I find that a lot of textbooks barely skim the surface when it comes time to solve linear inequalities. After all, once students are comfortable solving linear equations, this is just more of the same, right? Wrong! Inequalities are more complex and have greater depth of meaning than equations, and although the algebra involved in solving them may look similar, it takes a lot of work to actually understand what’s going on. Plus, students have to know when to “flip the inequality symbol.” What does that even mean, and why do we do it? But once you’ve done the hard work of sense-making and students are ready to practice, grab these silly riddle pages for Low-Prep Solve Inequalities Practice.

Understanding the Solution to Inequalities:

One of the biggest differences between a linear equation and an inequality is the solution.

In both cases, the solution is the value(s) that make(s) the statement true.

However, most students are used to solving an equation in which exactly one number makes the equation true. (Yes, a linear equation can also have no solution or infinite solutions, but in early middle school students are solving an equation to find exactly one number that makes it true).

An inequality, on the other hand, will have a whole range of numbers that make the statement true.

For example, if the solution is x < 2, that means that the solution is not 2. The solution is ANY number that is less than 2. So it could be 1.9. It could be 0. It could be -100.

It’s important that as students solve inequalities they model the solution on a number line so they can visualize the entire set of numbers that makes the inequality true.

Although this set of riddles practice pages do not include number lines, you may want to have students sketch a number line next to each solution as well so they can show you they understand the solution and what set of numbers is part of the solution.

Solve Inequalities Practice Pages: Easy to Differentiate

This download includes 3 practice pages, gradually increasing in difficulty.

You will find the following inequalities to solve:

• Solve one-step inequalities (use with 6th or 7th grade)
• Solve two-step inequalities (use with 7th or 8th grade)
• Solve multi-step inequalities (use with 8th or 9th grade)

If you have students who are struggling or need to get back to the basics, start with the first page of one-step inequalities.

But if you have more advanced students who are ready for a challenge, let them try the multi-step page! This page includes variables on both sides of the inequality symbol as well as the distributive property.

Plus, as students solve each inequality they can self-check as they look for the solution at the bottom of the page to determine the answer to the silly riddle!

If you’re looking for resources to teach solving inequalities, check out Math Geek Mama+, our ad-free option that includes inquiry lessons to help students make sense of algebra topics such as solving inequalities.

There are visual lessons to help students see and understand what inequalities mean and WHY the inequality symbol flips.

Plus, you’ll find more engaging and easy to use practice pages like this one!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE

Ready to use these riddle pages with your students? Just use the link below to grab it in my shop.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Solve Inequalities Practice with Silly Riddles!}

Plus, find more resources for solving equations and inequalities at the links below:

• Summer Algebra Review: Solve Equations Practice
• Writing Algebraic Expressions: FREE Practice Pages
• DIGITAL Solving Linear Equations Error Analysis {FREE}

The post Solve Inequalities Practice – Silly Riddles for 7th-8th Grade appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

One of the most challenging topics in middle school math is making sense of rational numbers in all their forms-fractions, decimals, repeating decimals-and knowing how to convert between various forms. Throw in positive and negative signs and things get really crazy! In this simple rational numbers activity, students will use lots of different math skills and strategies to compare rational numbers.

What Are Rational Numbers?

Rational numbers is a set of numbers that includes any number that can be written in fraction form. Thus, every rational number can also be written as a repeating decimal or a terminating decimal (meaning it stops, such as 0.5). Rational numbers also include integers, meaning both positive and negative numbers.

That means rational numbers include many different forms or sets of numbers, such as:

• Positive and negative whole numbers
• Positive and negative fractions and mixed numbers
• Positive and negative decimal values, as long as they either repeat or terminate

Although students begin comparing fractions and decimals as early as 4th grade, 7th or 8th grade students look at much more complex rational numbers. More challenging comparisons are what’s included in this sorting challenge.

Compare Rational Numbers Sorting Activity

This printable activity includes 12 rational number comparisons.

This means students are trying to determine less than, greater than or equal to with each pair of rational numbers.

Some of the problems compare two fractions, some compare a fraction to a decimal, and some compare two decimal values.

Adding to the challenge, some of the numbers are positive and some are negative.

Students should use a variety of strategies to compare the quantities, such as:

• Are both positive or both negative? If one is positive and one negative, they know right away which is larger, regardless of the number forms
• If the numbers are both fractions, they might rewrite them to have common denominators or use other strategies such as comparing each to a benchmark such as 1/2 or one whole
• If the numbers are both decimals, they should pay attention to place value
• If the numbers are in different forms, they can rewrite one so they are in the same form (such as both decimals) or they can compare the a benchmark, or consider place value
• If they’re looking for a visual, they could put the numbers on a number line

The goal is for students to find ways to compare the quantities and then determine how to correctly complete the comparison statement (<, > or =).

How to Use the Rational Number Sort:

This is designed to be a printable cut and paste activity, however there are other options as well depending on what will work best for your students.

Printable Cut and Paste Activity:

To use as a cut and paste activity, print the sorting mat (one per student or one per pair–this works well as a partner activity).

Then print the page of comparison problems. There are two sets per page, so print enough so you have a complete set for each student or pair of students.

Students then cut out each expression, compare the rational numbers and determine if it goes in the “Less Than,” “Equal To,” or “Greater Than” column on the sorting mat.

Encourage them to sort all problems first and then let you check it before they glue the final answer down.

Once students have corrected sorted each comparison statement, they glue them down and they’re done!

Math Center Option:

If you would prefer to prep this one time and use it again and again, you can print the sorting mat on colored card stock paper and laminate for durability.

Then print the comparison statements on another color of card stock paper and laminate. Cut out all the comparison statements to go along with the sorting mat.

Students then work sort the statements onto the mat, but don’t glue them down.

Then store the comparison statements in a ziplock bag along with the sorting mat for another group to use later!

Lastly, one final option is to print the sorting mat and cards on card stock paper. Laminate the sorting mat or place it in a page protector and give students a dry erase marker.

Then students can simply write the comparison statements onto the sorting mat, no cutting or pasting required.

(You can also do it this way as an individual review. Just print a page for each student on regular paper and let them write in their comparisons to turn into you). 

When they finish, be sure they erase their answers from the mat and store the mat and comparison statements for another day.

I hope this provides a helpful challenge as your students learn to work with & compare rational numbers.

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

Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ right HERE.

If you’re ready to grab it, use the link below to head to my shop to get a free copy!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Compare Rational Numbers Sort for 7th & 8th Grade!}

Looking for more rational numbers resources? Check out the links below!

• {FREE} Get Them in Order: Comparing Fractions Game
• Adding and Subtracting Integers {FREE Lesson!}
• Multiply & Divide Integers Lesson {FREE}
• Compare Decimals Cut & Paste Sort {FREE!}

The post Compare Rational Numbers Sorting Challenge – Grades 7-8 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.

Multiplying and dividing integers seems like such a straightforward process at first. If both integers are positive or both integers are negative, the result is positive. If the integers are opposite signs (one positive and one negative) the result is negative. Easy, right? Of course I’m about to complicate things, LOL. What about when you’ve got more than two integers? What about when the numbers get really large or really small? What if you’re dealing with exponents?? To help students tackle more complicated expressions without getting bogged down in the numbers (or relying on a calculator), use this Multiply & Divide Integers Sort.

*Note: This post contains affiliate links which help support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.

Setting Up the Integers Sorting Challenge

IN order to complete this challenge, students do have to have some prior knowledge of the ‘rules’ for multiplying and dividing integers. I recommend using this guided lesson to walk them through an introduction to multiplying & dividing integers. Then they’re ready for this sorting challenge!

This is a very simple activity to set up, but will hopefully prove especially useful for students.

To begin, you will need to print the sorting mat & expression cards (included in the download).

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

Then cut out the expression cards (there are 24 expressions altogether) and you’re all set!

Reasoning with Integer Operations

Once you have the materials ready for students, they simple use their reasoning skills to determine if each expression will result in a positive value or a negative value without doing any calculations.

The goal here is for students to internalize the ‘rules’ for integer multiplication and division and also look for patterns (such as with exponents).

The post {FREE} Multiply & Divide Integers Sorting Challenge 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.

Do you have a stash of geoboards collecting dust in your closet? Well, get ready to pull them out as your students create images to celebrate Earth Day! This set of hands on math challenges will help your students compose shapes, count, add and create a simple bar graph. This is a great way to take a break from your normal math routine & focus on ways to care for our planet (while also weaving in some important math concepts ;)). And as a bonus, little learners can strengthen those fine motor skills too!

*Note: This post contains affiliate links which help support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*

Materials Needed for Earth Day Geoboard Activity Pages:

• Geoboard for each student (you can grab a set on Amazon here if you don’t have any yet)
• Large bag of rubber bands in a variety of colors (you can likely find rubber bands at the dollar store, but for a good variety of colors, try this set or something similar)
• Printed student handouts (grab for free in my shop using the link at the end of the post)

How to Use the Earth Day Geoboard Pages:

This download includes 10 different images for students to create using rubber bands on their geoboard. To begin, students choose a picture and recreate it on their geoboard.

Images Included:

• Leaf
• Sun
• Flower
• Earth
• Trash Can
• Tree
• Lightbulb
• Plant
• Watering Can
• Faucet

Once they’ve created the image with rubber bands, they create a bar graph by counting the number of rubber bands they used for each color in their design.

Finally, they add all the values together to find the total number of rubber bands.

The activity is pretty straightforward once you print and gather all the materials.

A quick note: Color images AND black and white images are included, allowing you to choose how to present this to students.

If you have matching colors and you think it will be easier for students to see & recreate the pictures, give them the color pages and corresponding colors of rubber bands.

However, if you want this to be more open ended & allow for more creativity from your students, provide the black and white pictures.

Students can then choose their own colors to create each design and everyone’s bar graphs will be different.

One final note: You may also want to encourage students to create their own design for a particular object, rather than copying the design shown exactly.

This will challenge them to find another way to make a picture on their geoboard and see new ways to compose shapes.

For example, you may have them design their own flower and then compare it to the flower picture shown on the activity page.

Discussion Questions: Earth Day Math

As students create their designs, or after everyone is finished, it would be good to discuss the activity together, both to reflect on Earth Day and also tie in some math concepts. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• How does your picture relate to Earth Day? How does it remind you to care for our planet?
• Which picture used the greatest number of rubber bands?
• Which picture used the least?
• What shapes do you see in your picture?
• How many rectangles do you see? How many squares? How many line segments?

I hope this provides a fun Earth Day math challenge for your students! But if you’re wanting even more ways to combine math + Earth Day, check out the resources below. There’s something for a variety of ages!

• Earth Day Math Board Games (add, subtract, multiply & divide)
• Earth Day Color a Fraction Challenge
• 50+ Spring Math Activities for Grades K-8

And if you’re ready to try out the Earth Day Geoboard Activity, use the link below to grab it FREE in my shop! Enjoy!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Earth Day Geoboard Activity for Grades K-2!}

The post {FREE} Earth Day Geoboard Activity – Grades K-2 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.

Have you and your students been counting the days of school? Do you know when you will hit ‘day 100?’ If you haven’t been keeping track, never fear. There’s still time to do a quick calendar count and plan for that fun milestone-the 100th day of school! And if you teach preschool or kindergarten, you will definitely want to include these 100th day of school color by addition pages. This can provide a fun themed review of addition facts while also celebrating the 100th day.

What is the 100th Day of School & Why Does it Matter?

In any given school year, the 100th day is just that–the 100th day that students have been in school learning and growing.

When this day occurs will obviously vary, but it is typically sometime between the end of January or end of February, depending on when you start school.

Why does this matter? Well, for one, the school year is long and marking milestones like making it 100 full days can bring some excitement and joy into the classroom. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge how hard students have worked so far and to celebrate that they are past the ‘halfway’ mark for the year.

It also comes at a time of the year that can be *ahem* challenging. Coming back to school in January after the Christmas break often means no real break again until spring break. That can be a long stretch, especially during cold or dreary winter months. So adding a bit of celebration to that stretch of school is a great way to break up the mundane!

Lastly, as a math teacher, I’m especially partial to the 100th day because the number 100 provides so many wonderful opportunities for math learning and exploration, no matter the age of your students.

Little ones can practice counting and skip counting to 100.

Older kids can practice factoring or 2-digit addition.

Students can think about how many different ways to decompose 100.

And 5th grade students can take it a step further and celebrate their 1,000th day of school! (In 5th grade, on the 100th day, students will have been in school for exactly 1,000 days: 180 days in K-4 + 100 days in 5th, assuming they have 180 days in each school year).

Want to fill your 100th day with math goodness? Check out this post with 100+ math ideas for the 100th day of school.

100th Day of School Color by Addition Pages:

And again, if you want a fun and super low-prep option for your 100th day, grab these addition fact practice pages.

There are 8 different coloring pages included in this download, as well as answer keys so you can see what the final pictures will look like.

Each page includes addition facts within 10. Students solve each addition expression, then color the spaces according to the color code.

Materials Needed for the 100th Day Coloring Pages:

• 100th Day Coloring Sheets of Your Choice (simply print the ones you want)
• Crayons, colored pencils or markers

Ideas for Using the Color by Addition Pages with Students:

Your students likely will not have time to complete all 8 pages, so here are some ideas for using them:

1. Print 5 or so copies of each page for a math center & let students choose just one
2. Choose 2 different pictures and print them front/back on a single sheet & give one to each student
3. Print 1 or 2 pages for your students to take home to complete when they want
4. Print a variety of the pages to have on hand for early finishers

Lastly, if you have enough students complete a coloring page, you can use them as decoration around your room or on a bulletin board!

Ready to grab the download for your students? Just click the link below to go to my shop and grab the free download.

{Click HERE to go to my shop & grab the FREE 100th Day Color by Addition Set!}

Need more ideas for the 100th day of school? Check out additional ideas below!

• 100th Day of School STEM Challenges
• ‘Make 100’ Games for the 100th Day
• 100 Math Ideas for the 100th Day of School
• 100th Day Google Slide Challenges

The post {FREE} 100th Day Color by Addition | Add Within 10 Practice 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.

As teachers, we have the power to inspire awe or dread in our budding mathematicians. As a seasoned middle school educator with well over a decade of experience, I’ve learned that one of the keys to making math more enjoyable and accessible is through interactive, engaging activities. Read on to see how I use interactive math notebooks & math crafts two fantastic for creating math magic in the classroom!

*This is a guest post from Crystal at Teaching Principal.

What Are Interactive Notebooks & Why Are They Effective Math Instruction?

Interactive notebooks (or INBs for short) are a versatile engaging tool that can transform any student’s math learning experience. These are customized notebooks students create to record their math journey.

What makes INBs so powerful is the interactive element. Students don’t just passively write information down; they actively participate in constructing their own math resources, allowing for deeper conceptual understanding and synthesis.

Benefits of Interactive Math Notebooks:

As I mentioned, INBs are a powerful tool for engaging students in the learning & exploring of math concepts, unlike ordinary note-taking. Here are some additional benefits of using them in the math classroom.

Interactive Math Notebooks Provide:

• Multi-sensory approach for increased student engagement
• Better organization and study habit formation
• Deeper understanding of mathematical concepts

Being dual certified as an elementary and special educator, I’ve personally witnessed exceptional students become more enthusiastic about math when they take ownership of their notebooks. They show pride in their work, and this pride translates into improved learning outcomes.

Bonus: it’s always nice to bring out the interactive notebooks as a data point for parent conferences and progress monitoring updates!

How to Create Interactive Notebook Pages

Creating effective interactive notebook pages can be both fun and educational. It’s all about designing pages that are visually appealing, interactive, and aligned with your student learning objectives. The key is to make the learning enjoyable.

Need help coming up with ideas?

Check out these 4 simple (and free!) interactive notebook templates!

But the creative fun doesn’t have to stop there. You can include foldable activities, brightly colored pockets, and interactive elements like mini-games or pop-ups in your INBs.

For example: for a lesson on comparing numbers using the <, >, and = symbols, younger students can create a “greater gator” alligator, making their learning more tangible and memorable.

Math Craftivities

Simple math crafts are another engaging approach to teaching and reinforcing math.

These projects allow students to explore mathematical concepts through hands-on, creative activities. Whether students are coloring by code to complete a festive scene or solving expressions on segmented candy corn pieces, simple crafts make abstract math ideas concrete and much more enjoyable.

As an added bonus, some of my favorite math crafts double as colorful classroom displays for the holidays! It makes for festively functional bulletin boards, no matter the season.

Combining Interactive Math Notebooks and Math Crafts

Imagine the magic that happens when you combine interactive notebooks with math crafts. Are you ready for that kind of student engagement and mathematical retention?!

Students can create notebook pages that are part of a larger craft project.

Here’s a good example: when teaching about area and perimeter, students can design their own mini-gardens in their interactive notebooks and then later create a 3D diorama, calculating the area and perimeter of their garden.

This not only reinforces the math concept but also allows for creative expression! Your students will love the real-world application and hands-on approach to learning. I can almost guarantee it!

In the world of education, especially post-pandemic, we often hear about the importance of making learning fun. Today’s 21st-century learners are built differently; they thrive off flashy fun. When it comes to mathematics, interactive math notebooks and simple math crafts are two of the most powerful tools to achieve just that.

By embracing these teaching resources, we can make math engaging, accessible, and memorable for all of our students. Don’t hesitate to try out these creative approaches in your math classroom. Watch with wonder as your students’ enthusiasm for math grows!

Looking for manipulatives that students can include in a pocket of their interactive math notebook? Check out this HUGE free collection of printable math manipulatives to find something just right for your students.

The post Make Math Engaging with Interactive Math Notebooks & Math Crafts appeared first on Math Geek Mama.