I am not technically math challenged. However, geometry is my nemesis. I am not visual-spacial. Algebra and I are best buds. I will make the pattern out of paper (I draw the dashed seam lines on it too, yes I'm a tad anal at times). Cut out the pieces on the actual cutting lines. I glue the pieces onto a whole sheet of some sort of paper on the seam line only, assembling the block like I would if it were cloth. This has saved me from a couple really expensive mistakes on misreading instructions especially trying to understand where to square block segments, etc.
Now when I grow up, maybe I will get to use a grown-up glue stick. Right now I just use one I grabbed from the school supply section of the grocery store. Oh yeah, post-it glue sticks are my friend too.