You’ve made it through the summer PDs, untangled your first set of math manipulatives, and maybe even remembered all your login passwords.
Now what?

Whether you’re new to Illustrative Math® or looking to sharpen your setup, here are four tools that will make your year smoother,

Secret Weapon #1: IM Assessment Tracker- More Insight, Less Guesswork 📊

This free Google Sheet tracks every checkpoint and end-of-unit assessment from Grades 1–5. You can tag mastery by standard, see class trends at a glance, and even link student work samples.
It’s simple, shareable, and way more organized than that “Assessment Data” folder collecting digital dust in your drive.
Grab the free tracker here.

 Secret Weapon #2: IM-Aligned Spiral Reviews-Retrieval Practice To Start Each Day 🔁

These no-prep warm-ups are built to match your IM unit pacing. Each week includes new content + a handful of throwback questions from earlier units to keep concepts fresh.

🧠 Why it works: Retrieval practice and spaced review are two of the most research-backed ways to boost retention. When combined, they’re like the peanut butter and jelly of long-term learning.
Read more about spaced retrieval practice in the IM curriculum here.
Find the IM-aligned Spiral Review packs here.

Secret Weapon #3: Zearn – Your Digital Co-Teacher 🖥️

Zearn isn’t officially aligned with IM, but it pairs surprisingly well in a flipped model. Students preview a concept at home (or independently), so your small groups can jump straight into discussion, problem-solving, or reteaching. Alternatively, use Zearn for intervention students.

Just be sure to set clear expectations. Keeping students on the right lesson can be tricky. I gave them freedom to work ahead (less work later = big win), and tied progress to our Classroom Economy. That combo kept things running smooth(ish).

👉 Check out Zearn.org and this correlation chart to help it fit your IM pacing. Note: I’m not endorsed by Zearn. I just think it’s outstanding!

Secret Weapon #4: Math Mysteries- Unit Assessment Review With Maximum Engagement 🕵️‍♀️

Each unit-aligned math mystery blends rigorous problem-solving with a story-driven twist: a circus thief, a missing wand, a rogue robot. Students solve clues to narrow down suspects and crack the case—no re-teaching required.

Each mystery takes about three hours total, making it ideal for test prep, end-of-unit review, or adding some math-themed drama to your Friday plans.

👉 Browse the Math Mysteries (Grades 2-5) here.

Honorable Mention: Prodigy- Your Secret Weapon for State Test Prep 🎮

Yes, it’s fun. Yes, it’s gamified. But when used to target state standards and review old concepts- not just for free play, it’s a powerful way to reinforce learning and boost state testing scores.

Set clear goals, assign targeted practice, and use the reporting to guide real instruction. Students love it, and it’s easy to implement. Don’t walk up the down escalator when it comes to math review. Let the kids play and learn at the same time. Check out Prodigy here.

Final Thoughts: Stack Your Toolbox Early 🛠️

No one tool does it all, but this lineup can seriously lighten your load.
✅ Data? Tracked.
✅ Content? Reviewed.
✅ Unit Assessments? Crushed.
✅ Kids? Engaged.
✅ You? Still sane by October.

Need More Support? Get in Touch 📚

If you’re in a leadership role and want to pilot the above resources in your school/district, fill out this quick form. We’ll follow up with a Google Drive link with the products.
👉 Note: The above form is just for instructional leaders (principals, coaches, curriculum directors, etc.).

If you’re a classroom teacher, scroll to the bottom of each product category page to grab free samples and try them out right away.