languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Chinese [4]. This multilingual feature allows students to learn math in their native language, even if classroom instruction is delivered in another. Teachers can assign tasks in different languages, enabling seamless support for diverse classrooms where students may need individualized language options [3].
Suitability for ELL Students
This multilingual capability is particularly beneficial for English Language Learners (ELLs). By providing math content in their native language, Matific helps ELL students overcome language barriers, build confidence, and fully engage with the material. Teachers can customize assignments to ensure language challenges don’t interfere with math comprehension [5].
Key Features for Math and Language Learning
Matific focuses on fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills while adhering to local math standards [3]. Educators recommend using the platform for 30 minutes each week to maximize its benefits [2]. A dedicated Parent Zone allows families and teachers to monitor progress in real time, ensuring students stay on track. Research highlights the platform’s effectiveness, with 98% of teachers noting that students enjoy using it and 94% agreeing that it offers diverse teaching approaches [6]. This level of engagement is especially valuable for ELL students navigating both math and language learning challenges.
3. Amplify Desmos Math
Amplify Desmos Math is a comprehensive K–12 math program built on the Illustrative Mathematics® IM K–12 Math™ curriculum [7]. It’s designed with multilingual learners in mind, incorporating language support directly into every lesson, which makes it particularly helpful for classrooms with diverse student populations.
Age/Grade Range
This platform spans all grade levels, from kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum is tailored to meet the developmental needs of students at each stage, offering language support that evolves as learners progress. This thoughtful structure ensures that students at every level have the tools they need to succeed in both math and language development.
Multilingual Support
One standout feature of Amplify Desmos Math is its robust Spanish-language support. Teachers can easily switch to Spanish using the globe icon [8]. For students in grades 6 through Algebra 1, this option is available in the accessibility menu, while younger students (K–5) access Spanish materials through teacher-assigned lessons [8].
The range of Spanish resources is extensive, covering digital lesson activities, practice sets, assessments, Student Edition pages, and activity resources. Teachers also benefit from tools like Activity Landing Pages, Teacher Notes, and Teacher Presentation Screens. Additionally, caregivers can access a dedicated Spanish website and Unit Overview PDFs. Full Spanish translations for grades K–A1 are set to roll out between July and November 2025, making this a growing resource for multilingual classrooms [8].
Suitability for ELL Students
For English language learners (ELL), these tools are a game-changer. Amplify Desmos Math integrates language supports directly into the curriculum, addressing a common challenge for multilingual students [9].
"Multilingual learners do not have the same access to grade-level assignments as their peers…All students could engage with grade-level assignments with the right supports." - Jeanine Harvey, director of multilingual learner academics at The New Teacher Project [10]
By weaving language development into math lessons, the program removes barriers for students who might otherwise struggle to engage with grade-level content. Instead of requiring students to master the language first, it helps them build mathematical understanding and language skills simultaneously.
Key Features for Math and Language Learning
The program uses Math Language Routines (MLRs) to enhance students’ abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These routines are aligned with math learning objectives, ensuring that language skills grow alongside mathematical understanding [9]. Instead of isolating vocabulary, lessons begin by tapping into students’ existing language knowledge, gradually introducing formal mathematical terms. Each lesson is designed with modifications to help multilingual learners build both everyday and mathematical language, creating a seamless learning experience [9].
App Comparison Table
Here’s a quick breakdown of key features to help you choose the best multilingual math app for your ELL students. This table highlights important details to guide your decision-making process.
App Name | Languages Supported | Age/Grade Range | ELL-Specific Features | Classroom Tools | U.S. Privacy Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Funexpected Math | 16 languages including Spanish, Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional), French, Portuguese, Russian, and more | Ages 3–7 | Visual interactive learning, hands-on activities, personalized digital tutor, curriculum‐blind supplement, minimal text dependency | Easy rostering, statistics & reports, dedicated ELL support features | COPPA & FERPA compliant |
Matific | 40+ languages including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Vietnamese | Grades K–6 (Ages 5–12) | Adaptive learning paths, visual problem-solving, minimal text dependency | Teacher dashboard, student progress reports, assignment tools | COPPA & FERPA compliant |
Amplify Desmos Math | English and Spanish (with full K-A1 Spanish rollout by November 2025) | Grades K–12 | Math Language Routines (MLRs), Spanish digital activities, and caregiver resources in Spanish | Comprehensive teacher tools, presentation screens, assessment features | FERPA compliant |
Each app brings unique strengths to the table, tailored to different age groups and learning needs:
Funexpected Math focuses on early learners (ages 3–7) with interactive, hands-on activities and strong visual learning tools.
Matific caters to elementary grades with adaptive technology that adjusts to each student's skill level, emphasizing problem-solving without heavy text reliance.
Amplify Desmos Math spans the K–12 range, integrating language development into math lessons with specialized routines and robust teacher tools.
In terms of privacy, all apps meet U.S. standards, ensuring safe use in classrooms. Funexpected Math and Matific comply with both COPPA and FERPA, while Math ABC is COPPA compliant. Amplify Desmos Math adheres to FERPA, safeguarding student records. This focus on privacy is essential, especially considering a 2022 study that revealed 96% of K–12 school apps shared personal data with third parties [11].
When it comes to classroom tools, Amplify Desmos Math stands out with features like presentation screens and detailed assessment options. Funexpected Math offers dedicated ELL support alongside classroom management tools, while Math ABC provides straightforward progress tracking, ideal for younger students.
For a deeper dive into each app’s features and how they can benefit your classroom, check out the detailed sections above.
Conclusion
Multilingual math apps are becoming a game-changer in promoting equity and accessibility for English Language Learners (ELLs) across the U.S. By breaking down language barriers, these tools open the door for ELL students to thrive in mathematics, helping them reach their potential in ways traditional methods often couldn't.
When math concepts are presented in a student's native language, it not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their understanding. Interactive, hands-on learning experiences make these apps even more effective, reflecting a broader shift in how education approaches language and learning.
A logic task in the Funexpected Math app
For educators and families, choosing the right app is key. Look for platforms that provide extensive language options (like Funexpected Math's support for 16 languages), age-appropriate lessons, and features tailored for English learners. It's also essential to ensure the app complies with privacy standards like COPPA and FERPA for safe classroom use. Teacher tools that allow for progress tracking and personalized instruction are another must-have.
The education system is increasingly embracing inclusive learning environments, treating linguistic diversity as an asset rather than a hurdle. This shift underscores the idea that excelling in math should not depend on English proficiency. It's a perspective that is reshaping how schools approach math education for ELL students.
As schools adopt these tools, the emphasis should be on nurturing growth mindsets and creating positive learning experiences. When ELL students engage with math without the stress of language barriers, they dive deeper into problem-solving and critical thinking. Investing in multilingual math apps isn't just about leveraging technology - it's about giving every student the chance to succeed in math, no matter what language they speak.
FAQs
How do multilingual math apps help English Language Learners (ELLs) succeed in math?
Multilingual math apps offer English Language Learner (ELL) students a practical and welcoming way to tackle math, no matter their current language skills. These apps rely on visual aids, interactive tools, and language support features to simplify complex math concepts. By breaking down language barriers, they allow students to concentrate on improving their math abilities without feeling overwhelmed.
Many of these apps also incorporate engaging elements like digital storytelling, interactive tasks, and customized lessons. These features not only make learning math enjoyable but also help students strengthen their language skills at the same time. The result? A supportive, independent learning space where students can explore, make mistakes, and build their confidence step by step.
What features make a multilingual math app effective for English Language Learners?
An effective multilingual math app designed for English Language Learners (ELLs) should prioritize visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, and animations. These tools help break down complex math concepts and make them more accessible, especially for students navigating language barriers.
The app should also provide multilingual support, offering interfaces and instructions in multiple languages. This makes it easier for students to understand the material and navigate the app confidently.
Incorporating interactive tools - like audio features for pronunciation and explanations - alongside engaging activities tailored to individual learning needs can make a big difference. These elements not only improve comprehension but also make math learning enjoyable. With these features, ELL students can strengthen both their math and language skills, feeling encouraged and supported throughout the process.
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