Personalised Learning Made Fun: Unlocking Maths with Alphabet Grids - Personalised Maths Activities for Primary Learners

Lucy Owen
Aug 11
3 min read

At Reachout Educational, we believe that every child learns best when they feel seen, inspired, and in control of their learning journey. That’s why we’re passionate about creating flexible, creative tools that empower children to practice key skills in a way that’s both engaging and effective — and our Alphabet Grids Pack is a perfect example.

💡 What Are Alphabet Grids?

Alphabet Grids are a multi-functional maths learning tool, designed to turn everyday words into powerful personalised maths challenges. From EYFS through to KS2 and beyond, these grids are adaptable for any level and any interest. Whether your child is into football, celebrities, animals, video games, or pizza — the Alphabet Grids let them choose the words while you choose the maths focus.

It’s a win-win: children feel like they’re playing, while they're actually practicing the specific calculations they need.

🧠 Why Personalised Learning Works

When children feel ownership over their learning, they engage more deeply and confidently. According to educational theory, personalisation boosts motivation, reduces anxiety, and improves retention. The Alphabet Grids tap into that power by putting your child at the centre of the activity — their interests, their words, their learning journey.

This kind of creative approach:

Encourages independence and curiosity
Reduces maths-related stress
Increases repetition through fun
Builds a stronger connection between abstract numbers and real-world meaning

Whether used in one-to-one support or adapted for a full-class setting, personalised learning with Alphabet Grids makes maths feel relevant, approachable, and even fun.

🔧 How Do You Use Alphabet Grids?

It’s simple to get started. Here’s a step-by-step example:

Let the child choose a word — any word that excites them (e.g. “LIONEL” if they love football, “TACOS” if they’re into food).
Write the word out, spacing each letter slightly.
Match each letter to the Alphabet Grid to find its linked sum (the pack includes multiple grids for different skills: addition, multiplication, fractions, percentages, etc.).
Solve the maths problems under each letter.
Combine the answers (‘scoop them up’) — maybe add them all together, or subtract, multiply, or divide. The options are limitless.
Compete for fun — what word gives the highest score? Can they beat their last result?

This makes maths into a playful game — one they can’t wait to try again.

👨‍🏫 Perfect for One-to-One or Whole-Class Learning

While these grids shine in personalised, one-on-one work — such as tutoring, interventions, or at-home learning — they also adapt beautifully for whole-class settings. You can set a class-wide maths focus (e.g., 2-digit addition) while letting each child choose their own words based on their interests. The result? A differentiated learning experience, with every student practising the same skill — but in their own unique way.

This approach supports:

Mixed-ability classes
SEND learners
EAL learners
Reluctant or anxious mathematicians
High-achievers needing stretch tasks

And because the Alphabet Grids are reusable and photocopiable, you can use them over and over again, across topics and terms.

💬 Practical Ideas to Try Today

Football Challenge: Ask pupils to choose the name of their favourite footballer and use the 3 Times Table Grid to calculate the final score.
Celebrity Scores: Use famous names and see whose name scores the highest with subtraction-based grids.
Snack Maths: Turn "CHOCOLATE" into a fractions problem, linking each letter to a sum involving halves, quarters or percentages.
Group Competition: In pairs or groups, see which team can find a word with the largest total using a specific operation.

🛒 Ready to Try It Yourself?

If you're excited to bring creativity and personalisation into your maths sessions, head over to our shop and explore the full Alphabet Grids Pack.

This downloadable resource includes:

Multiple differentiated grids (addition, multiplication, fractions, percentages, Roman numerals and more)
Full instructions
Ideas for games and competitive activities
Video guidance to help you get the most out of it

🎉 Whether you’re a parent, tutor, or teacher — if you’re looking to reignite a love of maths, Alphabet Grids are the perfect place to start.

📚 Visit Us at Reachout Educational

Explore more resources, tips, and innovative tools at www.reachouteducational.co.uk — and discover how personalised, playful learning can help every child thrive.