In today’s classrooms, math instruction is evolving to meet the diverse needs of all students. One powerful, research-based approach gaining traction is the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) strategy, a framework that supports deep mathematical understanding by moving students through three stages of learning: concrete, representational, and abstract.
At the concrete stage, students use hands-on materials like counters, base-ten blocks, or fraction tiles to physically model math concepts. This tactile experience helps them build foundational understanding in a meaningful, memorable way. Next, the representational stage introduces drawings, diagrams, or visual models that reflect the physical objects students used. Finally, in the abstract stage, students engage with numbers and symbols alone, solving problems using equations, operations, and mental math.
So why does CRA matter for all learners? Because it ensures that students don’t skip critical stages of understanding. Too often, instruction jumps straight to abstract problem-solving, leaving students confused or disengaged. CRA gives every learner, regardless of ability or background, the chance to build their understanding step-by-step. It’s especially effective for students with disabilities, English learners, or those who struggle with traditional methods, but it benefits high-achieving students too by reinforcing conceptual depth and flexible thinking.Using CRA in the classroom isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for equitable, inclusive math instruction. When we give students the tools to visualize, touch, and draw their way through math, we’re not just teaching them to solve problems. We’re helping them understand why the solutions work.