Oh, to be a teacher in December. There’s so much joy and laughter and excitement! Admittedly, all that joy and excitement is probably *not* about math, but it is contagious nonetheless. So when you find yourself struggling to keep students on task, making sense of math problems in a way that is productive, but hopefully still fun, try weaving in some meaningful context. This set of fraction word problems involves various “Christmas Tasks” that students can probably relate to. As they make sense of each problem, encourage them to draw pictures or models to show what’s happening and help them solve it. And celebrate their effort as they solve challenging problems even though their minds are likely elsewhere!

Fraction Division: Whole Numbers & Unit Fractions

Each word problem in this set involves division with whole numbers and unit fractions.

Rather than telling students that upfront, or requiring that they write a division equation, simply ask them to solve the problems and then ask if their answer “makes sense.”

If they’re stuck, one of my favorite models for these situations is a bar model.

Using a bar model to represent the whole, students can reason through splitting it into parts, determining how many are in each part and then use that information to answer the question.

Once students have an answer, you might look for an equation to fit the situation. Students might write it with division, or they might find the corresponding multiplication equation.

This is a great way to discuss the relationship between multiplication and division and remind students that they form ‘fact families’ even if one of the numbers is a fraction.

You might even write all the equations for the fact family to really help students see the inverse relationship.

How to Use the Christmas Fraction Word Problems:

This download includes 8 half-page task cards and a student recording sheet.

I recommend printing the task cards on card stock paper and laminating for durability.

If you’d like to use these as a math center, you can print one set of task cards to use again and again.

Another idea is to hang each card around the room or lay them on tables around the room and let students rotate to different problems. You would still only need to print one set of task cards. (You may want to give students a clipboard for their recording sheet if they will be moving around the room).

If you’d like to put students into small groups to work together, you’ll want to print a set of task cards for each group.

However you plan to use the task cards, you will then want to print a recording page for each student. This way they have room to draw pictures or models, show their thinking and record their final solution for each word problem.

Once you have the task cards prepped and recording sheets printed, you are all set!

Included in the Christmas Task Cards Download:

• 8 half-page task cards with Christmas-themed fraction division word problems
• Student recording page for work/answers
• Answer key

I hope this is a useful resource as we head into those challenging days before Christmas break!

Love the idea of fun, seasonal activities for your students? This activity is part of the 5th grade Christmas Math bundle inside my membership, Math Geek Mama+.

Inside Math Geek Mama+ you will find dozens of seasonal math activities, puzzles and games, along with hundreds of other resources you can use to help students practice & make sense of math all year long.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE.

Ready to grab the Christmas fraction task cards? Just use the link below to grab them FREE in my shop!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Christmas Fraction Word Problem Task Card Activity!}

Looking for more Christmas-themed resources for 5th or 6th grade? Try one of these:

• 2-3 Digit Multiplication Christmas Scavenger Hunt
• Christmas Printable Fraction Board Game
• Christmas Math Logic Puzzles for Kids {FREE!}

The post Christmas Tasks: Division with Unit Fractions & Whole Numbers appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

If you teach upper elementary or middle school, you are well aware of all the math standards related to decimals and decimal operations. If you are looking for decimal resources to help you teach in a way that builds conceptual understanding, the free resources here are for you!

But as teachers, we also know that practice makes permanent, so you will also find engaging games, low-prep practice, digital activities and more to help your students feel confident anytime they encounter a decimal number. The resources below are organized by math skill, allowing you to check out the decimal activities that meet your current teaching needs.

Click on any of the posts linked in each category below to read more about the activity or resource and grab a copy to use with your students.

Decimal Place Value or Compare Decimals Resources:

Understanding decimal numbers begins with a solid understanding of decimal place value. You’ll also find resources to visualize decimals on a number line, further helping students make sense of decimal values and how to compare/fit in with whole numbers.

From there, students can build their number sense as they compare different decimal values and even compare decimals to fractions.

Lastly, in 7th grade and beyond, students work with a broader range of rational numbers, so the compare rational number sorting activity includes decimals, repeating decimals, fractions and more.

Skittles Math: Place Value Mats: This hands on math activity will help students visualize decimal place value as they begin to make sense of decimals and compare numbers.

Multiply & Divide by Powers of Ten Game: Includes Exponents: This game also includes a place value mat, allowing students to use place value to make sense of multiplying/dividing by powers of ten (so they can see the digits shift, rather than the decimal point).

Even if your kids aren’t ready for the game or writing powers of ten with exponents, you can still use the place value mat to model decimal values and compare numbers.

Decimals on a Number Line Game that Kids LOVE!: This printable game is similar to ‘Battleship’ and is a great way for kids to pair up & see decimals on a number line.

Decimals on a Number Line: DIGITAL Activity for Kids: If you prefer a no-prep, paperless option, this digital drag & drop set of google slides provides practice placing decimal values on a number line.

Compare Decimals Cut & Paste Sort : This low-prep activity allows kids to compare decimal values and practice using the comparison symbols (>, <, =).

Compare Rational Numbers Sorting Challenge : This low-prep activity is similar to the one above, but includes more variety in the rational numbers. Students will compare decimal values, repeating decimals, fractions, integers, etc.

Add & Subtract Decimals Resources:

Once students have a solid place value foundation, they are ready to add and subtract with decimals. Even young kids can begin to add and subtract with decimals and they work with money. Adding money is the perfect real world context for students to start with because they are likely familiar with adding dollars and change.

In this section you will find articles with teaching ideas, real life math activities, hands-on resources and fun games to practice these skills.

How to Add Decimals: Simple Strategies & Tips: If you want to help students form a conceptual understanding of decimals and adding decimal values, this is a great place to start.

{FREE} Adding Decimals Worksheets: Multiple Strategies: To help students make sense of decimal addition, these simple practice pages include multiple strategies all on one page so students can see that whichever visual model or strategy they use, they should get the same answer.

Make a Buck: Unique Adding Decimals Card Game: This game is a fun way to practice those ‘mental math’ skills, and all you need is a deck of cards!

Cupcake Shop: Money Math Problems: This real life math activity is a fun way for students to see the importance of adding decimals in the real world as they find the cost of their cupcakes.

Adding & Subtracting Decimals Partner Challenge: Here’s another idea for helping students see multiple ways to add or subtract decimals and compare strategies.

Add & Subtract Decimals on a Number Line {FREE Printable Number Lines!}: This article explains the value of incorporating number lines to help students add and subtract and includes some free number line practice pages.

{FREE} Adding & Subtracting Decimals Game for Grades 4-6: This printable game would make a great math center when paired with a set of base ten blocks (although the blocks are optional).

Multiply & Divide Decimals Resources:

As always, before jumping straight to standard, traditional algorithms to multiply or divide, I encourage you to help students build on their conceptual understanding of multiplication and division. They can apply their knowledge of multiplication of whole numbers to decimals and see that the skill is not actually anything new or scary.

Incorporating visual models or real life contexts will help students visualize the math, deepen their understanding and make reasonable estimates as they solve problems involving decimals.

Find resources below to help your students understand decimal multiplication and decimal division.

Multiply Decimals with Grids: Cut & Paste Set: To help students visualize decimal multiplication (and see how it relates to multiplying whole numbers), this activity includes grid models for students to match.

Multiply Decimals Classroom Scavenger Hunt: This fun, whole class activity allows kids the chance to get up and move while practice this important skill.

Spin It! Multiplying Decimals Game for Kids: This printable board game would make a great math center that you can use again and again so kids don’t forget how to multiply decimals.

Multiply & Divide Decimals Word Problems Set: This set is a sample from my online course, Making Sense of Word Problems, and includes 27 different problems so students can see decimal multiplication and division in real life contexts.

{FREE} Multiply Decimals Mystery Maze: DIGITAL Activity: If you’re looking for no-prep practice, this digital activity is perfect and self-checking! Students are sure to enjoy this maze challenge.

Digital Pi Day Activity: Decimal Operations Word Problems: If you’re looking for a fun Pi Day activity that weaves in math skills practice, this digital set covers all 4 math operations with decimals.

Convert Between Decimals, Fractions and Percent Resources:

Older students move beyond place value and basic computation with decimals to converting between decimals, fractions and percentages.

This is an important skill because which form of a number is necessary or most beneficial will depend on the problem. This can also help students compare quantities in middle school, because often, converting fractions to decimals or percentages makes them easier to compare.

Below you will find simple games to provide additional practice with converting between fractions, decimals and percentages.

Convert Fractions to Decimals Game: Grades 4-6: This simple board game would make a great math center, allowing students to practice converting fractions to decimals.

Convert Fractions to Decimals & Percent Puzzles: This set of ‘pizza puzzles’ is another activity that you could use as a math center, or for early finishers. Students match equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages.

Valentine’s Day Color by Code: Equivalent Fractions & Decimals: This low-prep activity is a unique way to convert fractions to decimals and create a fun art project at the same time.

Valentine’s Day Fraction and Decimal Conversions Board Game: If you’d prefer something for a math center or small groups, this game is another option with a Valentine’s Day theme.

Hopefully there is something on this huge list that is *just right* for your students, but if not, check back later to see if new resources have been added!

Or you might want to check out Math Geek Mama+, my all-access membership, which includes hundreds of ready to use materials for grades 5-8. There are even more decimal resources ready for you to download inside Math Geek Mama+.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE.

The post 20+ FREE Decimal Resources for Grades 4-6 appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

Translating words and phrases into “math language” is an important skill because it will help them prepare for algebra and higher levels of math. But getting kids comfortable and confident with that takes time and practice. Whether you’ve got 5th graders working on numerical expressions or 6th and 7th graders writing algebraic expressions with variables, this low-prep and engaging partner challenge is a great warm-up!

What are Expressions?

Before jumping into this activity with your students, be sure you (and they) understand what expressions are.

Here’s a short, helpful definition of a numerical expression:

Numerical expressions are number sentences involving one or more operations.

Some examples include: 5 + 7 or 15/8 + 12 or (16 + 3) x 18

Numerical expressions contain NUMBERS and math OPERATIONS.

What about algebraic expressions? What’s the difference?

Algebraic expressions are similar to numerical expressions in that they include numbers and operations, but they also include at least one VARIABLE, which represents an unknown number.

Some examples of algebraic expressions are: 3x or 9 – 12y or (4 + p) – 15r

The key thing to note is that expressions include numbers and math operation symbols but NO EQUALS SIGN.

When you have two expressions that are equal to each other, it forms an equation. But that’s a post for another day. If you’d like to move on to finding equivalent expressions try this cut and paste equivalent expressions activity.

Introducing Expressions to Students

Although I shared some definitions and examples for you above, I would encourage you to NOT start there with your students.

Instead, give them the chance to think about their own way of translating situations, words and phrases into expressions using this partner challenge.

Walk around the room and listen in on student conversations to hear how they think about the wording and the math. Listen to student disagreements and how they justify their answers.

This will give you insights into what students already know, what they may need help with, and any misconceptions that you need to clear up after they finish the activity.

Writing Expressions Activity: Which Version Will You Use?

To use this in your class, all you need to do is choose which version is best (numeric expressions or algebraic expressions) then print a set for each pair of students.

But which version do you need for your students? Option one includes numerical expressions only. This is best for 5th grade students who are not yet ready to work with or think about variables.

But you might also use this version with older students who struggle with word problems, need further clarification on different math operations or who need a refresher before including variables.

Option two is to help introduce students to writing algebraic expressions. This is a fun warm-up for 6th or 7th grade students before you get into your expressions chapter or unit, or as a quick refresher before working on more challenging expressions and word problems.

If you enjoy this activity, become a Math Geek Mama+ member and gain access to the entire ad-free library of engaging math activities like this one, hundreds of math games and low-prep practice worksheets for grades 5-8!

Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ right HERE.

How to Use the Writing Expressions Partner Activity

To begin, pair students with a partner and print a worksheet for each partner. One student should have ‘Partner A’ and the other student should have ‘Partner B.’

The post FREE Writing Expressions Activity: Partner Challenge – Grades 5-7 appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

I used to be (and often still am) a very paper-and-pencil, hands-on tools kind of teacher. Partly because the thought of using online or digital activities was overwhelming for me–something new to learn?? Who has time for that!? And partly because I think there tends to be too much reliance on technology and thinking that it somehow provides a *magical solution* for students who struggle in math. The truth is there is no magical solution. Just good teaching from human teachers who put in the hard work, and from students who do the hard work to grow and learn.

But I have found that there can definitely still be benefits to online, digital activities and they can add another layer of fun and engagement for students. PLUS–they can be a huge time saver for the teacher! It’s a win-win situation! That’s the goal with this digital multiply decimals activity: to provide a fun practice challenge for students & a no-prep, self-checking time saver for teachers.

Mystery Maze: Digital Multiply Decimals Activity

This digital activity is designed for google sheets. In order to share it with students, you will make a copy for yourself in your google drive. Then you can share that with your students in Google Classroom.

This activity provides practice multiplying decimals to the tenths place.

To begin, students are given a mixed up maze. To rearrange the maze so they can find their way through, they must correctly evaluate each multiplication expression.

To start, they multiply each decimal expression to determine the solution. They then type the solution into the answer box to check it.

A correct solution will turn the box green and the pieces of the maze will move. An incorrect solution will turn the box red, indicating they need to try again.

Once all solutions are correct, students will be able to find their way through the maze to determine the secret 4-digit code.

The 4-digit code unlocks maze #2! (A second sheet will appear at the bottom of the google sheets page)

At that point, students can begin to work on maze 2 in the same way.

Use this as a simple, no-prep sub plans activity or as a review before a quiz or test.

If your students have access to devices and google classroom, I think they’ll love this unique digital challenge!

If you enjoy this activity, become a Math Geek Mama+ member and gain access to the entire library of engaging digital activities like this one, hundreds of math games and low-prep practice worksheets for grades 5-8!

Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ right HERE.

Multiple Layers of Fun:

One thing I love about this activity is there are multiple layers to it. Students will likely be anxious to solve the maze. But since it’s all mixed up, there’s no way to find a path through the maze without completing the decimal multiplication practice!

But they aren’t simply trying to find a path through the maze. They also need to figure out the secret code as they move through the maze!

Once they have the secret code, they unlock a new maze. Then again, they can’t solve the maze without doing the math.

I hope this unique digital activity provides a fun challenge for your students, and also a bit of a break for you. There’s no prep, no grading, no stress! Enjoy!

Want to grab a copy of this digital multiply decimals activity to try with your students? Use the link below to grab it in my shop.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Digital Multiply Decimals Activity for Google Sheets!}

Looking for more digital activities? Try one of these:

• {FREE} Digital Pi Day Activity: Decimal Operations Word Problems
• Classifying 2D Figures: Digital Activity
• Decimals On a Number Line Digital Activity
• Order of Operations Error Analysis | DIGITAL Practice
• Match Equivalent Fractions Digital Game

The post {FREE} Multiply Decimals Mystery Maze: DIGITAL Activity appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

Once students are familiar and comfortable multiplying large whole numbers, it may seem like multiplying decimals will be a snap. After all, isn’t it basically the same thing, just with a decimal point? Although the standard algorithm is the same, there’s a lot more going on when dealing with decimal values and it’s important to build a conceptual understanding first rather than jumping into a procedure. This will help students avoid common mistakes and misconceptions when they begin using the standard algorithm (the “line it it and multiply” procedure).

Once students have a foundation and understand how decimal values relate to fractions or mixed numbers (including a “whole” and a “part”), they need lots of exposure and practice. And this multiply decimals scavenger hunt is perfect for giving them that extra practice!

Multiply Decimals: What’s Included

This free download includes everything you need for the whole class scavenger hunt, as well as some independent practice pages.

The focus is on multiplying whole numbers by tenths and multiplying tenths by tenths.

Here’s what’s included:

• 10 Scavenger Hunt problems (half-sheets)
• Student recording page to show work
• Answer key for the scavenger hunt
• Multiply whole numbers by tenths worksheet
• Multiply tenths by tenths worksheet
• Answer keys for both independent worksheets

Prep Needed for the Multiply Decimals Scavenger Hunt:

This decimals activity does require a little prep, but if you print on card stock paper and laminate, you can reuse it again and again with no prep.

To begin, print the “hunt” cards and cut them in half. There are 10 problems included on half-sheet pieces of paper.

Hang the question cards around your classroom in any order.

Then simply print a recording sheet for each student and you’re all set to begin.

How the Scavenger Hunt Works:

I like to put students in pairs so they can discuss and help each other as they make their way through the scavenger hunt, but that’s not necessary. They can also work independently if they prefer.

Either way, I give students a clip board so it’s easier to move about the room and show their thinking/solutions for each problem.

When they’re ready to start, they head to any problem they want and try to solve the decimal multiplication problem.

If you have a large class, you may want to assign students/pairs a starting question so they’re not all gathered around the same card at once.

Once students have a solution to the problem, they look for that solution on another card in the room.

When they find the solution, they then solve the decimal problem on THAT card, and search for the answer around the room.

They continue solving and hunting for the answer until they end up back where they started.

This will signal to them that they’ve correctly solved all the problems and are finished with the scavenger hunt!

If at anytime they can’t find a solution, or end up where they started without answering all the questions, they know they did something wrong and need to check their work.

If you enjoy this lesson, become a Math Geek Mama+ member and gain access to the entire library of engaging math lessons like this one, hundreds of math games and low-prep practice worksheets for grades 5-8!

Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ right HERE.

Get Kids Up and Moving:

I love using scavenger hunts on occasion because it is a break from the normal routine.

It gives kids a chance to get up, stretch and move about the room, talk math with their partner, and just do something different.

Plus, it is self-checking, allowing students to look for their own mistakes and make corrections, a valuable skill in math class.

And if your students are familiar with the basics of how these hunts work, you can do this every once in a while without having to explain a new procedure. You can even use these in your sub plans!

Independent Practice or Assessment Included:

Once students are finished with the hunt (or as a review before they begin), you may want to use the included worksheets as independent practice or assessment.

This scavenger hunt focuses on multiplying whole numbers by tenths and multiplying tenths by tenths.

As a quick review or assessment, two worksheets are included to cover these skills.

Use these as homework, graded classwork or extra review for kids who are still struggling with this skill.

Ready to try this out with your students? Use the link below to head to my shop and grab this activity for FREE.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Multiply Decimals Scavenger Hunt!}

Looking for more Decimal Operations Resources? Check out these ideas:

• {FREE} Multiply Decimals with Grids: Cut & Paste Set
• {FREE} Multiplying Decimals Word Problems Set
• How to Add Decimals: Simple Strategies & Tips
• Adding & Subtracting Decimals Partner Challenge {FREE!}
• Spin It! Multiplying Decimals Game for Kids {FREE}

The post Multiply Decimals Classroom Scavenger Hunt {FREE} appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

Fraction operations. Whew! Just typing that out feels stressful! Over and over again I hear from teachers whose students struggle with fraction sense and fraction operations. While I do encourage teaching and modeling with hands on tools, pictures and real life contexts, kids also just need lots of practice and exposure. So the next time you’ve got an early finisher, need some low-prep sub plans or want some extra practice to send home, grab this free add fractions color by number activity!

Materials Needed for the Fraction Addition Color by Number:

• Coloring page for each student
• Fraction Addition Task Cards printed & cut (there are 12 altogether)
• Colored pencils, markers or crayons

Once you’ve got the materials printed and prepped and gathered some coloring supplies, you’re all set!

How to Complete the Color by Number Activity:

This low-prep math practice is pretty straightforward. To begin, students solve the fraction and mixed number addition problems on the task cards.

If they find the correct solution, it will be on the task card with the COLOR to use for that task card. They then color the color by number page using the task card number.

For example, the solution for task card #2 is labeled GREEN. In this case, students would color all the 2’s on the color by code page GREEN.

This may be the one thing to note for students before they begin. The FRACTION ANSWERS will not be on the coloring page, only the number of each task card.

Once they have all 12 cards solved, they will be able to color in the design on the coloring page.

One final note about the coloring page: a design was chosen specifically so that students could not just guess the colors and therefore guess the answers. It is a unique design, full of color, rather than a picture of a known object.

If you enjoy this lesson, become a Math Geek Mama+ member and gain access to the entire library of engaging math lessons like this one, hundreds of math games and low-prep practice worksheets for grades 5-8!

Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ right HERE.

Ways to Use the Add Fractions Color by Code:

Although you could assign this as an individual activity, you could also put students in small groups or use this as a math center.

In this case, put students in groups of 3-4. Print a coloring page for each student, but only print and cut out ONE set of task cards.

Then students will each choose 3-4 task cards to solve individually. They can then help each other if they get stuck, and check each other’s work as they go.

Once they have all completed their task cards, they swap to know how to color in the additional spaces on the coloring sheet.

Although this does not provide as much practice for each student, it does allow the activity to be completed faster, requires less printing, and allows students to work collaboratively.

Of course you can also assign this as individual practice or review. Here are some ideas:

• Keep on hand for ready to go sub plans
• Offer as a choice board option
• Activity for early finishers
• For struggling learners who need more practice
• To send home for tutors or parents to practice/review with their kids

However you use this, I hope it provides a new or different option for your kids who need to review addition with fractions and mixed numbers!

Ready to grab the download for yourself? Head to my shop at the link below.

{Click HERE to Go to My Shop & Grab the FREE Add Fractions Color by Number Activity!}

Looking for more fraction resources? Check out these additional freebies:

• {FREE} Candy Bar Fractions: Hands On Fraction Practice
• Add & Subtract Fractions Cut & Paste Activity {FREE}
• Hands On Adding Fractions Game for Kids
• Missing Addend with Fractions: Challenges for Google Slides {FREE}

The post Add Fractions Color by Number: Unlike Denominators & Mixed Numbers appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

I occasionally like to think of myself as a runner. Unfortunately, being an “occasional runner” does not lead to increased strength, endurance and overall improvement. What it ends up looking like is running for 2-3 days in a row, then taking a break for a  week or two. Inevitably, when I go to run again, it feels like I’m starting over. My muscles have to work back up to their prior strength and even though I might have been able to run 3 miles two weeks ago, I can no longer make it that far without walking & taking a break.

Note: This post is sponsored by Komodo Math, but all opinions are completely my own and based on my own use of the program with my 5th grade child. Read our full disclosure here.

Building math fluency is a lot like running. It requires consistency & dedication. Short, but purposeful practice actually doing math. What do you think will be more beneficial to a student who struggles with math–spending 2 hours slogging through problems once a week, or spending 15-20 minutes a day five times a week? Shorter, but more frequent practice & study sessions help kids become more confident in their math skills and helps their brain retain what they’re learning better than cramming it all into one huge session (plus, kids have short attention spans, so good luck trying to do 2 hours of math!)

This is one of the things I appreciate about Komodo Math: it is designed to provide short, regular practice that’s effective & aimed at exactly the skills your child needs to work on.

If you have a child or student in grades K-5 who could benefit from extra practice, I invite you to check out Komodo Math.

Komodo Math Review:

Here are some things my 5th grader and I have enjoyed about Komodo Math so far: 

• A real teacher is involved in creating a custom learning plan, based on your child’s needs and their score on the initial assessment
• There are short, clear teaching videos to teach & support each math topic
• The math practice sets are focused, without being overly busy or difficult to navigate
• Parents can further customize their child’s learning plan (you can decide how many problems they do in each set, what they need to score in order to move on, etc.)
• There is the opportunity to make corrections, allow students to reflect and learn from their mistakes (rather than simply telling them the answer as soon as they get it wrong)

(And just a quick note–my child is in 5th grade, which is the upper age range for Komodo, but this would also be a wonderful support for younger kiddos. There are lots of great visual models in the problem sets and videos, and personalized support from a teacher to create a learning plan that best suits them).

One thing that was a little stressful for my child initially was the timer on each problem set. This does not count down, but simply tracks their time spent. Once I explained that she didn’t need to feel rushed or pressured, that she can take all the time she needed, she felt better.

But I also love that I was able to easily turn the timer off with the click of a button in the parent dashboard. It’s not helpful or motivating for her, so I turned it off by clicking “hide lesson timer.”

The dashboard also provides transcripts and a dyslexia option that changes the colors in the app to minimize visual stress.

Although the math practice is not gamified, Komodo does emphasize motivation & celebrating milestones and wins in the learning process. They also strive to include parents in this as well, allowing parents to set specific goals and rewards for their children within the platform.

To motivate my child, I added a “pool time” reward to her account. Whenever she completes the requirements this summer, she can redeem her reward for some relaxing time at the pool.

After each session a short report is emailed to parents. They can then reply to the email with some encouragement and the message is sent to the child right inside the app. (<–This is such a unique feature and a great way for parents or other supporters to be involved in learning and cheering the child on!)

If you’re looking for something to help your child prevent the dreaded summer slide or something to help them fill in math gaps, or just give them a leg up in math for the next school year, see if Komodo Math is right for you.

Getting Started with Komodo Math:

You can get started with a free trial so you and your child can test it out to decide. Setting up the app and your family account is easy.

Once you sign up, you’ll need to download the app to your device(s) of choice. I downloaded it to my computer because I think that’s the easiest device to use, but it’s also available for Apple & Android tablets and phones.

Once you’ve got the app downloaded, you’ll create an account login and get your kids set up.

For each child, you can provide relevant information about their needs and learning (this includes current grade level, but also accommodations they might need, such as extra time, if they are dyslexic, etc.).

Then you’ll just have your child take a quick assessment. This is not long or overwhelming, but it allows the teachers at Komodo to get a snapshot of their current understanding, speed and fluency.

After that, you’ll need to wait while a teacher sets up a customized learning plan for your child. I heard back in about 15 hours, but that was because it was on the weekend. Typical turn around time is 2-3 hours. If you don’t hear anything in 24 hours, just reach out to them and they will help you out!

Once your child’s account is ready, they simply login and start their math practice!

Altogether, the app download and account set up took me less than 30 minutes. Then the next day we had our customized plan and my 5th grader has been working through the lessons since then!

Komodo Math Pricing Options:

No matter which plan you choose, you will start with a 2-week free trial.

Then you can choose between a monthly option and an annual option. The monthly plan (for one subject and one child) is the most flexible and is $14.99/month.

But you can also add language arts to your child’s plan for $21.99/month.

Adding additional learners is easy and can be done at time of sign up, or later once you decide to stick with the program. Additional learners can be added at a 50% savings.

If you’re concerned about saving money, annual plan options will save you 25%, offering the best value.

Ready to get started? Learn more and start your Komodo Math trial HERE!

The post Komodo Math Review & Tips for Getting Started appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

There are so many fun, hands on math topics to explore in geometry. And the best part? It doesn’t have to wait until high school! Laying the foundation for high school geometry begins in upper elementary and middle school. Before students can understand relationships between the angles in a triangle, or discover exterior angles, they need to understand what an angle is. This free set of angles worksheets covers angle vocabulary, measuring angles with protractors, classifying angles and even spotting angles in real life.

Understanding Angles: Angle Vocabulary

Once students have been introduced to the idea of angles, it’s important that they learn some new vocabulary terms. This includes the following:

Right Angle: An angle measuring exactly 90 degrees

Acute Angle: An angle measuring less than 90 degrees

Obtuse Angle: An angle measuring more than 90 degrees

The above terms are the most common and terms students will likely learn first. These are important because these same terms are used to classify triangles based on their angles. Additional terms to know:

Straight Angle: An angle measuring exactly 180 degrees (easy to remember because it looks like a straight line!)

Reflex Angle: An angle measuring more than 180 degrees

Full Rotation: A complete circle, or an angle that measures exactly 360 degrees (you might relate this to snowboarding or ice skating and how they measure their spins)

As you teach and discuss these terms with your students, talk about how the math term relates to the everyday meaning of the term and how that can help them remember (for at least some of them).

For other terms, it will simply require lots of practice and exposure to get the terms and their meanings to stick.

Luckily, I’ve got several angles vocabulary worksheets to help you in this free printable pack!

Classifying Angles:

Once students know the terms, they can practice classifying angles based on their angle measures.

To help with this, this angles practice set includes a page to classify angles as acute, obtuse or right.

In addition, there is a page for students to create their own angles of various types. This is a fun way for students to better internalize what these terms mean as they think about what their examples might look like.

Students can either draw angles freehand based on what they know about each type of angle, or they can use a protractor to draw angles and label their exact measurements.

This is totally up to you!

Measuring Angles Worksheets

Another important skill for students is to learn how to measure angles using a protractor.

This is a completely new idea for most students, as their experience with measurement thus far has most likely been measurements of length or time.

Angles are measured in a new unit called degrees.

Spend some time looking at a protractor together, noticing and wondering things about it.

Talk about benchmark measurements such as 45 degrees, 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

Then talk about how they might estimate angle measurements based on certain benchmarks.

Lastly, ensure students understand that the measurement on the protractor can begin from either side, so they need to ensure they are starting at zero when they begin to measure.

Once students understand the basics of how a protractor is set up and how it works to measure angles, it’s time for practice!

You’ll find a worksheet to practice measuring angles in this printable pack, but you might also like this set of measuring angles puzzles!

Angles in Real Life:

Finally, to help students begin to see angles in the world around them and recognize this new and different form of measurement, you can look for examples of angles in real life.

Angles are all around us, so you might ask for students input, or here are a few ideas to get started:

• The angles formed by opening and closing a door (swing the door slowly on its hinges to watch as the angle changes
• Right angles used in buildings: door frames, windows, corners where two walls meet
• Ice skating, snowboarding or skateboarding tricks: look up some different tricks and consider the angles with your students

More Angles in Real Life:

This printable set of angles worksheets includes several more examples of real life angles for students to consider. This includes:

• Angles formed by the hands on a clock
• Angles found inside a variety of polygons
• Angles formed by everyday household objects

Download the FREE set of 8 Angles Worksheets:

This set of angles worksheets includes 8 pages, covering a wide variety of skills and vocabulary.

Included in the Download:

• Naming Angles Cut & Paste Worksheet
• Angle Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle
• Classifying Angles Worksheet
• Draw Your Own Angles Worksheet
• Measuring Angles Worksheet
• Identify Angles in Polygons
• Identify Angles in Clocks
• Identify Angles in Everyday Objects
• Answer key for each worksheet

I hope this provides an easy way to learn & review these important geometry skills with your students.

Ready to try it out? Use the link below to grab this free download from my online shop!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE All About Angles Worksheets Set!}

Find More Engaging Geometry Resources Below:

• Measuring Angles Activity: Simple and Fun Puzzle Set {FREE}
• Understanding the Angles in Triangles
• Exploring Triangles with “The Greedy Triangle!”
• Geoboard Activity Cards {FREE Geometry Challenge}
• Explore Angles with Sir Cumference

The post {FREE} All About Angles Worksheets: Classify & Measure Angles appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

We work in a base ten number system. Therefore, helping students understand place value & powers of ten in this number system is essential for developing deep number sense. But far too often, students are told facts or ‘tricks’ to memorize rather than being given time to play with numbers and make sense of this number system on their own.

The goal of this math center game is to aid 5th grade students in their understanding of powers of ten and the impact multiplying and dividing by powers of ten has on numbers.

In this game, students will also see powers of ten written with exponents. This allows them to begin to understand exponents as repeated multiplication, while working with only powers of ten.

Multiply & Divide by Powers of Ten on a Place Value Mat:

In this game, each student works with their number using a place value mat. There are 2 different place value mats included:

• Whole Numbers Place Value Mat to Billions
• Decimal Place Value Mat: Millions to Thousandths

If your students are not yet ready to work with decimals, you can print the whole number mat for them.

Why Use a Place Value Mat?

The post {FREE} Multiply & Divide by Powers of Ten Game: Includes Exponents appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

Are you excited for the new year? I am so ready to start fresh and jump in feet first. I absolutely LOVE January and the start of all things new (and it doesn’t hurt that it’s my birthday, too!). If you’re excited to try a new daily math approach this January, you’ve come to the right place. This set of easy, low prep math calendars is a great way to work on important math skills. Kids love the daily challenge, and you will love how easy and motivating they are! Read on to learn about the January Math Problem of the Day Calendars, and how to get a copy for your home or classroom.

*Please Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which help support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure policy here.*

January Problem of the Day Calendars:

Not sure what these calendars are all about? This FREE download includes 3 one page, black and white calendars for the month of January. One calendar for grades K-2, one calendar for grades 3-5 and one calendar for grades 6-8.

Each day of the month includes a math problem, covering a huge variety of math skills.

>>>The fun twist? Each day, the solution is equal to the date!

This means kids can know whether or not they’ve solved it correctly, and can make corrections if necessary.

This may also mean that some kids will try to write the answer without actually solving the problem. I’ve got some ways to help prevent that though!

Ways to Use the Math Calendar:

1. One way to use this is as a simple, daily warm up. This can be during morning time, as soon as kids come into class, or during your daily calendar time.

Allow kids to work out the solution independently and then discuss it as a group.

2. If you have kids who are likely to skip the math and just write the day’s date, require them to write out their thinking for how they solved it.

This would be an easy way to incorporate a daily math journal time.

3. Or you could simply use the daily problem as a class discussion starter and talk through different ways to solve it.

Once one child explains or shows how they can solve it, ask someone else to solve it differently.

4. Another really fun way to mix things up is to cut the calendar into pieces and have your kids solve it like a puzzle.

Print out a blank calendar page, and as they solve the problems they can glue them onto the correct dates on the calendar.

This will also eliminate the temptation to write the solution without actually doing the work.

Topics Covered on the January Problem of the Day Calendars:

Grades K-2 Problem of the Day Calendar Topics:

• Addition and subtraction
• Money (U.S.)
• Time
• Comparing numbers
• Word problems
• Place value
• Math vocabulary

Buy the Complete K-2 Calendar Set HERE!

Grades 3-5 Problem of the Day Calendar Topics:

• Place value
• Addition and subtraction of 3-4 digit numbers
• Multiplication and division
• Long division (new)
• Adding fractions (like denominator)
• Elapsed time
• Word problems (1 and 2-step)
• Area and perimeter
• Math vocabulary

Buy the Complete 3-5 Calendar Set HERE!

Grades 6-8 Problem of the Day Calendar Topics:

• Multiplication and division
• Operations with fractions and decimals
• Exponent properties
• Order of operations
• Solving linear equations
• Area and perimeter
• Surface area and volume
• Math vocabulary
• Word problems

An additional challenge included on the middle school calendar (level 3) are “create your own” problems. Occasionally, rather than a given problem, kids are asked to create a math problem with a given solution.

This helps them think about the math they’re learning at a higher level, and gives them the chance to challenge their friends.

Buy the Complete 6-8 Calendar Set HERE!

So I hope you and your kids love these calendars as much as I do, and if you have any other fun or unique ways to incorporate them into your daily school routine, shoot me an email to share!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE January Problem of the Day Calendars!}

More Fun Winter Math Ideas:

• Build a Snowman Place Value Set
• Snow Day Math Outside
• Create a Snowflake Fractal
• Hot Chocolate Math Investigation
• Winter Solve & Color Addition Pages
• I Spy Winter Counting Booklet

The post January 2024 Problem of the Day Calendars {FREE} appeared first on Math Geek Mama.