Starting the school year with a strong foundation is so important. One of the best ways to create that foundation is by setting clear, consistent class expectations. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to help your students understand what’s expected and why it matters. This is not just about behavior, but about building a positive classroom culture where everyone can thrive.

Instead of rattling off a list of rules, try introducing expectations in a meaningful and memorable way. That’s where my Class Expectations Wheel comes in. Today, we’re going to see how it’s a tool that supports student voice, reinforces positive behavior, and creates a shared understanding that lasts all year long.

Why Setting Class Expectations Matters So Much

When your students know what’s expected, they feel safer, more confident, and ready to learn. Clear class expectations eliminate the guesswork about what behavior is acceptable and what supports a productive classroom environment. They also help build trust. Your students understand the boundaries and know what you expect from day one.

Consistency is key. Class expectations can’t be a one-time conversation during the first week of school. Reinforcing them throughout the year and using the same language and examples, helps create routines that your students can rely on. When expectations are followed up with consistent reminders and praise, they become second nature.

Let’s not forget how setting class expectations helps support the social-emotional side of learning. When expectations are clearly communicated and upheld fairly, your students feel respected and valued. That’s how it’s given right back to us. That positive classroom tone lays the groundwork for collaboration, risk-taking, and meaningful learning experiences.

How the Class Expectations Wheel Makes Expectations Stick

I created the Class Expectations Wheel to be student-friendly. The design grabs attention with bold headings, positive phrases, and decorative touches, inviting student creativity. That visual appeal makes expectations feel less like a rulebook and more like something your students want to interact with.

Each section of the wheel highlights a core expectation, such as “Be responsible”, “Follow directions”, or “Respect others”. These general behaviors give plenty of room for you to open the floor to chat with your students about what that looks like, sounds like, and even feels like in your classroom and throughout classroom activities. Rather than focusing on a long list of dos and don’ts, the wheel narrows it down to meaningful categories your students can remember and buy into.

The act of coloring and decorating the wheel gives your students another layer of engagement. It turns the tool into something personal. When your students take the time to color in encouraging words or doodle around the expectations, they’re more likely to take ownership of them. It transforms a classroom management tool into something they actually enjoy referencing.

Brainstorming Class Expectations With Students Builds Ownership

One of the most effective ways to introduce class expectations is by involving your students in the process. Instead of listing out what each expectation means, start by asking questions. What does “being prepared” look like during math class? How do we show respect when working with a partner? These questions get your students thinking critically about their role in the classroom community.

When your students brainstorm ideas for each part of the wheel, they’re more invested in following through. It’s no longer just about following someone else’s rules. It’s about living out values they helped define. That sense of ownership can shift the classroom dynamic in powerful ways and help your students hold themselves and each other accountable.

Creating a class-wide version of the wheel based on student input also opens the door for important conversations about empathy, responsibility, and communication. These discussions deepen understanding of class expectations and build stronger peer relationships. Starting the year with these shared conversations sets the tone for collaboration all year long.

Class Expectations Wheel In Action

One of the best parts of using the Class Expectations Wheel during the first week of school is hearing what your students come up with as they help define each section. These conversations are often thoughtful, sometimes surprising, and always valuable. Inviting your students to share their ideas opens up a meaningful conversation about what kind of classroom they want to be part of. They walk away feeling heard and valued.

When discussing “Listen to Others”, I students usually shared simple but powerful ideas like “don’t interrupt” or “look at the person who is speaking.” A few have said, “You don’t have to agree, but you do have to listen,” which opens the door for chatting about respectful disagreement.

For “Raise Your Hand”, the responses are often honest, like “So we’re not all yelling at once!” or “To give everyone a turn.” Students seem to understand quickly that raising hands is about fairness and helping the class stay focused.

Under “Respect Others”, you’ll hear things like “Don’t laugh when someone messes up” or “Keep your hands to yourself.” That one tends to be tricky, even for middle schoolers. One of my students once said, “You can respect someone even if you don’t agree with them.” That comment stuck with the class and became a meaningful reminder throughout the year.

“Be Prepared” brings out practical and mindset-based ideas. “Bring a pencil” and “Charge your Chromebook” come up often, but so does “Be ready to try.” One student said, “Being prepared means you’re not waiting for someone to tell you what to do,” which led to a great conversation about independence and problem-solving.

When it comes to “Be Responsible”, my students often mentioned things like turning in homework or cleaning up after themselves. Some go further, suggesting “Be responsible for your attitude” or “Admit when you made a mistake.”

And. . . “Follow Directions” might sound straightforward, but it’s still worth discussing. I have had students say things like “Follow directions the first time” or “Ask questions if you don’t understand.”

Make Class Expectations Visible All Year Long

Once the Class Expectations Wheel is complete, don’t let it disappear into a folder or drawer. Keep it visible and accessible. One great option is enlarging the wheel that you filled out as a class and posting it on a classroom bulletin board or wall. That constant visual reminder can help redirect behavior and reinforce classroom values without a big lecture.

Have your students keep a personal copy of the wheel in their binder or notebook. When behavior issues pop up or your students need a quick refresher, encourage them to refer back to it. It becomes a private and empowering way to help your students self-regulate. Plus, having it handy for conferences or reflection activities makes it an essential tool throughout the year.

The wheel isn’t just a beginning-of-the-year activity. It’s also a resource you can return to again and again. Whether it’s after a long break, during a transition in classroom routines, or as a class reset, the wheel offers a familiar structure. Bringing it back into conversation regularly helps keep class expectations fresh and relevant.

Keep the Back to School Momentum Going

Once those class expectations are in place and your classroom community is starting to take shape, it’s the perfect time to dive into the rest of your back to school plans. Whether you’re looking for engaging math activities or getting to know you activities to make the first few weeks run smoother, there are resources ready to support you.

Head over to my TPT store to explore back to school resources that pair perfectly with the work you’re doing to create a supportive and successful classroom from day one.

Reinforce Class Expectations in a Way That Sticks

The beginning of the year is your golden opportunity to create habits and set norms that will carry your students through the months ahead. With the Class Expectations Wheel, you’re not just delivering rules. You’re also creating space for understanding, ownership, and community. Whether it’s displayed proudly on the wall or tucked into each of your students’ binders, this tool brings expectations to life in a way that’s interactive, positive, and built to last.

Save for Later

Planning for back to school can feel like a whirlwind, so having a go-to strategy for setting clear class expectations makes all the difference. Be sure to pin this post so it’s right at your fingertips when you’re mapping out your first week plans. The Class Expectations Wheel is one of those tools you’ll want ready to go from day one. It’s something you’ll come back to again and again.

The post Setting Your Class Expectations at the Beginning of the Year appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

Most traditional icebreakers in math class can feel awkward at best and downright painful at worst. If you’ve ever watched your students groan at the words “two truths and a lie” or shuffle uncomfortably through a round of forced fun, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are better ways to kick off your math class. Ways that are engaging, low-stress, and still help your students get to know one another. These intro activities build connection through collaboration and content without the cringey small talk. Whether you’re teaching sixth grade or high school algebra, you can set the tone for a math class that’s both welcoming and focused on thinking from day one. Let’s explore some favorite go-to intro activities that do just that.

Why Intro Activities Matter in Math Class

You might be tempted to dive straight into the curriculum on day one, especially with pacing guides looming and pretests waiting. Slowing down just enough to build a connection at the start of the year can save you time (and sanity) in the long run. That’s where intentional intro activities come in.

Our middle school students are at that in-between stage. They’re craving independence, but they still need structure. They want to feel seen but don’t always want to talk about themselves. When you kick off your math class with thoughtful intro activities, you’re doing more than just “getting to know” your students. You’re helping them ease into a space where they feel safe to take academic risks. Psychological safety matters, especially in math.

Intro activities can also give you valuable insight into your students’ personalities, work styles, and confidence levels. You can learn who collaborates well, who needs more encouragement, and even who gravitates toward leadership. When you pick activities that include academic tasks alongside personal moments, like the ones shared in this post, you’re reinforcing that math class is a place where everyone belongs and every voice matters.

Skip the Icebreakers: Why Intro Activities Just Work Better

There’s a reason traditional icebreakers get such a bad rap, especially in a math class. They often feel random, overly personal, or just plain awkward. Middle schoolers, especially, can spot a “forced fun” activity from a mile away. Chances are you’ve seen the eye rolls to prove it. No one wants to share their most embarrassing moment with a group of near-strangers before opening their math notebook.

Intro activities, though? They work differently. These are purposeful, low-pressure tasks that still allow your students to connect, but through thinking, problem solving, and gentle sharing that fits the tone of your class. Instead of starting the year with awkward silence or performative games, you give your students a reason to talk to each other about something that matters.

Intro Activities With Pentomino Puzzles

If you’re looking for intro activities that get your students engaged and thinking right away, pentomino puzzles are a fantastic place to start. These little shape challenges do more than just fill time. They build teamwork and persistence in a subtle but powerful way. Your students work together to fit all twelve pentomino pieces into a specific frame. Sounds simple, but most groups don’t finish in one class period, and that’s kind of the point.

What makes this such a great back to school activity is how naturally it encourages productive struggle and collaboration. You’ll see your students start strategizing, explaining ideas, and cheering each other on. Even your quietest students have a chance to shine. Since it’s not a personal “about me” activity, it lowers the pressure and lets relationships grow organically. You can even use the included reflection sheet to spark deeper discussion once the puzzle-solving is done.

Another perk is that these puzzles work for a wide range of ability levels. Whether your students are still building spatial awareness or already have strong logic skills, they’ll find this task both challenging and satisfying. You’re building math confidence and community at the same time, all without a single icebreaker question in sight.

Truth or Dare as a Math Class Intro Activity

Looking for intro activities that feel more like a game and less like an interrogation? Try Math Truth or Dare. This one flips the script on getting-to-know-you games by giving your students a choice between a personal question (“truth”) and a math-related challenge (“dare”). It’s equal parts silly, smart, and sneakily educational.

Here’s how it works. Your students sit in a circle and choose either truth or dare. A truth might be “What’s your biggest math success?” while a dare could be something like “Find the product of 12 and 13.” Some dares even use student-specific facts like shoe size or age to build in a personal twist. You can play whole class or split into small groups, depending on what feels right for your students.

This activity helps you gather helpful insights about your students, like how they feel about math, their preferred work styles, and even what kind of humor resonates with them. It also breaks the ice without requiring anyone to perform or share more than they’re comfortable with. Plus, since most questions don’t have a single correct answer, you can reuse them across groups and year after year.

Footloose Intro Activities That Mix in Math Review

Footloose task cards combine a low-stakes math preassessment with intro activities that help students open up. Your students rotate around the room solving math problems on task cards. Each card includes a personal question based on the student’s answer. It’s a brilliant way to gather data on what your students know while collecting a few fun facts about them.

To set up, first give each of your students an answer grid. They visit different task cards spread around the room, solve the math question, and respond to the personal question that matches their answer. For example, if the correct answer is 8, they might write their favorite song. Even if the math answer is off, you still learn something about them. Win-win.

This activity is especially helpful for easing your students into your math routines without diving straight into formal instruction. They’re moving, chatting, solving, and sharing without ever realizing they’re being assessed. It also gives you an immediate sense of student strengths, misconceptions, and social dynamics in the room.

As we all know, anything that gets our kiddos up and moving during the first week of school is a bonus. With Footloose, your students won’t just be filling in blanks but building connections.

Why These Intro Activities Work Better Than Traditional Icebreakers

The beauty of these intro activities is that they’re rooted in math while still making space for connection. You’re not asking your students to share random facts about their summer vacation or do awkward partner interviews. Instead, you’re inviting them to collaborate, think critically, and slowly open up in ways that feel natural, not forced.

These activities also help establish your classroom culture right away. You’re showing your students that math class is a place where persistence is valued, mistakes are okay, and every voice matters. That message sets the tone for everything that comes next.

Plus, let’s not ignore the planning side of things. These activities are low prep, easy to reuse, and adaptable for different groups. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel each year to create a meaningful first day.

Ready for What’s Next?

Once your students have broken the ice without the awkwardness, it’s the perfect time to roll into your first round of lessons with confidence. If you’re looking for differentiated math lessons and engaging activities that keep the energy going, I’ve got you covered.

Head over to my TPT store to find resources that help you meet students where they are, whether they’re still warming up or ready to dive deep. You’ll find low-prep, high-impact materials that make planning easier and learning more meaningful as your class starts to gel.

Let Intro Activities Set the Tone for a Strong Year

The first few days of math class don’t have to be awkward or filled with icebreakers that make everyone cringe. With the right intro activities, you can build connections, spark curiosity, and start creating a positive classroom culture while keeping things rooted in math. Whether you go with a collaborative pentomino challenge, a playful game of Math Truth or Dare, or a movement-based Footloose task card activity, you’re giving your students a meaningful and more enjoyable start to the year. When your students feel welcomed and engaged right away, it sets the stage for learning that lasts.

Additional Resources

If you’re looking for even more support as you kick off the school year, I’ve got a couple of blog posts that dive deeper into setting up your classroom and routines. Once those intro activities are done and your students start settling in, these next steps will help you feel even more prepared. Check out these helpful reads!

• New Middle School Teacher Guide to the First Days of School
• Classroom Routines During the First Week of School

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Loved these ideas, but not quite ready to use them yet? Save this post to your favorite middle school or math Pinterest board so you’ll have it handy when back to school season rolls around. You’ll thank yourself later when looking for easy, low-stress ways to kick off the year with purpose and connection. No cringe required!

The post Engaging Intro Activities for the First Week of Math Class appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

The first week of school can set the tone for the entire year, especially in math class. It’s the perfect opportunity to do more than just review procedures or dive into place value. What if you used those early days to lay the foundation for a growth mindset in math that lasts? Helping your students shift from “I’m not a math person” to “I can improve with effort” is a game-changer. And it starts with intentional choices during those very first lessons.

Why a Growth Mindset in Math Matters More Than Ever

By the time our students arrive in the upper grades, many already carry emotional baggage when it comes to math. They might not say it out loud, but the signs are there. They hesitate to try, are quickly frustrated, or have a default response of “I’m just not good at math.” These beliefs often stem from years of comparison, past struggles, or even unintentional messages they’ve picked up from adults. If left unchecked, these fixed mindsets can stick.

That’s why developing a growth mindset in math is more important than ever in these upper grades. A growth mindset helps your students understand their abilities are not set in stone. They can improve through effort, perseverance, and the right strategies. It shifts the focus from being smart at math to being a problem-solver who keeps going even when something doesn’t click right away.

As your students get older, math also becomes more abstract. It’s no longer just about counting and number facts. It’s fractions, decimals, expressions, and multi-step problem solving. Your students need the confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems and the mindset to bounce back from mistakes. Including growth mindset messages into daily routines gives your students the permission to be learners again instead of performers. When your students start to believe that success in math is about effort, not natural talent, they become more engaged and resilient learners.

Begin With a Conversation About Growth Mindset in Math

Before introducing the first math lesson or worksheet of the year, start with a mindset conversation. Your students may not have the language for it yet, but they’ve already had years of experiences, good or bad, that shape how they feel about math. Talking about what a growth mindset in math looks and sounds like helps create a safe and supportive learning space.

Use your classroom discussion to normalize mistakes and effort. Phrases like “It’s okay not to know it yet” or “Struggling means your brain is growing” can feel like a lifeline to your students who’ve spent years believing they’re just not cut out for math. Highlight that math isn’t about being fast. It’s about thinking deeply, trying different strategies, and learning from feedback.

You might consider showing a short video clip like this one about brain science, growth mindset, or how learning happens. Then, follow up with prompts like:

• What does it mean to learn something new, even when it feels hard?
• How do you respond when you don’t get something right away?
• Can you think of something you used to struggle with that you’re good at now?

These discussions don’t have to take an entire period. Even five minutes a day, especially at the beginning of the year, can start to break down negative thinking and build the idea that math class is a place for growth.

Foster Student Ownership Through a Growth Mindset in Math

One of the most powerful ways to reinforce a growth mindset in math is to shift some of the control over learning to your students. When your students reflect on their own thinking, track their progress, and set goals, they see their choices and effort directly impact their growth. That kind of ownership builds both confidence and accountability.

You can bring ownership into your math routine with simple practices. Use math journals or reflection exit tickets where your students answer prompts like:

• What mistake did I learn from today?
• What is something I’m proud of?
• What’s a goal I want to set for this week?

You might also try goal-setting checklists or self-assessment rubrics where your students can rate their effort, not just their accuracy. These tools help your students recognize that learning math is a process. One that involves planning, adjusting, and sticking with it even when it’s tough.

Ownership also means allowing your students to see themselves as mathematicians. Invite them to share their strategies during class discussions, even if they didn’t arrive at the correct answer. Highlight the thinking they used rather than just correctness. When your students realize that mistakes are a step forward, not backward, their mindset shifts.

Use Visuals to Reinforce Growth Mindset in Math

Classroom visuals aren’t just decoration. They’re messaging. The posters, anchor charts, and bulletin boards that surround your students each day can shape how they think about math and themselves as learners. When it comes to promoting a growth mindset in math, visuals offer constant, low-pressure reminders of what’s possible.

Start with posters that highlight effort and perseverance: “Mistakes Help You Learn,” “Your Brain is a Muscle—Use It,” or “You Don’t Know It Yet.” Don’t leave them on the wall and stop there. When displaying problem-solving steps or math strategies, add thought bubbles that show a student reflecting, struggling, or reworking an idea. This sends the message that struggle is normal and productive.

Interactive displays also work wonders. Try a Mistake of the Week board where your students analyze an error and discuss what went wrong and what could be learned. You can even try a Growth Mindset Tracker board, where your students add sticky notes when they notice themselves or a classmate demonstrating perseverance. These visuals help your students develop the belief that improvement comes through effort. They see that everyone, including themselves, in the room is capable of growth.

If you’re looking for even more ways to build a positive learning atmosphere, read about fostering a positive math mindset and learn about other great ideas you can start using with your students!

Address Math Anxiety While Building a Growth Mindset in Math

Math anxiety can be a major roadblock to learning. It’s often invisible until your student faces a challenge they’re too nervous to even try. In upper elementary and middle school, many students have already internalized fear or embarrassment around math. That’s why creating a safe and supportive environment promoting a growth mindset in math is essential.

Start by acknowledging that math anxiety is real and that feeling nervous is okay. Make time to talk about it. Let your students know that nerves don’t mean they aren’t capable. It just means they care. Then, introduce calming strategies and routines to help them regulate those feelings. Breathwork, brain breaks, or even just a consistent warm-up structure can help your students feel more in control.

You might also reconsider how you approach math mistakes. Avoid language like simple error or silly mistake, which can feel dismissive. Instead, praise the thinking process. Ask students to reflect on what the mistake reveals. This normalizes struggle and sends a clear message that making mistakes doesn’t make you bad at math. It makes you a learner.

For a deeper dive into understanding and supporting your students with math anxiety, read my post on tackling math anxiety, which is full of ideas you can implement during the first few weeks and revisit all year long.

Shift the “I’m Not a Math Person” Narrative

You’ve probably heard it already, sometimes even on the first day of school, “I’m just not a math person.” When one student says it, a few others might nod in agreement. This mindset is common, but it’s also deeply limiting. Helping your students challenge this belief is at the heart of building a growth mindset in math.

One of the best ways to tackle this thinking is to normalize the idea that no one is born a math person. Math isn’t a genetic trait. It’s a skill that develops over time with practice and effort. Make it clear that mistakes aren’t signs of failure. They’re proof that your students are thinking and trying. Every time students push through confusion, they build their math brain.

Make sure to reframe classroom moments that feel like setbacks. Instead of “I got it wrong,” encourage your students to say, “I’m figuring it out.” Celebrate small wins, like trying a new strategy, asking questions, or catching mistakes. These actions show progress and persistence.

Use this time to also model and reinforce language that challenges fixed mindsets:

• “Math takes practice, just like learning a new sport or instrument.”
• “If you already knew how to do it, you wouldn’t be learning.”
• “Every great mathematician started by not knowing.”

Want more ideas for building confidence in your students? I have a podcast episode, How to Build Confidence in Those ‘Not Good at Math’, that shares encouraging insights that will help you shift those beliefs and guide your students toward a new way of thinking.

Create Lasting Impact With a Growth Mindset in Math

Setting up a growth mindset in math during the first week of school is the groundwork for long-term success. When your students believe they can improve, they’re more likely to take risks, persevere through challenges, and approach math with curiosity instead of fear. These mindset shifts support learning across the board.

The first week offers a powerful window of opportunity. Instead of jumping straight into content, pause to create a classroom culture where your students feel safe, supported, and challenged. Introduce growth mindset ideas, give your students space to reflect, and model what it looks like to learn from mistakes. This pays off all year long.

As you plan those first few days, ask yourself: How are students experiencing math in my classroom? Are they walking away thinking, “I can get better,” or “I’ll never be good at this”? Every poster, every reflection prompt, and every discussion can help rewrite that story. When your students start to see themselves as capable mathematicians, their confidence grows, along with their understanding.

Ready to Make Math Feel More Approachable?

If you’re looking for easy-to-use tools that support a growth mindset in math, be sure to check out the resources in my TPT store. You’ll find activities designed to help your students build confidence through practice and engage with math in a positive and achievable way. My resources are built to help your students shift from “I can’t” to “I’m growing.” Head over now and find the support you need to kick off your math mindset work with success!

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Don’t let these ideas slip away! Pin this post to your favorite math Pinterest board so you’ll have quick access when you’re ready to kick off the year with a strong growth mindset in math. It’s the perfect way to keep these mindset-building strategies right at your fingertips!

The post Rethinking the First Week: How to Develop a Growth Mindset in Math appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

In my classroom, I love finding ways to make math more engaging. One of my favorite strategies is incorporating games and hands-on activities. Our middle schoolers may act like they’re too cool and all grown up, but at heart, they’re still kids who love to play and explore. That’s why including math games is so effective. They’re not just about having fun but also about helping students truly apply and understand the concepts we’re working on. Whether reinforcing skills or diving into something new, games bring math to life and keep my students excited about learning. Today, I’m sharing a collection of posts that have a variety of middle school math games to help your students master math concepts!

Benefits of Middle School Math Games

When it comes to middle school math games, the benefits for our students are huge. Games make math feel a lot less intimidating. Instead of facing a page full of problems, our students engage with the material in a way that feels more like play than work. I’ve noticed that when students are playing a game, they’re more willing to take risks and try out new strategies. This leads to a deeper understanding and more confidence in their abilities.

Another great benefit is how games naturally encourage teamwork and communication. These skills are just as important as the math itself. Whether they’re working in pairs or small groups, our students learn to collaborate, share ideas, and solve problems together. Let’s be real: middle schoolers love a bit of competition! That competitive edge keeps them motivated and eager to participate, turning what might have been a quiet lesson into an energetic and dynamic experience.

Including games also allows me to differentiate instruction more easily. I can choose games that cater to different levels of understanding. This ensures that each of my students is challenged appropriately. Seeing how a well-chosen game can transform a challenging math concept into something approachable and enjoyable is amazing. Plus, these games often provide immediate feedback, which helps our students recognize their mistakes and learn from them on the spot.

Middle School Math Games You Will Want in Your Classroom

Over time, I’ve put together a collection of posts that highlight different middle school math games and activities. Each one is designed to make math more engaging and accessible for your students. You may be looking to reinforce basic skills or tackle more complex concepts. These posts will inspire an idea or give you a fresh option to try in your classroom!

Middle School Math Games for the Start of the School Year

I highlight some of my favorite middle school math games in Math Games for Teachers: Activities for an Epic Start to the Year. They do wonders to help ease students into the new school year. There are Footloose games that get students moving, to classic favorites like BINGO and card games. These activities are designed to engage our students, reinforce important math concepts, and build classroom community. Whether reviewing multiplication facts or tackling algebraic equations, these games add fun and excitement to your math lessons.

Engaging Games for Middle School Students

In my post Engaging Middle School Games and Activities, I share a variety of middle school math games that keep middle schoolers excited about learning. From Truth or Dare to dice games that help practice fractions, these activities are designed to make math fun and interactive. I also talk about Footloose task cards and color-by-number activities that add a creative spin to math practice. These games and activities are perfect for boosting engagement and reinforcing important concepts in a hands-on way.

Math Games for the Holidays

In my post Fun Holiday Games for Middle School Math, I share several engaging activities perfect for keeping our students focused and challenged during the holiday season. From classics like Around the World to math-themed versions of Truth or Dare and Footloose, these games blend holiday fun with math practice. I also include creative games like the Christmas Carol Matching Game, which can be adapted to fit different holiday themes. These middle school math games are a great way to maintain a learning environment while embracing the festive spirit!

Task Card Math Games

Elementary and Middle School Task Card Review for Any Subject

In this post, I share one of my favorite review activities called Footloose. It works for any subject, especially middle school math. The activity gets students up and moving as they work on task cards placed around the room. It’s a great way to keep our students engaged while reviewing concepts before a test or as part of a math center. I also include tips to help you get the most out of Footloose. I provide some resources to make it easy to implement in your classroom.

Free Area and Perimeter Footloose

I share a free Footloose activity that focuses on area and perimeter. It’s designed to help middle school students practice calculating the area and perimeter of rectangles, find missing sides, and compare different shapes. This activity includes 30 task cards, many with diagrams, to guide your students through the problems. I’ve also included a recording sheet and answer key for easy self-checking. Whether you use it as a whole-class activity, in small groups, or as a center, this Footloose game makes math practice engaging and effective.

Math Task Cards with a Truth or Dare Twist

I introduce a fun twist on math task cards with a Truth or Dare game. It’s a great way to make middle school math practice more engaging and interactive. I have students choose between easier “Truth” questions and more challenging “Dare” questions. Depending on the challenge of the question, points would vary, adding a layer of excitement. This game encourages self-differentiation, promotes discussion, and can be used in various ways. I use this type of math game in small groups, as a whole class, or even digitally. It’s perfect for adding a bit of fun to math practice!

Math Games for Specific Skills

Middle School Math Games for Probability

In my post, Probability Games and Activities, I explore middle school math games and activities that make this tricky concept more approachable for middle schoolers. I share how games help students see probability in action by making abstract ideas tangible and fun. From Doodle Math Wheels to Truth or Dare, these activities keep my students engaged, promote collaboration, and build confidence. I also include some of my go-to resources, like color-by-number activities and task cards, reinforcing learning while keeping things interactive and exciting.

Games to Review Fractions

In Engaging Fraction Games and Activities, I share interactive ways to help our students master fractions. From card games like Fraction War and Make One to dice games that involve converting fractions to decimals, these middle school math games make fraction practice enjoyable and effective. I also include ideas for using fraction partnering cards to keep fraction skills sharp all year long. These activities are perfect for reinforcing fraction concepts while keeping students engaged and excited about math.

Math Games for At Home Learning and Review

Middle School Math Games for Homeschoolers

In 7 Amazing Math Games for Homeschoolers, I highlight various engaging games that are perfect for both homeschool settings and traditional classrooms. From board games like Sumoku and Equate to online math activities and card games like Math War, these middle school math games are designed to make learning fun and interactive. Whether you’re homeschooling or just looking to enrich your student’s math skills, these games will help make practicing engaging without a whole lot of prep!

Middle School Math Games To Do At Home

In Math Review Games for Parents to Empower Their Learners, I share suggestions for middle school math games that parents can use at home. They can use these games to keep their kids’ math skills sharp, especially during the summer. From Footloose games to digital and card-based activities, these games make math reviews fun and engaging. The post emphasizes how these activities can prevent the summer slide, boost confidence, and build a strong math foundation for the upcoming school year.

Middle School Math Games At Your Fingertips

I hope these middle school math games inspire you to bring more fun and engagement into your math lessons. From Footloose to Truth or Dare and everything in between, these games offer a way to reinforce important concepts. By creating a game-like atmosphere, students are excited about learning. Whether you’re looking for activities to energize your classroom, challenge your students, or make review time more enjoyable, there’s a game here for every need. Get your students moving, and watch as math becomes their new favorite subject!

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Remember to save this post to your favorite math Pinterest board for quick access to these middle school math games.

The post Round Up of Interactive Middle School Math Games appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

When I first started my teaching career, I felt a loss at what to do with the first weeks of school. I had ideas and advice from other teachers, but you really don’t know what to expect those first few weeks until you experience them. And honestly, no matter how far you get into your career, the first few weeks can be a whirlwind! With the right activities and routines, you can set the stage for a successful school year. It’s all about creating a welcoming environment, building strong relationships, and establishing clear expectations from the get-go. If you are a new middle school teacher then keep reading because this post is for you.

Today, we are exploring some activities and routines to help you hit the ground running and make those first weeks manageable and enjoyable for you and your students. Think of today’s post as a new middle school teacher’s guide to starting the new year!

Planning the First Weeks of School as a New Middle School Teacher is Essential

Let’s get real for a moment. The first weeks of school are crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the year. Imagine stepping into a classroom where everything is chaotic and uncertain. As a teacher or student, this is not a fun way to start the year. That’s why having a solid plan for those initial weeks is so important!

Planning helps you feel more confident and less stressed. The more prepared you are, the more you can focus on connecting with your students and building those relationships. When your students see that you have a plan, it gives them a sense of security and structure. They know what to expect, and that consistency helps them feel safe and ready to learn.

Planning also allows you to establish your classroom routines and expectations from day one. You’re not just teaching content. Teaching would be way easier if that was our only job. You’re teaching your students how to be successful in your classroom. Whether it’s how to prepare for class, what to do when they enter the room, or how to handle group work, these routines are the backbone of a well-managed classroom.

We can’t forget about the importance of setting academic goals. The first weeks are a great time to introduce students to your teaching style and the types of activities they’ll be doing. It’s your chance to spark their curiosity and get them excited about what they’ll be learning.

So, take the time to plan out those first few weeks. It’s an investment that will pay off all year long. You’ll thank yourself later, and your students will thrive in a structured, positive environment.

What to Know as a New Middle School Teacher

So, now that we’ve chatted about the importance of relationships and setting the right tone, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you need to know as a new middle school teacher. Having a solid foundation will make those first few weeks smoother. I’ve put together some detailed blog posts that cover engaging activities and routines you can introduce to your class. Make sure to explore each of these invaluable resources that will set you up for success!

1. Teaching Routines

Classroom Routines During the First Week of School

Time to talk routines! In my post, Teaching Classroom Routines the First Week of School, I have a goldmine for anyone stepping into a middle school classroom for the first time or the tenth time. I break down exactly how to introduce and reinforce those essential routines that will keep your classroom running smoothly all year long. Routines are your friends, and well-practiced routines are your best friends. They create a sense of order and predictability that our students crave, especially in the often chaotic middle school environment.

I offer practical tips and suggestions on how to teach routines from the moment your students walk through the door. It covers everything from morning procedures to transitions between activities, ensuring you’ve got all your bases covered. When I first started out, I didn’t t emphasize the simple routines. I quickly learned that I need to model and practice even the smallest routine. Routines like entering the classroom and beginning a warm-up activity right away.

By following the advice in this post, you’ll be setting yourself and your students up for success. Clear routines minimize disruptions and maximize learning time, which is exactly what we want. Plus, when our students know what’s expected of them, they feel more confident and capable.

Middle School Classroom Routines to Start Class

You know how we get one first impression? Starting each class is like that because we have a brief chance to set the tone for the class as soon as our students walk in. I wrote Middle School Classroom Routines to Begin Class to share highlights of several key routines that you can implement from day one. One of my favorites is having a bellringer task for them to work on as they enter class and sign in. It helps them transition from the hallway hustle to a focused learning environment. These bellringers can be a variety of activities, like quick writes, problem-solving tasks, or spiral reviews.

In this post, I continue to stress the importance of consistency. By practicing these routines regularly, your students will know exactly what to do and when to do it. This reduces downtime and keeps the class moving smoothly. I also share some useful tips on how to reinforce these routines, such as using visual reminders and positive reinforcement.

What I love about this post is that it’s not just about the routines themselves. It’s also about how to teach and reinforce them effectively. Modeling the routines and providing students with opportunities to practice them is the key to these routines sticking. They become second nature.

Middle School Classroom Routines to End Class

Wrapping up a class effectively is just as important as starting it right. The Middle School Classroom Routines to End Class is a treasure trove of tips for ending your class on a high note. It covers a variety of routines that can help you ensure your students leave the classroom with a clear understanding of what they’ve learned and what they need to do next.

One key routine I highlight in the post is the exit ticket. This is a quick, formative assessment that your students complete before they leave. It’s a fantastic way to gauge their understanding of the lesson and gather feedback on what might need more clarification. Plus, it gives your students a sense of closure and accomplishment.

Another great routine I mention to keep in mind is preparation for the next class. I always leave a few minutes at the end of class to encourage my students to organize their materials. We go over and jot down homework assignments. Then, ensure they have everything they need for their next class. This helps them stay organized but also reduces the chaotic rush that often happens at the end of the period.

The end of your class period does not need to look like a scene out of a movie where there are papers in the air flying around, chairs toppling over, and a stampede to the door. As a new middle school teacher, you are able to bring a smooth, orderly end to each of your classes. Using these routines helps manage time effectively and ensure that your students leave the room feeling prepared and informed.

2. Get to Know You Activities

First Day of Math Class Activity

Now, let’s focus on the other part of setting the tone, which is getting to know our students! First Day of Math Class Activity: Pentomino Exploration introduces a fantastic activity called Pentomino Exploration that’s perfect for getting your students excited about math right from the start. Pentominoes are geometric shapes made up of five squares, and they’re great for hands-on learning.

Each group of students gets a set of pentominoes and is tasked with the simple idea of fitting all the pentominoes onto the given grid with no gaps or overlaps. This activity encourages critical thinking, spatial awareness, communication, and problem-solving skills. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! I go into detailed instructions in the post to help you guide your students through the exploration.

What I love about this activity is that it’s both educational and engaging. It’s a great way to break the ice and get your students interacting with each other while diving into some math concepts. By starting the year with a hands-on activity like this, you’re setting a positive tone and showing your students that math can be exciting and enjoyable.

Engaging Icebreakers to Help Middle Schoolers Make Friends

I always want to break the ice as soon as possible with my middle school students to make them comfortable with each other and with me. I use the icebreakers in Engaging Icebreakers for Middle School because they are a great way to break down some of the walls our middle schoolers often put up and get them excited about their learning. They help them feel more at ease, make new friends, and set the stage for a positive and engaging classroom environment.

This post is packed with fun and engaging icebreakers that are perfect for the first days of school. One activity I tend to always start with because it is more familiar is “Two Truths and a Lie”. It’s a simple yet effective game that helps our students learn about each other in a fun and relaxed setting.

To play, each student takes a turn sharing three statements about themselves, which are two truths and one lie. The rest of the class then guesses which statement is the lie. This activity helps students get to know each other but also encourages them to think critically and pay attention to details.

Starting your school year with engaging icebreakers sets a positive tone and helps students feel more comfortable and connected. If you’re looking for a fun way to kick off your school year and build strong relationships from the get-go, give this blog post a read and try out some of these icebreakers.

7 Middle School Icebreakers for the Start of the Year

The first week of the school year is always a mix of excitement and a bit of sadness that summer is over. In 7 Middle School Icebreakers for the Start of the Year, I share even more icebreakers that are effective in creating a sense of community. Each year, I see how these icebreakers help to ease the transition into a new school or new grade level. A bonus is that when our students feel comfortable, they’re more likely to participate and engage in lessons.

One icebreaker from the post is the M&M Game and Toilet Paper Game. The M&M Game is a sweet way to break the ice! Each student receives a few M&Ms, with each color representing a different question they need to answer about themselves. They take turns sharing their answers based on the colors they have. This is a fun way to learn interesting and unique things about each other. I know that in some schools, candy is not a preferred option, so I play this game with toilet paper. It’s the same concept, but let them take as many squares of the toilet as they want, without telling them what it’s for. Once everyone has their squares, I reveal that each square represents a fact they need to share about themselves.

What I love about this post is that it emphasizes how icebreakers help us, as teachers, get to know our students better. Understanding who our students are and what makes them, them early on can make a huge difference in how we approach teaching each of them. Plus, it shows our students that building relationships is a key component of our time together.

Get to Know You Activities for Middle School Math

As a new middle school teacher, it’s important to keep in mind that through these activities, you want to better understand your students. This helps a lot to create a positive and effective learning environment. Getting to Know Your Middle School Math Students is all about building strong connections with your students, which is especially important in middle school when kids are going through so many changes. Knowing your students’ interests, strengths, and areas for improvement can make a huge difference in how you approach teaching and engaging them.

One activity from the post is the Math About Me activity. This is a way for your students to share information about themselves through a math lens. Each of your students fills out the survey questions ranging from questions using a 1-10 scale to short answer questions. Based on their answers, you’re able to see their views of math, preferences for working in groups, and how they perceive themselves as a mathematician.

What I love about this activity is that it shows our students we care about them as individuals, not just as learners. It helps build trust and rapport, which are essential for a successful classroom environment. Plus, it gives you a head start in planning activities that will keep them motivated and excited about learning.

Use This New Middle School Teacher Guide for a Successful Start to Your Year

As you gear up for your first weeks as a new middle school teacher, remember that being prepared has an impact. By planning out your routines, getting to know your students, and incorporating fun icebreakers, you’ll set the stage for a successful and enjoyable school year. The resources and tips shared in the blog posts I’ve shared today are designed to help you create a welcoming and engaging classroom environment. So, explore these strategies, and feel confident in your ability to connect with your students and make learning fun. Here’s to a fantastic start to your teaching journey. You’ve got this!

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The first week of the school year at the middle school level is always fascinating to witness. I’m busy trying to learn all of my students’ names while they’re figuring out where they fit in amongst their peers. There’s a mix of excitement to start off the new year and a bit of sadness that summer is over. I’ve noticed that some students are easier to connect with than others, but I always manage to break through their “too cool for school” exterior with the help of some fun icebreakers! Sure, you might get some initial eye-rolls, but soon enough, they’ll be engaged and let their coolness guard down. Today, I’m sharing a few of the middle school icebreakers that have been successful for me!

Why Spend Time On Middle School Icebreakers?

Middle school can be quite a tough transition for many kids. They’re dealing with new classmates, more challenging work, and the ups and downs of a new chapter in life. I have found that making relationship building and connecting a key part of the first weeks of the school year is a very helpful way to ease that transition. Icebreakers help create a sense of community and make the classroom a welcoming environment. When our students feel comfortable, they’re more likely to participate and engage in lessons.

Icebreakers also help me, as a teacher, get to know my students better. Understanding their interests, strengths, and personalities early on can make a huge difference in how I approach teaching each of them. Plus, it’s a great way to establish a positive classroom culture where everyone feels valued and included. It can be a place where we can have a few laughs together, do our work, and see each other as humans.

Spending time on icebreakers at the beginning of the year sets the tone for the rest of the school year. It shows our students that, while learning is important, having fun and building relationships are also key components of our time together. Trust me, those few minutes spent on icebreakers are worth it when you see how they positively impact classroom dynamics and student interactions.

7 Middle School Icebreakers That Are Fun and Effective

Now that we understand why icebreakers are so important, let’s explore some of my favorite middle school icebreakers, which have proven to be both fun and effective. These activities help my students get to know each other while also setting the stage for a positive and engaging classroom environment.

1. Two Truths and a Lie

This is a classic icebreaker that always gets the class buzzing. Each student thinks of two true facts and one false fact about themselves. When it’s their turn, they share all three statements with the class. For example, they might say, “I have a pet snake, I’ve been to France, and I can play the guitar.” The rest of the class then tries to guess which statement is the lie.

On the first day of school, I like to have students write the three statements down on an index card. It’s our first day of school exit ticket. They turn them in as they leave and I hold on to the cards for a day or two. Then I pull them out a day or two later to play this ice breaker game.

I like to announce the student’s name and then read each of the statements to the class. While this is not completely necessary, I have found that it allows all the statements to be read consistently. I have seen many a student give away their lie with a smirk on their face or a giggle when they said it. But you can also have students read their own card. However you choose to play, your students will love trying to stump one another with their false statement.

This game is always a hit because it reveals surprising and interesting facts about each student, sparking lots of laughter and conversation. Plus, it’s a great way for me to learn unique details about my students right from the start! Oftentimes, these facts help me to remember their names, too!

2. Human Bingo

Human Bingo is an absolute favorite of mine out of the middle school icebreakers for getting my students to mingle and learn fun facts about each other. Before class, I create bingo cards with different statements in each square, like “Has a pet dog,” “Has traveled to another country,” or “Loves to read mystery books.”

During the activity, I have my students walk around the room and talk to their classmates to find someone who matches each statement. When they find a match, they write that person’s name in the corresponding square. The goal is to get a bingo by filling a row, column, or diagonal with names. The first student to achieve bingo wins a small prize, like a sticker or a piece of candy. This game is a fun way to get everyone moving, talking, and learning quirky details about each other. Plus, it’s always exciting to see the competitive spirit come out in such a fun and friendly way!

3. Would You Rather?

Would You Rather? is a fantastic middle school icebreaker to spark conversations and laughs. I pose fun and sometimes silly “Would you rather?” questions to the class, like “Would you rather give up social media for a month or give up gaming for a month?” or “Would you rather eat pizza for every meal or never eat pizza again?” I call on students throughout the game to share their choices and explain their reasoning.

Before we play, I like to grab a notebook and jot down some questions. I like a mix of realistic and silly questions. I also like to tap into things that are current trends or popular in pop culture. Having questions ready makes the game flow because I don’t have to think them up on the spot.

This game is not only simple but incredibly engaging. It helps them open up, express their opinions, and learn more about each other’s personalities and preferences. Plus, the answers often lead to hilarious and memorable discussions that help break the ice and build a sense of community in the classroom. I do suggest closing your classroom door for this one because they do tend to speak passionately and loudly!

4. M & M Game and Toilet Paper Game

The M&M Game is a sweet and colorful way to break the ice! I give each student a few M&Ms (or any colored candy). Each color represents a different question they need to answer about themselves. I like to use the following questions:

• Red: What’s your favorite movie?
• Green: What’s one thing you did this summer?
• Blue: What’s your dream job?
• Orange: How many brothers and sisters do you have?
• Yellow: What is your favorite place to visit (local or out of town)?
• Brown: What is one word that describes you?

Students take turns sharing their answers based on the colors they have. This game is not only fun but also a great way to learn interesting and unique things about each student.

If candy isn’t an option for your class, I have a fun alternative using toilet paper. I don’t tell the students what it’s for, initially. Instead, I hand them a roll of toilet paper and allow them to take as many squares as they would like. Just be warned that you might need to set a limit on the number of squares one person can take.

Once everyone has their squares, I reveal that each square represents a fact about themselves that they need to share with the class. For example, if a student has five squares, they share five facts. This version is equally engaging and often leads to lots of laughs as your students get creative with their facts.

5. The Line Up Game

The Line Up Game is a way to encourage non-verbal communication and teamwork among your students. I challenge them to line up in a specific order without talking. That’s what makes this really challenging! For example, they might have to arrange themselves by birthday, height, or alphabetical order by first name.

This activity requires students to use gestures, facial expressions, and creative thinking to figure out the correct order. It’s always fun to watch how they solve the puzzle together and to see their teamwork in action. Plus, it’s a great way to break the ice and get everyone interacting and collaborating right from the start. This game builds on communication skills and helps build a sense of unity and cooperation in the classroom.

6. Meet the Mathematician

In math class, it’s important for our students to see themselves as mathematicians capable of tackling the math we will encounter this year. One of my favorite middle school icebreakers to help them do this is my Meet the Mathematician doodle wheel. This activity is a fun way for our students to introduce themselves while connecting their personal experiences to mathematics.

Sections in the Doodle Wheel

• Who Are You? – Students write their full name and nicknames. They also share who they are such as a sister, brother, cousin, bookworm, etc. If space allows, they can also draw a small self-portrait.
• Hobbies – In this section, students write about their hobbies or doodle symbols or pictures to represent their interests. These often lead to classmates making connections and starting conversations.
• Favorite Math Topic – Students describe their favorite math topic. Whether it’s geometry, algebra, or another area, this helps me understand what they enjoy and can guide me in making the subject more engaging for them.
• Birth Place – They write and doodle the place where they were born.
• Math Skill to Improve – Students identify a math skill they want to improve this year. This honesty helps them acknowledge areas for growth and gives me valuable information to tailor my teaching strategies.
• Favorite Food In this section, students write their favorite food (or foods!)

In the pattern around the wheel, there are eight items for students to answer. All are number answers, so I ask students to write their answers as expressions that equal their number answer or just write the numbers themselves. For example, if their age is 16, they might write 4². If time allows, I give time for my students to walk around the room and try to solve different problems from their classmates’ wheels.

If you don’t teach math, or you teach more than just math, check out the Meet the Reader, Meet the Historian, Meet the Scientist Wheels, or the About Me Wheel for Health and/or Phys Ed in the Cognitive Cardio Health shop.

7. Using Emojis for Middle School Icebreakers

Emoji Introductions are a fun way to reference technology and get your students to share a bit about themselves. I ask each student to choose an emoji that represents them, describes them, or shows how they’re feeling that day. They can draw it on a sticky note or show it on their device if they’re allowed.

Each student then explains why they chose that particular emoji. This can lead to some really fun and insightful conversations. It’s a great way to tap into their creativity and get a sense of their current mood or personality. Plus, using emojis is something they’re all familiar with, making it an easy and relatable activity that helps everyone feel more comfortable and connected.

Build Rapport With Students With These Middle School Icebreakers

These seven middle school icebreakers are sure to help your students feel more comfortable, connected, and ready to dive into the school year.

From classic games like Two Truths and a Lie to creative activities like the Meet the Mathematician Wheel, these icebreakers will not only break the ice but also set a positive and engaging tone for your classroom.

If you’re looking for even more fun and effective icebreakers with a math twist, be sure to check out Getting to Know You Activities for Middle School Math for even more ideas to keep your students excited about math all year long!

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The post Middle School Icebreakers for the Start of the School Year appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

As the start of a new year approaches, we have a million thoughts in our heads! Thoughts from setting up our classrooms to brainstorming how to shake things up and bring excitement to our math lessons. We know that math can sometimes feel like a disconnect to our students. And one of the most common questions is, “Why do I need to know this?” followed closely by, “When will I ever use this?” Let’s start the year showing our new students just how much they need math in day to day life. Today I’m sharing a variety of fun and engaging real world math activities that are perfect for your back to school lesson plans.

Providing an Authentic Learning Experience with Real World Math Activities

Have you ever been taught something without knowing the why behind it? You were expected to listen and demonstrate your understanding, right? On a scale of “I wanted to cry my eyes out” to “Wow, that was the most impactful learning experience of my life”, where did it fall? Probably closer to the tears of sadness, boredom, or despair!

When I became a teacher, I promised that I’d explain the why behind what we as a class were learning. Wondering why is a natural inclination and can lead to memorable discoveries. My favorite teaching moments are when my lesson can turn on a dime based on a question. You see their classmates start perking up and adding to the conversation. They take away more from those moments than a textbook page.

As math teachers, we recognize the importance of taking math concepts from the textbook and placing them into our everyday lives. Imagine your students budgeting like pros at the grocery store or becoming time-traveling experts by exploring time zones. Who said math was boring? With these real world math activities, we’re not just crunching numbers but growing curiosity and excitement for math. Math is so much more than just writing problems on paper. Our students will soon see the why behind math with these engaging activities.

1. Grocery Store Math Olympics

Many of our students have shopped in a grocery store or will one day have to navigate one. So, it’s important for them to develop skills like budgeting and planning to ensure they have enough money for all their items.

Give your students a budget and a shopping list. Set up items around the room, such as fun erasers, stickers, pencils, and homework passes (you do not need to break the bank!). Each student will shop accordingly but will have to stay within their budget. Depending on your class, you can throw in sales and taxes to make the experience more challenging and authentic.

If you don’t want to have them shop for actual items, then grab the grocery store flyers from your junk mail pile or the newspaper. If you are a 1:1 classroom allow them to shop online at a specified store. Give students a challenge to plan a dinner party for 12 people. Then give them a budget. Let them choose the type of meal that will be served. The only requirement is that they must purchase all the supplies and food needed.

They must keep track of what they have picked up to buy. Every penny counts! With the challenge at hand, they’ll make those choices and trade-offs like seasoned decision-makers.

By the end of the experience, they’ll have a new appreciation for the value of a dollar – and that’s priceless!

2. Time Travelers Unite in Real-World Math Activities

Get ready for a mind-bending journey through time! Okay, so we won’t be hopping into a time machine, but we’re about to explore time zone conversions. We’re taking our students on virtual trips to different countries, where they’ll become time zone travelers.

Picture the excitement on their faces as they unravel the mysteries of time differences. While it’s bedtime in the bustling streets of New York, kids in Japan are already munching on breakfast! It’s like being in two places at once – an experience that will blow their minds and help them become aware of our planet’s vastness.

As your students navigate different time zones, they’ll understand that while they’re asleep, people in far-off lands are wide awake, living their lives in a completely different time frame.

To help this concept apply to them personally, send them on a vacation to a far off land. Then give them different scenarios to answer. For example, you might ask: “You are in Australia. It’s 3:30 p.m. and you’ve just seen the most incredible kangaroo. Is it an appropriate time to call home and tell your family about it?”

Through this activity, their math skills will sharpen. They’ll calculate time differences, converting hours and sometimes even days! With every conversion, they’ll gain confidence in working with time and become pros at handling clock-related conundrums.

This eye-opening realization will connect them with the people and cultures of other countries. Hopefully, instilling in them a deep respect for our interconnected world.

3. Math Chef Extravaganza

Whoever said math and cooking don’t mix is in for a surprise with our math chef extravaganza! Brace yourselves for a culinary math adventure that will have your taste buds and brains dancing joyfully. With a few no-bake recipes you can create a culinary math lab where precision is the name of the game and fractions are served on a delectable platter.

As your students don their aprons and get ready to whip up some tasty treats, they’ll do more than cook. They’ll become culinary mathematicians, mastering fractions, decimals, and ratios like seasoned chefs. Measuring ingredients with accuracy becomes a mathematical dance, and calculating proportions becomes a piece of cake. Don’t forget the need to double, triple, or quadruple the recipe so they can share their final creation with their friends.

Just imagine the delight and satisfaction on their faces as their culinary creations come to life! A pinch of fractions here, a dash of ratios there, and voila – a delicious dish is born! As they take that first bite, you’ll hear them whisper in astonishment, “I never knew math could taste this good!”

It’s not just about the delicious treats but also the deeper connection they’ll form with math. They’ll see that math isn’t confined to textbooks. It’s essential in every aspect of life – even in the kitchen. They’ll understand that math is not just about solving equations but about solving real-life challenges with precision and flair.

Students will learn valuable life skills through this real-world math activity as they work together in the kitchen. They’ll develop patience, teamwork, and an appreciation for cooking. They’ll understand that a pinch of too much or little can make the difference – a valuable lesson in math and life.

4. Artistic Symmetry Showdown

Imagine a room filled with eager students armed with pencils, rulers, and their imaginations. Hand them an assortment of shapes – circles, squares, triangles, and more – and watch as their creativity runs wild. The challenge? Create mesmerizing symmetrical designs that showcase their artistic flair.

As they dive into their creations, they won’t just unleash their artistic talents but also secretly practice geometry.

Symmetry is the name of the game, and they’ll find themselves immersed in a world of lines, angles, and reflection. They’ll experiment with different patterns and arrangements, fine-tuning their designs.

They’ll discover that symmetry is not just an aesthetic principle but an essential aspect of geometry. Every line they draw, and every shape they create, is a chance to explore the concept of symmetry.

The best part? The sense of accomplishment they’ll feel when they step back and admire their symmetrical masterpieces. They’ll see that math and art aren’t distant cousins but instead inseparable companions.

5. Data Detectives on Duty

It’s time to unleash the data detectives in your class! Get ready for some data exploration fun! We’re going to dive deep into data analysis. But first, let students come up with their own data collection questions. You will have instant engagement as students decide what they will gather data on and ask their classmates.

Once they’ve gathered all that juicy data, it’s time to turn it into some eye-catching visuals. Say hello to colorful graphs and tasty pie charts.

But the real fun starts when it is time to analyze the data. They get to be like Sherlock Holmes as they dive deep into the data pool. Spotting trends, finding outliers, and connecting the dots – it’s all in a day’s work for our data detectives. They’ll be drawing conclusions and solving mysteries like pros.

By the end of this adventure, they’ll see how math isn’t just about crunching numbers but about understanding the world.

6. Budget-Friendly Travel Planners Math Activity

It’s time to let your travel dreams take flight – on a budget! Imagine planning your ultimate dream vacation without breaking the bank. You heard that right – you get to call the shots and create the adventure of a lifetime.

Grab laptops, notebooks, and maybe even a big ol’ world map for inspiration. Your students will embark on a journey of budget-friendly travel planning that will leave them feeling like travel gurus. First stop – research mode! They’ll dive into the world of travel costs, accommodations, and all the awesome activities their dream destination offers.

It’s not just about picking fancy locations; it’s about managing those expenses. Giving your students a budget for this dream vacation is key. Your kiddos must make smart choices and prioritize what’s essential for their dream vacation.

Your students will gain essential financial literacy skills that’ll serve them well in all aspects of life. Managing money, making informed decisions, and staying within their budget – it’s all part of the adventure!

7. Career Calculations

It’s never too early for a career exploration adventure. We’re going to dive headfirst into the world of jobs, salaries, and some serious math magic.

Introduce your students to a smorgasbord of careers – from rocket scientists to rock stars, doctors to designers, and everything in between. Think of it like having a career fair right in your classroom!

Challenge your students to calculate monthly budgets based on the salaries of their dream careers. Include a list of items needed in that budget. I would suggest housing, utilities, a car, gas, groceries, and entertainment. This helps them see just how far their target salary will go. Dreams of mansion living and sports cars just might not be a reality once the numbers are crunched.

While crunching numbers, they’re also gaining valuable insights into financial planning and budgeting. Who would’ve thought that math could be the key to unlocking doors to those dream careers? It’s not just about solving equations; it’s about opening the gateway to exciting possibilities.

And. . . if you want to continue the connection between math and careers, consider exploring a new career each month in your classroom. It’s a great way to expose students to jobs they may not know of, but also to connect math to jobs they want. Do they know just how much math is involved in designing video games?

8. Real-World Math Activities in Your Daily Work

Like many, I love a good classroom transformation or a guest speaker from a career field. Even though I love to dream, I also know what daily life is like teaching. You can incorporate real-world math into the lessons you use now! For example, our students’ favorite thing in the entire universe – word problems! {Cue the moans and groans!}

Word problems are actually the perfect way to connect real life to math concepts. To make them more enticing, consider adding a few sentences or a short paragraph at the beginning to set the stage for the “story”.

Word problems bring real-life adventures right into our math class. You get to tackle everyday situations with numbers and logic. It’s all about critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Word problems make math super relevant and engaging. Plus, they let us see how math connects with other subjects and is a valuable tool in the real world.

Need some already written real world resources? I’ve got you covered.

Students encounter real-world situations in my Comparing and Ordering Fractions Word Problems resource. Through a variety of real world situations, students will be applying their knowledge of fractions to everyday situations.

Reviewing for a test, or need a center? In my Absolute Value Footloose Math Task Cards, students identify, compare, and apply absolute value in real-world situations.

Including Real-World Math Activities Steps Up Your Math Game

At the beginning of the school year, hold off on jumping into the textbook. Instead, plan a week of “this is what we are going to learn this year” real world activities. Your students will love the engaging activities and it will lay a foundation for why their future lessons are important. Plus, when you complete these activities together it gives you a common experience to refer back to.

Brace yourselves for a thrilling ride filled with practical and exciting real-world math activities that will light up your students’ eyes with wonder. We’re about to turn math into a captivating journey of discovery.

They’ll see math come alive in ways they’ve never experienced before. From budgeting at the grocery store to time zone travels across the globe, they’ll be learning math while having a blast! Watch your students become grocery-shopping budgeteers and math chefs whipping up delicious treats.

These activities foster a love for math that goes beyond the classroom. Your students will carry the excitement of learning math into their everyday lives, seeing the world through a new mathematical lens.

And. . . just in case there is no way to incorporate these in your back to school lesson plans – don’t set them aside. All of these real world math activities make great engagement activities for the beginning of a unit or wrap-up activities for the end.

More Engaging Math Activities

If you are looking for more math activities to increase engagement, then look no further.

• Fun Holiday Games for Middle School Math
• Math Games for Teachers: Activities for an Epic Start to the Year
• Fun Math Activities for Middle School

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Remember to pin this post to your favorite math or teacher Pinterest to return to when preparing your math lessons for the upcoming year!

The post Real World Math Activities for Your Back to School Lesson Plans appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

Are you ready to spice up your classroom community builders with a burst of excitement? Whether starting a new year or needing a fun activity, connecting with our students to create a positive learning environment is priority. That’s why I’m here to share how fun icebreakers will have your students buzzing with enthusiasm from day one! No more awkward glances or uneasy vibes! These activities aren’t just about giggles and games. They hold immense value in fostering strong relationships, breaking down walls, and setting the stage for a successful school year. I have several icebreakers that I want to share to help your middle schoolers grow comfortable in your classroom!

Why Are Icebreakers Effective?

We all have witnessed how math class sometimes starts with awkward vibes and nervous glances. Icebreakers help create a positive and inclusive classroom vibe. Math might seem intimidating, but we can turn those hesitations into high-fives with icebreakers! Students will feel more at ease and ready to take risks to tackle those numbers!

Icebreakers also work wonders in forging connections between students and their teachers and among the students themselves. My favorite moments with icebreakers are when two classmates realize they have something in common and strike up a conversation! My teacher heart soars even more when I see them connecting outside my classroom because of a quick icebreaker.

Icebreakers also encourage teamwork and collaboration! Math can be a brain teaser. Through these icebreaker activities, we teach our students how to work together, combining their knowledge for epic problem-solving moments!

They also add an element of fun and excitement to the math classroom. Adding a bit of playfulness to the learning process can make it more enjoyable. Plus, it helps remove some of the fear of failure that some students may experience in math. When students are engaged and having fun, they become more motivated and open to tackling math.

Math Truth or Dare Getting to Know You Icebreaker

The free Getting to Know You Math Truth or Dare activity is a favorite icebreaker to use to kick off the year.

This icebreaker is different from your typical run-of-the-mill game. It’s a set of 30 engaging questions designed to help you connect with your students. Equally important, they allow your students to bond with each other.

Set up is super easy! Print and cut, and your students are ready to start getting to know each other. There are 15 “Truth” cards and 15 exciting “Dare” cards. I give each of my students a recording sheet, so they can collect their classmates’ answers. Plus, you can collect the recording sheets and check over their work to see how they did!

These questions are all about math, sprinkled with a touch of getting to know you! The “Truth” questions will unveil fun facts about your students. While the “Dare” questions will put their math skills to the test with computations based on facts about themselves. Since the computations are based on facts about themselves, it’s okay if several students are asked the same question. Their answers will all be different!

Our middle schoolers will jump at the option to socialize with one another. So, we might as well have them practice their math skills while they sit and chat. You can use these cards as a whole class, small groups, partners, or for first week of school centers!

Meet the Mathematician Math Wheel Icebreaker

Meet the Mathematician Math Wheel is another perfect icebreaker to kick off the school year or start a new semester with a blast!

This engaging math wheel is all about helping you learn more about your students. It also lets them show off their math skills in a laid-back way. The wheel is divided into six sections. Your students can express their unique personalities and their love for all things math! The different sections include:

1. Who are you?
2. Hobbies
3. Favorite Math Topic
4. Birthplace
5. Math Skill to Improve
6. Favorite Food

This doodle wheel is not just any ol’ questionnaire – it’s also a creative and fun doodling opportunity! Your students will get to add phrases, draw pictures, and add color to their wheels!

Outside the wheel, there are 8 different items your students get to answer. All the answers will be numbers, so I encourage my students to write their answers as expressions that equal their number responses! How cool is that?

I’ve included a second wheel without the section headings, so you can customize it to best fit your vision! You can also add different headings or let your students come up with their own creative ideas! The possibilities are endless!

This icebreaker is not only fun for your students, but you can also get a quick peek at their math skills. Whenever you can incorporate topics that interest your students, I highly recommend you do so! This math doodle wheel is a perfect opportunity to do so!

Use Back to School Footloose Task Cards for an Icebreaker

My students need to move to use their energy, especially at the start of the school year or after a break. Another free icebreaker, Back to School Footloose Task Cards, is an excellent chance for your students to learn more about each other while you get to see their math skills in action!

Footloose task cards are quick and easy to prep! Print, cut, and spread cards out around your learning space for your students to move around the room. With 24 cards covering various 6th-grade math topics, your students will have a blast solving problems while revealing cool things about themselves.

This pack includes the Footloose grid – a space for your students to record their answers and personal tidbits. As they solve each math problem, they’ll jot down their answers in the corresponding boxes. Based on their answers, they’ll respond to getting-to-know-you questions!

Your students will have a blast freely moving around the classroom, solving problems, sharing fun facts, and making connections!

Icebreakers Build Teams

Our Pentomino Exploration Team Building Back to School Activity is an icebreaker packed with fun challenges and loads of brain-teasing adventures!

Pentominoes are not just any puzzle pieces. They are the keys to unlocking critical thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance in your math class. Your students will take on the challenge of fitting the pentominoes into the frames without leaving any gaps or letting anything stick beyond the edges. It sounds simple, but trust me, it’s a brain workout that’s accessible to all students!

It’s also a golden opportunity to observe and learn more about your students. Watch as they share ideas, collaborate, and communicate with each other. See who’s eager to dive in headfirst and who takes a more strategic approach.

This amazing resource includes three different-sized sets of pentominoes and frames, colored and black-and-white options. So, you’ve got plenty of choices to suit your needs! I recommend printing them on cardstock and laminating them for many future uses!

Whether it’s the first day of math class, fast finisher activities, or exciting centers, this icebreaker has it all!

To learn more about how I use pentominoes the first few days of school, read my post First Day of Math Class Activity – Free Pentomino Exploration.

The Power of Icebreakers

After exploring these fantastic icebreakers, I hope you see they are loads of fun. They also hold immense value in building strong relationships and setting the stage for a successful school year. From Math Truth or Dare to the Meet the Mathematician Math Wheel and the Back to School Footloose Task Cards, each activity offers a unique opportunity for students to bond, learn, and grow together. With pentomino exploration, we take team-building to a whole new level, unlocking the power of critical thinking and problem-solving.

It’s time to get ready to create a positive learning environment where our students will be excited from day one! Let the fun, connections, and math adventures begin!

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Remember to pin this post to your favorite math Pinterest board to return to when you are looking for engaging icebreakers to learn about your students!

The post Engaging Icebreakers to Help Middle Schoolers Make New Friends! appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

Every summer kids face the loss of learning known as the summer slide. As parents, we don’t want our kids moving backward. The good news is that in just a few minutes a day, our kids can maintain what they have learned and even move forward. Math review games are a great way to do some review during the summer without kids feeling like they have a summer of homework. I’ve gathered some of my favorite math games that are the perfect way to help your kids review important math skills during the summer.

These math review games will help you and other parents make at-home learning enjoyable and effective. Ultimately, I hope you find math review games that will help your kids feel empowered when it comes to math, and confident as they head into the new school year. Let’s take a look at these easy, but impactful, math review games that will boost your child’s math skills!

Summer Learning?

I am right there with you! It’s summer, which means more swim time, sleeping in, and doing what you want when you want to. Reviewing math skills with your kids during summer break has many cool, long-term benefits. Here are some solid reasons why you want to take the time and do it:

Avoid a Learning Slide

When kids aren’t actively using the skills and concepts they have learned in school they tend to forget much of what was learned. This “learning slide” often happens during the summer break. But in reality, it can happen at any time.

Reviewing math keeps their brains in shape and stops that slide in its tracks! Trust us; you don’t want your kids to start the new school year feeling all rusty and uncertain in math (or any other subject). By keeping those math gears turning, you’re setting them up for a smooth ride into the next grade!

When the new school year rolls around, your kiddos will be totally on top of their math game. No lagging behind – they’ll be all set to rock those numbers! It’s like having your own math experts in the house, ready to conquer any math challenge that comes their way.

Boost That Confidence

Mastering math skills makes your kids feel like math superheroes. They’ll be super confident when they know their stuff, and that’s a real confidence booster! Just imagine the joy on their faces when they ace those math problems and realize, “Hey, I’m pretty good at this!” That kind of confidence spills over into other subjects, making them feel like they can take on any challenge!

Stronger Base, Stronger Future

Summer review helps build a solid foundation in math. Strengthen any weak spots, and your kids will have a super strong base to conquer more challenging skills later on! Think of it like you’re constructing a solid math building block to support them throughout their academic journey. With a strong foundation, there’s no limit to how far they can go!

Real-Life Math Skills

Math isn’t just for textbooks; it’s all around us! Summer review shows your kids how math exists in real life, from cooking to shopping to building cool creations! Involve them in everyday activities where math plays a part. They’ll understand that math isn’t some abstract concept – it’s a tool they can use to tackle real-world situations!

Life-Long Learning Vibes

By giving math some love over the summer, you’re helping your kids embrace learning for life. Who knows where that passion for learning might take them? When they see how awesome it is to learn and grow, they’ll carry that enthusiasm into the future, opening doors to endless possibilities.

Math Review Games to Play at Home

Ready to dedicate a small chunk of time each day to math review games? I have a collection of math review games that will turn learning into a thrilling adventure for your kids. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for fun and engaging ways to help your kiddos polish their math skills over summer break. I’ve handpicked a few math review games that are entertaining and educational!

Footloose Math Review Games

We know our children have boundless energy, even during summertime! So, it’s important to keep them moving and learning, even if it’s with math review games! One of my favorite math games for reviewing multiplication and division is Footloose. It’s like a math scavenger hunt that can be played inside when it’s hot outside or take the fun outside and enjoy the summer weather.

These games are not your typical sit-and-learn activities; they’re all about getting kids on their feet and engaged in math. With resources like the Multiplication Facts Footloose Math Game and the Division Facts Footloose Math Game, we’re taking math review to a whole new level.

In both of these games, students will be reviewing key math skills. They will have math fact practice as well as word problems. These games are fantastic for building confidence and accuracy in math skills. Plus, they encourage critical thinking as they work through division equations and multiplication challenges.

Another bonus to these two math review games is that they can also be done while traveling to a new destination! They are a perfect activity for a travel day on a road trip or easy and lightweight to take on a carry-on bag.

By keeping multiplication and division facts fresh in their mind, they will be well-prepared and ready to take on any math adventure that comes their way.

Math Video Games

Who says math review in the summer has to be done on paper? Your kids will love some technology time and you’ll love that they are working on math. It’s a win-win for everyone. With a computer, tablet, or even a smartphone, your kids can be playing math games online.

I have taken a variety of math games and turned them digital. Technology is a great way to get buy-in from kids and will make summer learning so much fun.

Simply head over to the Digital Math Games and let your kids get playing. There are some free math games available that will help them review skills like fractions, decimals, and percents. There’s a lot of math fun to be had with these digital math games. And. . . you can get even more for only $5 per month. Visit this page to find out all the details.

Math Card Games

Psst! Want to know a secret? You don’t need fancy gadgets to make math super fun for your kids. Even simple card games can take math review games to a new level. That’s why I created an amazing resource, Equivalent Fractions Cards for Fraction Games – it’s all about making learning hands-on and collaborative!

With these fraction cards, you can turn equivalent fractions into an absolute blast. Picture your kids sorting cards, playing Go Fish, or battling it out during Fraction Wars – all while mastering the concept of equivalent fractions!

We can’t forget about Go Fish! This classic card game gets a math twist and is a real hit for all ages. They’ll collect cards to complete their sets of equivalent fractions, all while enjoying a little friendly competition and learning in the process. Math card games are the perfect addition to family game night.

Keep Elevating the Fun With Even More Math Review Games

There are even MORE amazing math games for you to play this summer that will make the beginning of the school year a total blast!

In my Engaging Middle School Games and Activities post, I’ve shared additional ideas to keep your kids hooked on math. These games are entertaining and can be played at your kitchen table or on the beach! From interactive dice games to color-by-number activities, I’ve got it all covered for you.

Ready to Get Your Math Review Game On?

These math review games are a true game-changer for your kids’ back-to-school preparations. By engaging in fun and interactive activities, your children will keep their math skills sharp and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject. From math scavenger hunts to math video games, your kids won’t mind a little at home math review. Let the games begin!

Save these Math Review Games!

Remember to save this post to your favorite Pinterest board so you can quickly come back when you need some at home learning ideas.

The post Math Review Games for Parents to Empower Their Learners appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

Tips for Teachers

There are so many things to think about in our teacher lives! So, I’ve got seven tips for teachers that might help you personally and/or professionally:-)

Is it hard for you to get into the swing of the classroom when you’ve been hurrying around since the moment you woke up? If so, I’m not necessarily encouraging you to try to turn yourself into a morning person. Working out in the morning and fitting in some of those other activities can definitely take 30-60 minutes (or more!) of extra time in the morning. And if your work day was anything like mine (for the last 12 years), your students may be arriving shortly after 7:00. I was lucky; my drive to work was only 15 minutes, so I didn’t have a long commute. But I did have 3 children at home, 3 dogs to take care of, and a husband who was NOT a morning person.

1. Unpack and go to locker; get the materials needed for periods 1-4
2. Sign in on the clipboard (I have a clipboard on the front board, with a list of students’ names and the dates, for students to initial to indicate that they are present.)
3. Sharpen pencils
4. Put notes/papers for Mrs. N. into pink tray
5. Begin M.G. (my term for “morning work”)  Working on M.G. was great when my homeroom students were in my 1st period class. When they weren’t, # 5 would be ‘Zone’ read or I’d have brain teasers, logic puzzles, coloring pages, etc. that students could pull out and work on for those 10 – 15 minutes before morning announcements started.Having this routine helped students be prepared for the day.

Tip #3: Have those sub plans ready
Have sub plans/a sub binder ready at all times! I don’t know about you, but I had plenty of times early on that I’d unexpectedly need to be out (sick child…or sick me!), and I’d be scrambling to write up plans and gather materials so my students could stay on track! At some point, I got smart and made sure I had generic plans written, with activities copied that could be used to review a variety of math concepts at any point during the year. These plans, along with my classroom routines, were always in a sub binder that a team teacher could pull off the shelf for the sub if I was out.

A Few More Classroom Tips for Teachers

• Sometimes I’d sit down and just watch them until one student and then another and another noticed my silent, expecting look, and they told each other to be quiet. And then we’d move on.

Be willing to wait for their attention.

Another important time to be willing to wait is when you ask students if they have any questions. Ask them and then wait. And wait some more. And maybe a little more. Sometimes it takes a bit of time for them to work up the courage to ask the question.

Tip #6: Greet your students at the door
Take a moment to quickly connect with them as they come in. This quick check-in may give you a heads-up about how students are doing/feeling.Tip #7: Give students time to talk
It’s so important to give students the chance to discuss, interact, and share ideas, so they aren’t just passively listening. I think this is especially important in math class, where those math conversations lead to deeper understanding, bigger questions, and new ideas. Different games and activities can provide this constructive talking time.​What tips for teachers do you have to share? I’d love to hear!

The post Seven Tips for Any Teacher appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

Six Back to School Activities for Middle School 

Always looking for new getting to know you activities for your middle school math classes? Me too!

I’ve got a few getting to know you activities for you and your middle school math students, for the beginning of the school year of even the beginning of a new semester or marking period!

 

Getting to Know You Activity: The Name Game

I used this game for many years…..many times I’d plan not to, but then I couldn’t stand not knowing kids’ names right away, so we’d play:-)

Students and I get into a big circle, and I ask students to come up with an adjective that describes them and begins with the same sound as the beginning of their first name, like ‘Energetic Ellie.” The first student to my left shares his/her name; the 2nd student repeats the 1st student’s name and then shares his own. The third student repeats the first two names/adjectives, and adds her own. The activity continues in this way around the circle until we get to me, and I get to repeat all the names.

 

This game helps me to get to know all the students’ names during the first class session. It also helps me learn about the students – it tells me who seems to have a good memory and who has more difficulty. I can see who appears to be confident and who is more hesitant; who’s willing to accept help (I always prompt if they want/need) and who isn’t. And of course, their adjectives usually tell me something about them:-)

 

Students get to learn a little bit about each other too.  They come from quite a few different elementary schools, so many of them don’t know anyone….this helps them learn at least a few names and faces to start off the year.

Getting to Know You Truth or Dare Game

Truth or Dare….students are intrigued when they hear the name! Especially in math class!

“Math Truth or Dare – Getting to Know You” is a set of 30 questions you can use to get to know your students and to help your students get to know each other

• There are 15 “Truth” question cards and 15 “Dare” question cards.
• Most of the questions do not have a “correct” answer because they are about the students, so if more than 15 students choose to answer a “truth” question or a “dare” question, then the questions can be used again.
• Truth questions ask about the students
• Dare questions ask students to complete math computations (some of the computations are based on facts about the student, so these can also be used again, as students’ answers may be different.)
• You can grab this free resource when you join the email community.

Getting to Know You Activity: Back to School Footloose

This particular Footloose version has two purposes:

1) It’s a short pre-assessment to see what students know coming into the year (geared toward 6th grade), AND
2) It includes getting to know you questions….even if students answer the math question incorrectly, you’re still learning a personal fact about them:-)

 

• Students solve each of the 24 problems and record their answers in the corresponding boxes on their Footloose grids.
• Then, according to the answer, they respond to a getting to know you question and record that answer in the same box on the grid.
• You can grab this free resource when you join the email community.

CLICK TO JOIN THE EMAIL COMMUNITY

Getting to Know You Activities: Math About Me and Who Can you Find?

Math About Me

This getting to know you activity is a series of math-related questions for students, to help you understand more about their math ‘status’ – how they feel about math, what they like/dislike, etc.

Who Can You Find?
This one is great for helping students get to know each other.  Many of the questions again tie into math. 

You can grab the free Math About Me and Who Can You Find

• You can grab this free resource when you join the email community.

Getting to Know You Activity: Meet the Mathematician

This is an easy way for students to share a little about themselves in math world!

• Students can work creatively, and take some time to color the background.
• Students can get into small groups and share their mathematician facts:-)
• These also make a great display!
• You can grab this getting to know you Meet the Mathematician wheel on TPT

 

At least a few of these getting to know you activities should fit perfectly into your first days of math class, when you head back to school or into that new marking period!

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