There’s nothing quite like waking up with that uh-oh feeling and realizing you need sub plans today. Whether it’s a sick kiddo, a last-minute appointment, or just one of those days when life throws curveballs, having easy, low prep sub plans ready to go is a total game-changer. Sub plans don’t have to be complicated to be effective. In fact, some of the best sub plans are simple, structured, and engaging enough to keep your students learning even when you’re not in the room. That’s exactly why I love using color by number math activities. They take the pressure off you, set your students up for success, and still hit the standards.

Why Color by Number Activities Are Perfect for Sub Plans

When I think about the best types of sub plans, I always come back to three qualities: low prep, high engagement, and meaningful practice. Color by number math activities check every single box. These pages keep your students focused in a way that feels purposeful, not like busywork. Since each problem leads to a color choice, your students naturally want to get their answers right so their picture turns out the way it’s supposed to. It builds in a level of self-checking accountability that makes your sub’s day easier and makes your grading pile lighter.

Another reason these activities work so well for sub plans is their simplicity on your end. You don’t need manipulatives. You don’t need devices (unless you want digital versions). Lengthy instructions are not needed either. Your sub can hand your students a page, give a quick direction, and your students can take off. The math they’re practicing is the real deal. Depending on the topic, these pages reinforce decimal operations, fractions, order of operations, mixed practice problems, ratios, proportions, exponents, area, and so much more. They align with grade-level expectations, keep skills fresh, and give your sub something easy to manage.

My favorite part is how color by number activities create a calm, productive environment. Your students stay engaged longer because the coloring adds just enough novelty to keep them motivated. Your sub will thank you, and your students will enjoy it. You’ll return to a classroom that didn’t fall apart while you were gone. That’s a win all around!

Seasonal Color by Number Bundle Makes Sub Plans Effortless

One of the easiest ways to prep sub plans you can grab at a moment’s notice is by keeping seasonal activities on hand. The holiday and seasonal bundle is packed with color by number pages that cover a wide range of skills that are perfect for independent work. Your students will be able to practice or review skills like operations with whole numbers, decimals, exponents, word problems, GCF, LCM, proportions, and more!

Your students solve each problem, locate their answer on the coloring sheet, and color it the assigned color. By doing this, it gives them constant feedback as they go.

Another benefit of seasonal resources is that they naturally boost engagement. There’s something about solving a math problem and then coloring snowmen, winter scenes, or festive geometric patterns that pulls your kiddos in. When you’re not there to redirect behaviors or clarify multi-step tasks, this little hook keeps your students focused.

If you’ve ever walked back into your classroom after a sub day and braced yourself for the chaos, these seasonal pages eliminate that. Your students know exactly what to do. The sub covering your room doesn’t have to guess at directions. The end result is a finished product you can glance at and instantly understand where your kids are with key skills. These really belong in all sub plans!

Skill-Focused Color by Numbers for Reliable Sub Plans any Time of Year

Beyond seasonal options, skill-focused color by number activities make fantastic sub plans because you can pull the exact topic you’re teaching and reinforce it without missing instructional momentum OR you can review some of those topics students always need a little more practice with. The Order of Operations Color by Number resource gives your students structured practice using PEMDAS in expressions of varying complexity. Your students solve each problem, find the matching number on the coloring page, and color accordingly. There are different versions that offer different layouts and difficulty levels. This gives you perfect flexibility for differentiation or multi-day sub plans.

The Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators Color By Number set is another easy sub plan win. Your students add and subtract like fractions and mixed numbers and apply their understanding through word problems. They also simplify their answers. This is all wrapped into a structured, self-checking coloring format. When your students are ready for the next level, the Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators Color By Number offers the same simple sub plan format with increased rigor. In this one, your students practice finding common denominators, solving with mixed numbers, and tackling fraction word problems.

The beauty of these skill-specific resources is that they support your curriculum even when you’re away. Instead of losing a day, your students are practicing the standards and strategies you want them to internalize. They stay engaged, they stay busy, and they keep doing math.

Make Math More Approachable on Sub Days

Another reason I recommend relying on these activities in your sub plans is that they make math feel more approachable for your students. This is so important on days when their routine has already been thrown off. We all have those kiddos who thrive on structure and predictability. A surprise sub can leave them feeling unsettled before the lesson even begins. Giving them a familiar, calming task helps anchor the day and ease some of that anxiety right from the start.

There’s something about the balance of solving math problems and coloring that brings a rhythm to the room. Your students get to work through one small step at a time. That natural back and forth between thinking and creating helps them stay focused without feeling overwhelmed. The self-checking nature of the activity also gives them immediate reassurance. Every time they find their answer on the coloring page, they know they’re on the right track. That little boost of confidence can completely shift the tone of a sub day.

These activities restore a sense of normalcy when things feel different. Your students will recognize the format. They know exactly what to do. Even your most reluctant learners often settle more easily because the task feels familiar and doable.

How to Use These Resources in Your Classroom

When it comes to actually using these color by number pages for sub plans, the best part is how simple they are to roll out. I want my sub plans to feel effortless, for me, for the sub, and for my students. These activities check every box. You don’t need complicated directions or elaborate prep. All you do is print, leave a quick note, and trust that the structure built into the page will guide your students from start to finish.

What I love most is that these are the kinds of activities your students instantly understand. They solve a problem, find the matching number, and color the section the right shade. Even your students who sometimes freeze during independent work feel confident because the routine stays the same across all the topics. When your plans follow a predictable pattern, your day out of the classroom runs so much more smoothly.

These color by number sheets give you actual, meaningful math practice while you’re gone. It’s not filler or fluff work. It’s standards-aligned reinforcement that keeps your kids engaged and accountable without you having to be there. Your sub will appreciate how calm and manageable the class feels, and you’ll walk back into the room knowing the day wasn’t wasted. That’s exactly the kind of sub plan every teacher deserves.

A Smooth Sub Day Starts With the Right Plans

At the end of the day, creating effective sub plans doesn’t have to feel stressful or time consuming. When you have resources that keep your students engaged, support real math learning, and bring a sense of calm to an unpredictable day, you set everyone up for success, including yourself. That’s exactly why these color by number activities deserve a spot in your sub folder. They’re low prep, easy to implement, target the math practice students need, and are genuinely enjoyable.

Whether you’re out unexpectedly or planning ahead, these simple but powerful math sub plan activities help your math block run smoothly and give you peace of mind knowing your kids are still practicing meaningful skills. With the right tools in place, your sub plans truly can feel effortless.

Find More Resources to Build Your Sub Plans

If you’re ready to make your sub plans even smoother, visit my TPT shop and explore all the color by number options. No matter the skill you want to practice or review, you are sure to find something that will make your sub plans a win. These resources are easy to prep, easy for the sub to implement, and engaging for the students. They make sub days feel just as productive as any other day.

Save for Later

If you want to make planning your sub plans even easier throughout the year, save this post for later! Pin it to your favorite teaching board or tuck it into your planning folder so you can come back any time you need low-prep, high-engagement ideas for a smooth sub day. Having strategies and activities on hand makes all the difference, especially on those mornings when you need a plan fast. You’ll be so glad you saved it!

The post Easy Low Prep Sub Plans You Need appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

You stroll into a classroom, ready to tackle the day’s math class as a substitute teacher, only to find. . . nothing. There’s no lesson plan in sight, or worse, the one you do find can likely be finished in less than half the class time. The worry about how to keep the students engaged looms large. Don’t sweat it! We’re going to chat about how to handle those unexpected, plan-less moments like a pro. We’ll chat about the art of being prepared for the unpredictable so you’re always prepared with the tricks to rock a math class. So, let’s dive in and discover how to be prepared for those moments when you might need emergency math sub plans. In the world of substitute teaching, preparation is your greatest ally.

Being Prepared with Math Sub Plans

Picture this: you’re all set to hit the road on a cross-country journey. You’ve got your car, snacks, playlist, and a well-prepared route on your GPS. You’re confident you’ll reach your destination, right? What if you had no roadmap or GPS? That road trip suddenly turns into a wild adventure filled with uncertainty and detours.

Being a substitute teacher is a bit like embarking on a daily adventure to an unknown place. Having some ready-to-use math sub plans in your substitute teacher toolbox is your trusty GPS. Sure, the classroom teacher is supposed to leave plans, but we all know that life happens. By having your own stocked toolbox you will be prepared for the unexpected.

But here’s where it gets even more magical: your preparation doesn’t just benefit you. It’s a gift to your students too. As the captain of their learning ship for the day, you set the course. With well-prepared math sub plans, you create a smooth, engaging, and productive learning environment – even if the regular teacher’s plans have taken an unexpected detour!

So, think of your math sub plans as your life jacket. No matter what you can confidently walk into a class knowing that you have a plan that will keep the students engaged and learning.

Emergency Math Sub Plans: When Life Throws You a Curveball

Now, why are these emergency sub plans so essential? You just might walk into a classroom that has no plans at all. Panic mode, right? Not when you have your own. What about plans that don’t fill the class time? Just let them talk? Not when you have your own backup. Or. . . what about the situation when students just aren’t engaged or the topic is beyond your math knowledge? That’s where your emergency lesson plans come to the rescue.

Having these plans ready means you’re armed with a backup that can save the day. Lessons you are familiar with that your students will love. You might not need them every time you sub, but when you do, you will be so glad to have them.

So, what should these emergency math sub-plans look like? They’re simple, effective, and engaging math-related activities that you can whip out at a moment’s notice. Think of them as your bag of tricks, ready to entertain and educate.

I have created Emergency Sub Plans for Middle School Math to help you be prepared for those moments when you need time fillers or even a whole lesson! You have the flexibility to create lessons featuring captivating Math Dates number puzzles, color-by-number sheets, and problem-solving pages. Mix and match a couple of sheets with your existing lesson plans. This comprehensive math sub plans bundle includes four different resources, boasting over 70 distinct activities.

And. . . if you happen to have landed here as a classroom teacher and not a substitute, these emergency plans can be used by you too! Just leave them for your substitute and know that they will be well equipped with fun and engaging activities that will keep your students working on key math skills.

What’s Included in the Emergency Math Sub Plans?

Problem-Solving for 5th – 6th Grades

First, a treasure trove of 28 problem-solving pages that present various real-world situations. Each situation challenges students with a set of 3-4 word problems. They cover a range of topics from decimal operations to measurement conversions, all accompanied by detailed answer keys and two different answer sheet options.

Problem-Solving for 6th – 7th Grades

Next, we have 10 problem-solving sheets with answer keys. These sheets tackle topics such as ratios, unit rates, algebraic equations, percentages, integers, surface area, and more, making them an ideal fit for upper-level students.

Color by Number Activities

The Color by Number activities bring a burst of fun into math learning with 12 captivating color-by-number sheets. Each one has 10 questions that span a mix of concepts generally suited for 5th-6th graders. These questions range from multiplication and division to LCM, GCF, proportions, exponential expressions, and much more.

Math Dates Number Puzzles

Lastly, the Math Dates Number Puzzles add an intriguing historical twist to math practice. You’ll discover 12 Math Dates in History Find-a-Number, 5 Mixed Math Dates Find-a-Number, and 5 Mixed Math Dates Cross-Number puzzles. These puzzles dive into concepts like square roots, cube roots, exponents and exponent rules, order of operations, fraction and decimal operations, absolute value, and even more.

So, whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with the unexpected, these resources have got you covered. They not only keep students engaged but also offer valuable review opportunities, ensuring that learning never takes a back seat, even when you’re not in the driver’s seat of the classroom.

Utilizing Online Resources for Your Math Sub Plans

Whether it’s using a tablet, a laptop, or even a smartphone, technology can be a game-changer for teaching an unplanned math class.

You’re in a classroom, and the lesson plan isn’t cutting it, or maybe you don’t even have a lesson plan left for you. That’s when technology swoops in to save the day. You can quickly pull up math apps, educational YouTube videos, or even access online math games. It’s like having a teaching wizard in your pocket.

I have free digital games ready for your students to access at Cognitive Cardio Math Activities! These games review topics from absolute value to finding the mean, median, mode, and range. My students love practicing their math skills because of their game-like nature!

Technology also offers flexibility. You can adapt on the fly, finding resources that suit your students’ needs in real time. Plus, it keeps students engaged – they’re used to screens, so why not use that to your advantage?

The online world and technology are your allies in the quest for math class success!

So whether you use these free online games as your lesson, or as an enticement for completing another assignment – your students will love them! Grab these free QR Codes that you can print or project to make accessing the free games a snap!

Flexibility and Adaptability are Two Keys to Successful Math Sub Plans

Let’s talk about a couple of superpowers you need in your collection – flexibility and adaptability. Trust me, they’re your secret sauce when the provided lesson plan decides to play hide-and-seek.

1. When Plans Fall Short: The Importance of Adaptability

So, you’re all prepped up with your lesson plan in hand, ready to rock that math class. But lo and behold, the plan is shorter than a tweet, and you’ve got an ocean of class time left. Panic mode? Nah, that’s not your style.

Here’s where adaptability comes into play. Instead of dwelling on what’s missing, you roll with the punches. You see that extra time as an opportunity, not a problem. Maybe you dive deeper into a topic, throw in some bonus math challenges, or encourage class discussions. Flexibility means you can adjust on the fly, ensuring that every minute is a valuable learning experience.

2. Strategies for Staying Engaging

Now, let’s chat about keeping those students engaged. When your original plan wraps up early, it’s your time to shine. Here are a couple of strategies to keep the classroom energy buzzing:

• Math Puzzles and Challenges: Go back to that stash of ready-to-use math puzzles and activities that you have at the ready. Who can solve it first? Pair the students up, and see which team can solve all of them first!
• Real-Life Math: Connect math to real life. Bring in some fun examples from the world outside the classroom. Math is everywhere, from cooking recipes to sports stats.
• Peer Teaching: Let students become the teachers for a bit. Pair them up and have them explain a concept to their peers. It’s a win-win – they learn, and you get a breather.

For more ideas on activities to prepare for your next substituting gig, check out Emergency Math Sub Plans for Middle School!

Remember, adaptability is the key. Instead of stressing about unplanned moments, embrace them as opportunities to make the math class even more exciting and engaging.

Building Confidence to Implement Math Sub Plans

Teaching math can sometimes feel like dancing on a tightrope over a pit of equations. You’ve got all it takes to be a math-teaching superstar sub, and it all starts with building your confidence.

1. Embrace Your Inner Math Whiz

First things first, you’ve got to embrace your inner math whiz. Remember, you don’t need to have a Ph.D. in mathematics to teach effectively. Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn alongside your students will start a ripple effect on your students.

2. Learn from the Masters (and Mistakes)

Confidence grows with knowledge. So, keep learning and improving your math skills. Dive into math resources, take online courses, and seek advice from experienced teachers. And yes, it’s okay to make mistakes. Every teaching day is a learning day. Every class you sub for is going to be different. Long-term subbing has its perks over the short-term subbing of a day or 2. Share your successes and even those classroom bloopers with fellow teachers. It’s how we all get better.

3. Personal Anecdotes: Confidence Boosters

If there is one thing my teaching experience has taught me it is this – when I enthusiastically dive into the topic headfirst, using real-life examples, the students not only enjoy it but they also excel in the lesson. I realized that confidence is contagious. When you believe in your ability to teach, your students will too.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Confidence isn’t built overnight. It’s a journey of small wins and occasional challenges. We all have been there after a long day subbing a class that thought it was recess all day. So, celebrate every small victory. When a student finally “gets it” or the class is buzzing with excitement, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. You’re making a difference.

Classroom Management Tips for Math Sub Plans

Whether you’re walking into a classroom with a rock-solid plan or just a glimmer of one, these classroom management tips will help you steer the ship like a pro.

1. The Art of Classroom Management

Think of classroom management as your tool for maintaining harmony and guiding your students on their educational journey. You’ll be using your skills to strike that perfect balance between structure and creativity in the classroom.

Maintaining order is a delicate balancing act. You create a calm and organized environment where students know what’s expected of them. When you’ve got that down, you’re free to focus on the fun part – keeping students engaged.

You use your enthusiasm and creative teaching techniques to capture their attention and curiosity. It’s all about making learning feel like an exciting adventure, not a chore.

Creating a productive learning atmosphere? It’s where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore the wonders of math. It’s where their questions are welcomed, their contributions are valued, and their potential is unleashed.

Want to know a secret? It’s not about being all-knowing from day one; it’s about continuous learning and growth. With practice and patience, you’ll find that classroom management isn’t just a skill. It’s a force that empowers you to become the teacher your students will always remember.

2. Keep It Positive and Friendly

Imagine stepping into the classroom like you’re walking into a grand, mysterious castle, and you’ve got the treasure map. That’s the kind of excitement and energy you want to bring. As you walk through that door, your smile becomes the golden key that unlocks the door to a world of learning.

You’re not just a substitute teacher but a guest expert who’s about to take these young minds on an incredible math journey. You’re a math wizard with a bag full of tricks and the ability to turn numbers and equations into magical discoveries.

Setting a positive tone from the very beginning is like laying out a welcoming red carpet. When your students see your smile and feel your warmth, it’s an invitation to join you on this math adventure. It tells them, “Hey, we’re in this together, and we’re going to have an amazing time.”

Your friendly vibe isn’t just about making you likable. It’s about creating an environment where students feel safe, comfortable, and excited to learn. When they sense your enthusiasm and approachability, they’re more likely to open up, ask questions, and actively participate.

3. Establish Clear Expectations in Math Sub Plans

Think of clear expectations as the roadmap to a successful journey. When you’re heading somewhere new, you need directions, right? The same goes for your classroom.

Setting those ground rules right from the start is giving them a trusty map. It tells them what to expect on this educational journey, what behaviors are encouraged, and how they can be active participants. It’s not about stifling their creativity or making the classroom feel like a strict regime. Instead, it’s about creating a safe and respectful space where everyone can thrive.

Now, when you’re clear about what you expect in terms of behavior, it’s like setting the boundaries on a playground. You’re saying, “Here’s how we’re going to play together nicely.” And trust me, students appreciate that. It removes the uncertainty and helps them feel secure, which, in turn, leads to better engagement and learning.

Participation? Let them know that their thoughts, questions, and ideas are not only welcomed but cherished. When students understand that their voices matter, they’re more likely to actively participate in discussions and activities.

And respect? That’s the glue that holds everything together. It’s about treating each other kindly, listening when someone’s speaking, and valuing everyone’s unique perspective. When respect becomes the classroom currency, you create an environment where students feel valued and supported.

4. Be Firm but Fair

Being firm doesn’t mean you have to morph into a stern-faced drill sergeant, barking orders and striking fear into your students’ hearts. That’s not the vibe we’re going for. Instead, think of being firm as being the guiding lighthouse, showing your students the way with unwavering confidence.

When you enforce the rules consistently and fairly, you’re creating a sense of order and predictability in your classroom. Everyone knows where they’re headed. Students can relax because they know what to expect.

When you’re firm but fair, you’re sending a message that you respect your students’ time and potential. You’re saying, “I’m here to help you learn and succeed.” Students pick up on that. They see that you’re not just about rules. You genuinely care about their growth and development.

Consistency is the key here. Always there, always reliable. When you apply the rules consistently and treat all students fairly, it builds trust. They know you’re not playing favorites, and that’s crucial in creating a positive classroom atmosphere.

Being firm but fair isn’t about being the tough guy or gal in the room. When they see that you mean business but also genuinely care about their learning, they’ll respect you for it.

5. Engage, Engage, Engage

When your students are excited and involved, you’re on your way to a fantastic learning journey.

Sometimes, the math sub plans you’re handed feel like they belong in a museum. It’s not connecting with your students, and the enthusiasm levels are closer to zero than infinity. No worries; it’s your time to shine.

Think on your feet. It’s like being the star of an improvisational show. Ask questions that make them ponder, and not just any questions – the kind that sparks curiosity and encourages critical thinking. Discussions are your secret. When students talk and share, they’re not just passive listeners. They’re active participants in the learning journey.

Make math relatable to their lives. Connect those seemingly abstract numbers and equations to their everyday experiences. Math isn’t just about solving problems on a piece of paper. It’s a tool for understanding the world around them. Show them how math is the language of science, technology, and even art.

For instance, bring in real-world examples. Talk about how math is used in sports stats, in cooking recipes, or even in building their favorite video games. Suddenly, math isn’t that intimidating!

And when all else fails. . . turn it into a game. Students of all ages love playing a game. So whether you divide them into teams that will earn points for answering questions or play a game of teach the teacher – you are sure to up the engagement factor with the mere mention of the word “game.”

6. Handle Challenges with Grace

Alright, let’s be real for a moment. Teaching isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, you hit a few rough waves. It’s like navigating through an especially rocky storm at sea.

A student starts acting out, disrupting the class like a mischievous wind stirring up chaos. Or maybe a question comes your way that feels like a math puzzle from another dimension – you’re not quite sure how to solve it. It happens to the best of us.

In those moments, the most important thing you can do is stay calm. Think of it as the eye of the storm, that tranquil center where you gather your thoughts and make a plan.

Address the issue calmly and directly. With disruptive behavior, let the student know that their actions aren’t acceptable, but do so with kindness and understanding. Sometimes, there might be underlying reasons for their behavior, and a gentle approach can work wonders.

And as for that tricky question, it’s okay not to have all the answers. You’re a teacher, not a walking math encyclopedia. Admit that you’re not sure, and turn it into a learning opportunity. You can say something like, “That’s an excellent question! Let’s explore it together.” It shows students that it’s okay not to know everything and that learning is an ongoing journey.

7. Seek Help When Needed

Teaching isn’t a solitary journey, but really, it’s a team sport. Think of it like a relay race, with each teacher passing the baton to the next. But sometimes, you hit a hurdle or two, and that’s when you need to call in reinforcements.

You’re in the classroom, and a situation arises that leaves you scratching your head. It could be a particularly challenging behavior issue, a complex student concern, or a teaching challenge that feels like a maze with no exit.

In those moments, remember that you’re not alone on this educational expedition. The regular teacher and the school staff are your trusty teammates, standing by to offer support and guidance.

Reaching out for assistance isn’t a sign of weakness. It demonstrates your dedication to providing the best possible learning experience for your students. It shows that you care deeply about their well-being and also their educational journey.

So, don’t hesitate to send an email, make a phone call, or pop your head into the staffroom. Share your concerns, ask for advice, and tap into the collective wisdom of your educational community. More often than not, you’ll find that others have faced similar challenges and can offer valuable insights and solutions.

Remember, my fellow educators, it takes a village to educate and nurture young minds. We’re all in this together, supporting one another on this incredible journey of teaching. So, if you ever find yourself in need of a helping hand, don’t be shy – reach out.

Get Your Math Sub Plans Now Before Entering the Classroom!

As mentioned earlier, make sure to grab your emergency math sub plans! This versatile resource is packed with engaging activities that will keep students on track when you can’t be in the classroom. Have these prepped and ready to go in case you walk into a classroom that does not have a lesson plan to greet you! Whether it’s a planned absence or a sudden emergency, these no-prep resources are your go-to solution. What’s even better? Many of the concepts covered in these activities serve as fantastic review material for your students.

And. . . don’t forget to grab your Free QR Codes so your students can quickly and easily access the free online math games.

You’ve Got This!

So, there you have it, fellow substitute teachers – your Math Sub Plans Survival Guide. We’ve journeyed through the importance of preparation, the power of communication, and the art of adaptability. We’ve explored resources to keep your emergency math sub plans ready and engaging.

Teaching math, especially in those unexpected moments, can be like embarking on a thrilling adventure. With the right tools and mindset, you’ll be able to guide your students through the math seas.

Remember, you’ve got the skills, the passion, and a treasure trove of resources at your fingertips too. Whether it’s making math relatable to their lives, handling challenging moments with grace, or seeking support when needed. You’re equipped to make a difference in those classrooms, one math problem at a time.

So, the next time you walk into a math class with no specific plans or plans that need a little extra oomph, embrace the challenge.

Smile, set clear expectations, be firm but fair, and keep those students engaged in the fascinating world of numbers.

And if you ever find yourself in uncharted waters, remember that teaching is a team effort. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other teachers or school staff for support – they’ve got your back.

So, here’s to the substitute teachers who step into the unknown with enthusiasm and a passion for teaching. Happy teaching, and may your math classes be filled with discovery, curiosity, and respectful engagement!

Save for Later!

Lastly, remember to save the post to your favorite math Pinterest board to gather ideas to prepare for your next substitute teaching gig!

The post Math Sub Plans Survival Guide: Navigating Unplanned Classes appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

Do you use mixed math practice regularly in your math classes? 

I know time is of the essence in trying to get through all of the curriculum before the end of the year (and sometimes by state testing time), but there are several good reasons to pause and take some time for mixed review……frequently.

OR, find ways to incorporate review on a daily basis.

In this post, we’ll look at reasons to use mixed math practice, when to use mixed math practice, what types of resources you can use and how often you should incorporate mixed math practice.

5 REASONS TO USE MIXED MATH PRACTICE

There are many reasons to use mixed math practice, and we’ll highlight five of those reasons here.

1) Mastery: Students master math concepts through repeated practice. We know students don’t always ‘get it’ the first time they learn new concepts. Sometimes they just aren’t ready…maybe they need more math experiences before a particular concept makes sense to them. 

• Coming back and reviewing gives them additional rounds of exposure and practice, leading to the “oh, now I get this!” moments and then to mastery.

2) Constant test prep: Reviewing concepts with mixed math practice is a way to be prepping for standardized tests throughout the school year. The more frequently students see a variety of problems, the more likely they’ll be to stop thinking they have to solve problems ‘the way they did it in class yesterday.’ And instead, tap into their flexibility with math and their problem solving skills.

3) Highlights areas each student has mastered, as well as the areas they are still uncertain about. Mixed practice can give you great data!

4) Gives a chance for problem solving: Whether there are word problems or just problems they aren’t sure of, students will need to make decisions about how to approach problems they haven’t been ‘trained’ to do in a certain way in recent math classes. 

• Maybe they’ll need to access their notes or interactive notebooks and do a little bit of research to remember how to solve.

5) Time: Even though review can take more time during your day or week,  I think it ultimately gives you time.

• Consistently reviewing can help save time when a new unit requires skills learned at the beginning of the school year (or even last school year). Reteaching time for those skills is reduced through review.
• Mixed math practice days can give you time to circulate, observe, and briefly work with students who are having difficulty in different areas.

WHEN TO USE MIXED MATH PRACTICE

As mentioned at the beginning of the post, it often seems nearly impossible to fit ALL of the curriculum into the days we have, much less use some of those precious days for review. 

So try to think about where these days could fit into your schedule fairly naturally. For me, these days included:

1) Sub days: I’d have my mixed math practice color by number sheets or task cards ready as emergency sub plans.

I never knew if the sub would be a math teacher or not. Before using mixed math practice as sub plans, I’d write detailed plans for the math lesson and then often come back to confused students. SO, you can avoid that possibility with the mixed review. 

• Yes, some students might have some trouble, but other students can help them and the sub can help them. They can also use their persistence and their research skills to try to figure out the answer. Or they can skip the problems they really can’t figure out, and you’ll have that data when you return.

2) Math centers: You could use one of your math centers as a review center, on a regular basis. 

3) The days before holidays or breaks when you just finished a unit and don’t want to start a new one before the break.

4) Fast Finishers: You know those fast finishers need something to do. Why not give them review? 

• Sometimes the fast finishers are those who are very good at math, but they need review too. 
• For the fast finishers who still need practice on certain concepts, the mixed math practice is perfect for them!

WHAT TYPES OF RESOURCES FOR MIXED MATH PRACTICE?

There are many types of resources, but of course I have a few favorites.

1. Color by number activities: these give students the practice AND the quiet, mindfulness time that coloring provides. 

I have several CBNs, for the different seasons (winter, fall, summer, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day).

See Mixed Math Color by Numbers

2. Task cards: I loved using my Footloose task cards because students could be moving and reviewing at the same time. 

• That little bit of movement helped them stay engaged.
• I have a couple sets of mixed practice task cards, but 
• I’d also take a few cards from my different sets and mix them together to create the mixed math practice for that session:-)

See Mixed math task cards

3. Mazes. I never used many of these, but they would be great for mixed practice. 

I did create one for Valentine’s Day one year:-)

See Valentine's Mixed Math Activities

4. Using daily math dates: This is another one of my favorites, because it’s every day, I can throw in whatever skills I want (fractions, decimals, multiplication facts, exponents, etc) and it doesn’t take a lot of time. 

You can read all about math dates in the math dates blog post!

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DO MIXED REVIEW?

As often as you can! 

Maybe that’s not a great answer, but I’m a firm believer in the idea of constant review (and spiral review). 

SO a few suggestions for frequency:

1. After every unit
2. Every time you do centers
3. Before or after the holiday breaks
4. Twice each marking period. Maybe you want to schedule these days into your planner to be sure you fit them in.
5. On a daily basis with something like the math dates, if you can

What do you think? Are you ready to get consistent about incorporating mixed math practice into your math classroom?

The post Five Reasons to Use Mixed Math Practice appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

Emergency sub plans for middle school math! 

• Do you have emergency sub plans?
• Will you need them? 

Chances are good that you WILL need them!

 

Your school district might require you to have a week, or even two weeks, of plans ready to go.

Or maybe you just want emergency plans ready, so you’re extra-prepared for anything that comes up!

What's the Best Approach for Emergency Sub Plans in Math?

What’s the best way to approach emergency sub plans for middle school math?

• If you’re like me, you don’t want your absence to cause your math students to ‘get behind’ in the curriculum…you don’t want things to be put on hold or to stop in the middle of a unit.
• BUT, you don’t always know who will be taking over your math class….will it be a math teacher or someone who has never taught math and isn’t comfortable with math?

If you must have the plans set at the beginning of the year, you can’t really include the specific content you’ll be teaching when those plans are needed. 

So what’s the best approach for sub plans? 

First off…if you do have to be out and there’s a test (or some other really critical item) scheduled for your first or second day of absence, I’d keep that on the schedule. Do whatever you can to be sure students get to take the test as scheduled.

• Make sure you’re prepped for the test a couple days before….copies made or links prepared, so no one has to scramble to take care of it that morning (or has to postpone it).

After the test, your sub can move on to the emergency plans.

• (I only mention prepping ahead because I was guilty of last-minute, ‘morning of’ prepping too often. Eventually, I started prepping my classroom for the next day before I left in the afternoon….writing the agenda on the board, being sure all copies were done, etc. Maybe you’re already great at being prepped ahead of time, but in case you’re not, I recommend getting into that habit:-)

OK, on to some emergency sub plan ideas…

Problem Solving Activities for Emergency Sub Plans

Problem solving is always an area that students can practice!
I typically include problem solving sheets requiring students to show all their math work AND do some writing, to explain how they arrived at their answers.
Some problem solving suggestions include:

• numberless problems
• problem solving that addresses standards from the previous year
• multi-step problems that incorporate basic operations
• logic puzzles

There are several free problem solving sheets here on this site. And, if you’ve been part of my email community for a while, you’ve received quite a few free problem solving sheets in my emails:-)

See Problem Solving Sets on TPT

Color by Number Activities for Emergency Sub Plans

Color by number activities are my favorite for sub plans:-) Once I started creating these, they were always part of my sub plans! 

If I was out for just a day, I’d include one for the math topic we were covering. 

However, in the emergency plans, I included mixed practice color by numbers, like this free one.

• Members of my email community received a free color by number every month for a while, so you might have several of these saved or still waiting in your inbox!

Click Here to See Mixed Math CBN Set on TPT

I also loved including Faceing Math activities. These incorporate drawing as well as coloring. They are so much fun and so creative! 

My own children brought these home as homework and got me hooked on them:-)

Other Activities for Emergency Sub Plans

Number Puzzles
Many students love number puzzles, and depending on the type, they can be excellent to help students problem solve, work on math fluency, develop persistence, and look for patterns.

• Sudoku
• KenKen Puzzles
• Math Dates Number Puzzles 

See Math Dates Number Puzzles on TPT

Review Lessons

If you have time, creating review lessons focused on areas of student need could be very beneficial.

At the beginning of the year, you might do a pre-assessment of math skills needed for your grade level. Review lessons would then focus on those skills students seemed to have the most difficulty with.

• In 6th grade, students have always needed extra fraction and decimal practice, so I’d include those in review lessons. You could grab a few practice sheets with the free Fraction Review Toolkit.

Computer Time as Part of Sub Plans

If this is a possibility, I’d recommend having students work on whatever program your school may use…students can complete a lesson every day or two that you’re out.  Fluency lessons and review lessons are great options.

If your district doesn’t have a particular program, Kahn Academy is always great!
There are also several free activities on my math activity site.

Do Your Emergency Sub Plans Need to Be Digital?

If you’re teaching virtually, your sub plans may need to have a digital component. If it’s possible for students to print some of the math activities and interact on paper, I think that would be great.

However, students can still complete many of these suggested math sub plan activities on the computer. 

• Digital color by numbers
• Digital puzzles
• Problem solving uploaded to Google Slides or put into Google Forms
• Digital task cards (Google, Boom)

I hope you can use some of these ideas for your sub plans!

For more tips about handling sub days, listen in to the Substitutes in the Classroom podcast episode!

See all the resources discussed in this post in the Emergency Sub Plans Bundle!

Click here

The post Emergency Sub Plans for Middle School Math appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.