Whether you’re prepping for a new math teacher position or looking for a fresh approach to teaching equivalent ratios, this post has you covered. I’m sharing two helpful videos that walk you through key teaching strategies. I also include the Equivalent Ratios, Ratio Tables resource, which makes your next lesson simple to plan and effective to teach. Whether you’re a first-time math teacher or a seasoned educator looking to shake things up, this combination is a great way to boost your confidence and get your students thinking deeply about ratios.

Watch the Videos for A Step-by-Step Breakdown of Equivalent Ratios

Start by watching both videos. The first video introduces what equivalent ratios are using ratio tables and double number lines. These are visuals that make it easier for your students to see the relationship between quantities. You’ll hear familiar examples like batches of cookies and cups of flour. This helps to tie abstract math concepts to everyday thinking.

In the second video, you’ll see how to walk through a practice page from my Equivalent Ratios resource with your students. The pacing is intentional. Each problem is modeled step-by-step with explanations of why each move works. It’s a great tool whether you’re planning whole group instruction, prepping for a small group, or just reviewing the topic.

What The Equivalent Ratios Resource Covers

After introducing the concept in a whole-group lesson, I like to use the Equivalent Ratios Ratio Tables Lesson to keep the momentum going. The resource includes a clear, teacher-guided notes page that mirrors what I model in the video. Your students will follow along as they explore examples. Then, they move into a practice page with a variety of ratio table problems that require computation and reasoning.

From there, your students will encounter real-world scenarios that push them to apply what they’ve just learned. They will solve problems about eggs in cartons, minutes and hours, money earned per hour, and more. These problems aren’t just surface-level math. They help your students see the value of ratios in their daily lives. It also gives you multiple opportunities to reinforce how multiplicative relationships work.

There’s also an exit ticket included. The exit slip makes it easy to check for understanding at the end of the lesson or as a quick warm-up. Everything in the resource is scaffolded. It’s just enough to support your learners while still challenging them to think critically about the ratios they’re working with.

Bonus Tip: Emphasize the “Why”

As you work through this lesson, take time to highlight why we multiply or divide both parts of a ratio by the same number. It might seem like a small thing, but this step is where a lot of our students get tripped up. When our students understand the why, they can better transfer their knowledge to more complex problems later.

I’ve found that modeling a few non-consecutive examples helps drive this point home. It discourages our students from simply adding down the column, and instead nudges them to focus on multiplicative reasoning. I also loved having my students create their own tables based on something they care about. Some might analyze the time playing video games compared to chores, or how long it takes to run a certain number of laps. These personal connections make the math feel more real.

Equivalent Ratios Made Simple

These videos and the equivalent ratios resource go hand in hand to help you teach with more clarity and confidence. You’ll have a toolkit of strategies that help your students reason through problems, represent their thinking visually, and apply their understanding in a meaningful way. If you’re ready to strengthen your ratios unit, this is the perfect place to start or refresh.

Save for Later

Ready to teach equivalent ratios with confidence but not quite there yet? Be sure to save this post to your favorite teaching Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re planning your ratios unit. That way, when you’re ready to dive in, you’ll have everything—videos, explanations, and a complete, ready-to-go resource right at your fingertips.

The post How to Confidently Teach Equivalent Ratios appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

As summer break gets closer, it’s no secret that your students start checking out mentally, emotionally, and sometimes even physically. The combination of warmer weather, changing schedules, and the excitement of what’s coming next can make it harder to keep your students focused on learning. This time of year doesn’t have to feel like a lost cause. With a few intentional shifts, you can hold on to student engagement and end the school year on a high note. The key is meeting your students where they are. You need to offer movement and meaningful tasks that keep their minds active and their energy directed in a positive way. Let’s take a look at some examples!

Tackle Spring Fever With Student Engagement Strategies

Spring fever tends to show up in full force with middle schoolers. One moment, they’re laughing uncontrollably. The next, they’re gazing out the window with a far-off look in their eyes. Rather than fight the energy, embrace it and find ways to channel it positively.

Try standing math rotations where your students solve problems posted around the room. Add in task cards or QR code challenges to keep them moving while staying academically focused. Even a “roam and solve” activity where your students travel in pairs to tackle problems posted in hallway spaces can make the lesson feel new and exciting.

Another great option is to take learning outside. Bring clipboards, dry-erase boards, or sidewalk chalk for an outdoor math review session. You could turn the playground or courtyard into a coordinate grid, use sidewalk spaces as a small group work space, or have your students solve problems relay-style. That fresh air and novelty will go a long way in resetting their focus.

Boost Student Engagement During Testing Season

Testing season often comes with unpredictable schedules, long testing blocks, and drained students. Once the tests are over for the day, it’s tempting to let things slide. That’s when your students need connection the most.

Keep student engagement up by offering quick, low-pressure activities that let your students shift gears. Try math brainteasers, logic puzzles, or color-by-number review activities. Build in creativity by letting your students design their own math questions based on recent topics. Give them a twist by telling them that the class will solve the top three at the end of the class period or day.

This is also a great time to introduce math breaks with a purpose. A few rounds of math trivia, a joke contest with math puns, or group challenges can reenergize your students while reinforcing number sense. You don’t need a full lesson plan. Just meaningful moments of math woven into fun.

Use Review Games to Reinforce Concepts and Increase Student Engagement

By the end of the year, your students will have a strong foundation in most concepts. They just need to solidify and apply them. Review games are the perfect solution. They’re fast-paced, engaging, and easy to differentiate on the fly.

Consider creating a digital “Spin and Solve” game using a virtual spinner and a set of problems tied to key topics. And. . . don’t worry about coming up with questions. Just grab a set of task cards and you’ll have just what you need.

You could also run a “Review Olympics” where your students rotate through stations that cover different math concepts, such as fractions, decimals, or geometry, earning points as they go.

Classic games like Jeopardy, Bingo, and Trashketball can also get a second life with themed versions. Make it personal by including student names or classroom memories in the questions.

If you need something quick and low-prep, use sticky notes on the whiteboard with point values on the back. Then, have your students solve a problem, pick a sticky, and reveal their points. It turns every day review into something they’ll genuinely look forward to.

Incorporate Choice to Strengthen Student Engagement

One of the most effective ways to keep your students invested in their learning is to let them choose how they engage. When given options, your students feel empowered and take more ownership of the process. That’s exactly what’s needed in the final stretch of the year.

Set up a math choice board with tasks like:

• Create a math comic strip that shows someone solving a real-world problem.
• Write and solve three multi-step problems based on a favorite hobby or game.
• Build a digital escape room or quiz using review questions from the year.

You can also use “Choose Your Own Challenge” days. These days are when your students decide whether to work independently, with a partner, or in a group. Offer tools like task cards, manipulatives, whiteboards, or online platforms. Let them decide which works best for them. Even small choices like selecting the order of problems or the tools used can make a big impact on engagement.

Make Math Meaningful For Student Engagement

As summer approaches, your students need to be reminded why math matters. Real-world projects can bring purpose back into your lessons and help your students see the bigger picture. That’s what student engagement is really all about: making learning matter.

Try a “Plan a Vacation” project. Your students can use math to budget a trip, calculate distances, and determine daily expenses. You can also have them design their own summer-themed board game that includes math questions from units studied throughout the year.

A favorite among middle schoolers is creating Dream Room Makeovers or Tiny House Designs, where they use area, perimeter, volume, and budgeting skills. For a collaborative option, assign groups to a local business and have them plan a sales strategy using data analysis and percentages.

Projects like these are fun and meaningful. They help your students apply everything they’ve learned. They can also walk away with a sense of pride in their work.

Add Fun Transitions and Daily Rituals

Your students thrive on structure, even when they act like they don’t. That’s why adding predictable but fun routines at the start and end of class can help reestablish consistency. Plus, it gives your students something to look forward to.

You can start class with a Math Mystery each day. This could be a short story problem with a clever twist. You can also post a Which One Doesn’t Belong number set to spark discussion. End class with a one-minute celebration, like a class cheer or math shout-out for someone who showed persistence.

You can also build engagement with weekly themes:

• Math Music Monday: Solve problems while listening to instrumental music.
• Twist-it Tuesday: Students must solve a problem, but explain it wrong and let peers catch the error.
• Wacky Word Problem Wednesday: Use silly or creative stories to build problem-solving stamina.

These routines don’t take long to implement, but they do build connection and consistency, which is exactly what your students need this time of year.

Wrap-Up Projects as a Tool for Student Engagement

The end of the year is a perfect time for reflection, celebration, and creativity. Wrap-up projects give your students a chance to look back at everything they’ve learned. It also gives them another chance to demonstrate it uniquely and personally.

Assign a “Math Year-in-Review” scrapbook or digital portfolio where your students highlight key topics. They can show off their favorite strategies and reflect on what helped them grow. Another option is a “Teach the Teacher” activity where your students take turns leading mini-lessons on a concept they’ve mastered.

Consider hosting a class-wide Math Expo. Your students can present their projects gallery-style. They can walk around to view each other’s work. Whether digital or paper-based, these types of projects reinforce understanding. They give your students a sense of closure and accomplishment.

Additional Resources

• Fun Math Activities for Middle School
• 11 Little Things to Make Math Fun
• Middle School Math Games Your Students Will Love

Student Engagement as the Year Ends

The final weeks of school can be unpredictable, but they don’t have to be unproductive. By leaning into strategies that prioritize student engagement, movement, choice, creativity, and connection, you can guide your students to the finish line with energy and enthusiasm. This season offers a chance to reinforce content, confidence, collaboration, and curiosity. With the right mix of structure and fun, your students can leave for summer break feeling successful and excited about what they’ve learned.

Save for Later

Remember to save this post to your favorite math Pinterest board for quick access to these strategies to keep student engagement high as the end of the year approaches!

The post End of the Year Activities to Increase Student Engagement 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!

Save for Later

Remember to save this to your favorite teacher Pinterest board. That way you’ll have access to this new middle school teacher guide for when you start planning!

The post New Middle School Teacher Guide to the First Days of School appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

I love to call the beginning of fall the sweet spot of that first quarter of school. At that point, you and your students have successfully navigated through setting up expectations and practicing them until they’re second nature. You’ve found your teaching rhythm with your new group of kiddos and are diving into the material. Some students transition into this mode more easily than others. In those weeks after the “back to school” crazy dies down, I’m ready to jump into some fall activities for middle school students. Today, I’m sharing a few of my go-to activities that keep my students engaged and enthusiastic!

Are Middle Schoolers too Old for Seasonal Activities?

Before we dive into the fall activities, let’s chat about themed seasonal activities. Some people might think middle schoolers are too old for them, but I completely disagree! In my experience, seasonal activities are just as effective with older kids as they are with the little ones. They add a layer of fun and excitement that really helps to capture our students’ interest and create a sense of buy-in.

When I incorporate a theme, it gives the lesson a sense of freshness. It makes the content feel new and engaging, which is especially important for our students who might be a bit harder to motivate. Plus, seasonal activities help build a sense of community in the classroom. When everyone is participating in the same fun, it fosters a feeling of togetherness and shared experience.

Our middle schoolers may act cool, but deep down, they still love a bit of whimsy and creativity. Themed seasonal activities tap into that, making learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. So, I don’t shy away from bringing in those fall activities for middle school students or any other themed activity. They’re a fantastic way to keep students engaged and excited about learning!

Fun and Effective Fall Activities for Middle School Students

Let’s explore some of my favorite fall activities for middle school students. These are the ones I have used to keep my middle schoolers engaged, but they go beyond just engagement. They are also the activities that are effective in helping students learn, practice, and master the target skill. These activities have been tried and tested in my classroom and they never fail to bring a little extra excitement to our lessons.

Fall Math Footloose Task Cards – A Great Mixed Review

One of my favorite fall activities for keeping my students engaged and active is the mixed review students get using these Fall Math Footloose Task Cards. They are a game-changer when it comes to making math review sessions dynamic and fun. They get my students up and moving while tackling a variety of math concepts. I love the mixed review, because it helps to keep concepts fresh in their minds and I can see who might be struggling with previously taught concepts.

I spread the 30 fall-themed math task cards around the room, each featuring a different problem to solve. These tasks cover a range of topics from solving word problems to multiplying two-digit numbers to dividing with single-digit divisors, and more.

The students move from card to card, solving each of the problems. Their answer sheet has space for them to work out the problem and show their answer. This setup turns a standard review session into an interactive activity. The kids move around the room, collaborating and sharing strategies, which not only helps with their understanding but also keeps their energy levels high. It’s amazing to see how much more engaged they are when they can incorporate movement into their learning.

I have used these task cards for partner work and independent practice. It depends on what works best for your classroom dynamic on any given day. Whether the students are working together or tackling problems on their own, these cards bring a fresh twist to mixed math reviews, making them much more enjoyable and effective. Plus, the fall theme adds a festive touch that the students really appreciate.

Color By Number: Fall Activities for Middle School Students

If you find yourself saying “color by number” followed by a big question mark, please don’t tune out just yet. My middle school students love color by number activities and they have for years. Still not sure? Check out my blog post called Can Big Kids Love Color by Number? That post dives into all the reasons that I have been able to use color by number activities successfully with students for years. And. . . don’t worry about those being watered-down activities. High quality, rigorous math can come in a color by number format. Let’s take a look at some.

Least Common Multiple Color By Number

Another fantastic fall activity I love to use is math color by number activities. This particular one is finding the least common multiple (LCM). These are a blast and definitely beat regular math worksheets! Coloring isn’t just for fun. It brings a sense of mindfulness to my math classes, which can be especially beneficial for our middle school kiddos. Plus, coloring in math has been shown to help our reluctant students feel more comfortable with the subject. It’s a win-win!

For this specific color by number activity, students solve 15 – 20 problems related to finding the LCM of two or three numbers. They also tackle word problems that require them to find the LCM. Once they solve a problem, they find the answer on the coloring sheet and then color in the corresponding section. This activity is available in both print and digital versions because I have kiddos who prefer the paper format while others do better online. This makes these fall activities super flexible to fit different classroom setups.

I love the differentiation these activities offer with three different print versions. This way, I can easily adjust the difficulty level to meet the needs of all my students. These activities turn what could be a monotonous worksheet into an engaging and calming experience. My students enjoy the break from the usual routine, and it’s wonderful to see them more relaxed and focused.

Fraction Operations Color By Number

This fractions color by number activity is one I use to practice fraction operations. The color by number format is way more engaging than a regular fractions worksheet! I’ve also found that when a concept is difficult for students, the opportunity to color between problems provides a nice small brain break that allows them to work at full capacity through the entire assignment.

In this color by number activity, students solve each of the fraction problems. Once they have their answer, they use the code to color the corresponding spaces on the coloring page. This way, it’s a self-checking activity, which means less grading for us and instant feedback for our students.

In this activity, our students solve 15 fraction operations problems that require them to add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions. Students love seeing the picture come to life as they work through the problems, which keeps them engaged and motivated. The visual and hands-on nature of coloring helps reinforce their understanding and makes the practice feel less like work and more like a creative project.

I’ve found that this activity is perfect for a variety of settings. We could do a quiet individual practice session or a more collaborative group activity. It brings a sense of calm and focus to the classroom, which is always a plus.

Fall Early Finisher Activity

If there is one teacher problem that is common in every classroom it is trying to find a way to answer the inevitable question: “I’m done! Now what?” I’m pretty sure that every teacher has heard them at one time or another. Having a plan for students who finish their work is an important part of any classroom management system.

Early finisher activities help to keep students engaged and working so that the rest of the class has time to complete the assignment. There are many things that you can add as an early finisher activity. In my classroom, I have a designated place for these activities. They conveniently sit right by the place where students turn in their work. Students know that when they turn in their assignment, they choose one of the early finisher activities and return to their seat to get started. Sometimes these take multiple class periods for a student to finish, and that’s fine. The goal is to give them something productive to do while the rest of the class is working.

Not all of the activities in my early finisher area are math based. These big kid coloring pages are always a hit. I change them out throughout the year and always like to include a seasonal option or two. They are a great way for students to get a little creativity in while also reaping the amazing benefits of coloring.

And. . . if you have these in your teacher toolbox, you might want to pull some out on testing days too. Whether a chapter test or a long day of standardized testing, these pages are a great way for students to relax while remaining quiet while other students finish up.

Need More Fall Activities for Middle School Students?

For more fun fall activities, check out my blog post Engaging Fall Activities for Middle School.

And. . . remember to save this post to your favorite teacher Pinterest board for when you need fall activities to engage your middle schoolers!

The post Enhance Learning With Fall Activities for Middle School Students appeared first on Cognitive Cardio Math.

Fall Activities Found!
Middle school students still like those fun seasonal activities:-)

Many years ago (I have no idea how many) I used a graph paper coloring activity with my middle-schoolers. I don’t remember where the idea came from, and I had even forgotten that I ever used it!
However, I was looking through an old “November” file to find some ideas for a fun activity for a sub day, and found the tracers and examples in my file.

When I found it, I DID remember that the kids REALLY enjoy this activity. My 6th grade students had fun creating the pictures and deciding what colors to include. (My sample pumpkin below only uses orange, green and brown, but students could use ANY colors they want.)

So, I gathered materials (graph paper, tracers, colored pencils, thin black markers, construction paper) and left them for the sub, with the directions below.

Fall Pictures with Graph Paper

Instructions:

1. Students take one piece of graph paper (I use the tiny squares, but younger students could use larger ones).
2. Place the tracer under the graph paper and trace the outline and details of the shape.
3. Color the squares with different shades, alternating light and dark (colored pencils work much better than markers), or different colors.
4. When finished, outline in black, and go over the detail lines in a darker color.
5. Cut out and glue onto construction paper.

This is a great way to create attractive pictures any time and is an engaging activity for fast finishers, a center activity or just a fun day.

I was just so excited to find it again that I thought I’d share:-) 

You can select the button below to download the tracers.

Download the Tracers

Free Cross Number Puzzle
I also left academic activities for the sub:

• The FREE math cross number puzzle pictured here
• Fall math color by number 
• Fall Footloose math task cards
  
• Fall Multi-Digit Multiplication Color by Number

The color by number and Footloose task cards are both mixed math practice and great to use for review any time. (I used them in 6th grade math.)

Additional Fall Resource for Middle School

If you also teach language arts, I have a great Parts of Speech color by answer for you!

In this activity, students decide on the parts of speech of words, based on the context of the sentences they’re in. 

• Then they color according to the part of speech they chose as their answer.

I hope you can use some of these fall activities!

There are also a few new (2025) Halloween math activities below, in case you’d like to include some coloring fun with Halloween math practice. 

• Each resource includes a question page, color by number page, and coloring page with no numbers, just for fun.
• Each resource also includes a Halloween logic puzzle!

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Making Math Stations Work in 40-Minute Class Periods

I taught elementary school for 12 years and I loved my math centers (or math stations, as you might call them)! They were great. They provided my students with focused practice time for the skills we had learned.  When I moved to middle school I wanted that same thing for my students.  But I found myself asking “Can I have math centers in middle school?” Keep reading to find out how I made it happen.

Math class was always an hour, and we had five computers in the classroom, so having a computer center was always an option.

Then I moved to middle school. Math class was 44 minutes (minus time for switching classes…..so more like 40 minutes). How could I fit more than two math station rotations in a 40-minute period?? 

I longed for block scheduling (our district has never had it)…that would make it so much easier to complete math center rotations!

For the first year or two of middle school, I kind of gave up on the idea of math centers…the activities I wanted students to complete took longer than 20 minutes. So, the class period would be enough time to finish two math station rotations, IF students started the second they walked in the door and then had no time to clean up/organize at the end of class.

But eventually I needed to get my math centers back, so I experimented with a few different set-ups. After a little trial and error I landed on a structure that works and makes math centers in middle school work.

Math Center Structure

I willingly admit that I have not found a perfect solution….40 minutes is just too short a time-period for math class!

However, I’ve figured out what works for me, and maybe it can work for you too, if you also have short math classes.  It might not be perfect but there are so many benefits to having math centers in middle school math classes.  So here’s the solution I use.

My math centers are:

• One center per day
• 30 minutes a day
• For 3-4 days, depending on the topic

Assigning Math Center Groups and Tasks

There are many ways to group students and assign tasks, but these are the grouping/activity options I normally stick to:
1) When we only do three days, I create six groups and prepare two sets of materials for some tasks.

• Students will all complete three tasks over the course of the three days, but they might not all complete the same three…it depends on the topic, their needs, and my goals.
• The image below has two different examples of how I might assign the tasks.

2) When we do four days, I create four to six groups (if my class size is the usual 27-30).

• If I have only four groups, I usually assign them each a different task and then rotate through those tasks over the four days.
• If I have five or six groups, then I’ll have two groups complete the same task on the same day, similar to the three-day example.

Fast Finishers During Math Centers

My math students are not ability-grouped, so they finish activities at various times.

• I decided that I have to be ok with some students/groups finishing early and others not finishing (or finishing during a free, non-math period).
• Doing one math center a day, for about 30 minutes allows for some flexibility here.

If group members finish early, they can do the following:

1) Finish another center activity, if they had something unfinished.  

2) Complete a math color by number from our “finished early” resource bin.

3) Answer the math trivia cards – a set that isn’t one of the center activities. (click here to grab this free resource!)

4) Use the pentominoes that we use on the first day of math class – there are always students who want to complete this challenge!

5) Use a technology source for additional math practice, if extra computers are available.

Before Using Math Centers in Middle School

Just like when I was in an elementary classroom, before we start using math centers in middle school, I make sure students have a complete understanding of expected behavior AND of the activities they’ll be completing.

• We complete the different activities together with different concepts at the beginning of the year, and then I use those activities in the centers, using some of the same ones each time.

Six Activities for Math Centers in Middle School

The math center activities I typically use are:

1) Footloose task cards:
Students are up and around the room for this, so I typically assign only one or two groups per day. (I’ve added a bunch of Google Slides versions of these for more options:-) Read more about Footloose activities here.

2) Math Truth or Dare Game
(with paper and pencil):
This version is a group game, so I only assign one group per day, for less “noise” in the room. They have to talk, and they definitely have fun with this one! 

OR Google Truth or Dare:
I created digital versions of these math games. This allows two different groups to complete the same activity, but one group can use whatever technology we have available.

• This version could be played by group members independently or in teams.
• Learn more about Truth or Dare math games here.

I have these on a website now too = more options!

3) Color by Number:
This is a quiet activity that provides some self-checking practice. Students can also check answers with their group members if they’d like.

• (Students often don’t finish the coloring during the center time, so I have them complete all the problems first and then color….they can come back to the coloring if they finish an activity early on another day.)

• I’ve added digital versions of these….great for students who are absent and easy to use the activity with two different center groups.

4) Math Doodle Wheels:
I use this as a teacher-guided center sometimes, but I can also use the wheels as an independent center for review – students can copy the notes and complete the practice on their own.

• Coloring is similar to color by number – that part is last and they can return to it later.

• These math wheels get added to students’ binders to keep for the year, so they can finish coloring any time they finish something early.
• Learn more about this note-taking method in this post.

5) Problem Solving: 
I make this a collaborative center (I love when students have math conversations!), but it could also be independent work. 

6) Math Trivia Cards:
This is a fun activity to practice more general knowledge, with less calculation involved.

• Students can just quiz each other and share correct answers, or they can record their answers to be checked later. 
• There are three sets: Numbers and Operations, Geometry, and Algebraic Concepts (link to download them is below.)

As you can see, some of the center rotations require students to work together, while others allow them to work independently.

• I like to have this mix, so students can share ideas and solving methods but also have time to work with the concepts and skills on their own. 
• I also like to compare the work they did alone with the work they completed with others:-)

What to Do With Finished Math Center Work

When students complete a center assignment, I have them put that assignment into a specific tray in my classroom.

• I go through the trays at the end of each day and use my checklist to record who has handed in their work.
• I do grade all of the math center activities….sometimes it takes me quite a while!!

Activity Sets for Math Centers in Middle School

I have sets of 4-5 math center activities for each of the topics below, so these are the ones I use/have used. However, I don’t use all of them every year…because, time! 

I pick and choose based on student needs, time of year, etc. 

To check out the center activities, click the images below.

(I have 2-3 activities for many other topics, but won’t bundle those until I have 4-5.)

Have fun with your math centers in middle school!  They can change the look and feel of your classroom AND change how your students feel about math.

Access the Math Trivia Cards

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I have been teaching for more than 20 years. If you have been teaching for a long time, then like me, you may have used a certain strategy or instructional tool for a period of time, and then for some reason, stopped using it. Then after another period of time, you came back to it and wondered WHY you stopped in the first place!  For me, this happened recently with self checking math activities.

The other day I made 20 copies of my Footloose answer key and had the students correct their own papers. They had worked on the Footloose activity for part of yesterday’s class and then finished during today’s.

I was surprised by the thoughts that went through my brain as they were correcting – the main one being – “When did I stop doing this?!”

I do have students check their homework answers with the answers shown on the board, but I don’t give them each a detailed answer sheet to use, and I rarely have them grade their own classwork.  That’s about to change and here’s why.

Four Ways That Self Correcting Math Activities Can Benefit Students

Here are my re-discoveries related to students correcting their own math work.

1. Students Asked More Questions

Students asked me more questions when checking their work with my answer key. Since they were working at their own pace and checking individually, they seemed to be more comfortable with verifying whether or not their phrases were acceptable. I didn’t have every possible phrasing option on my key. Students who wouldn’t normally raise their hands to ask in front of the class were comfortable asking me questions during this time.

2. Students Saw the Correct Work Modeled

When creating a detailed answer key, step-by-step correct work is modeled. Because I had several options for phrases on my answer sheet, students had to read each one to see if theirs was on the sheet, giving them a little more exposure to correct options. I also had the steps for evaluating each expression, so they could go line by line and have those steps reinforced, as they compared the work to their own.

3. Students Found Their Own Mistakes

With self checking math activities, students find their OWN mistakes, rather than me finding them.

I heard comments like:

• “I copied the problem wrong,”
• “I said 3 x 3 was 6!”
• “Oh, I put division for product.”

And I realized as I did years ago – it makes so much more sense to them when THEY see the difference between the correct work and the mistake they made, rather than ME finding it. This left me asking myself “do they really know why I circle a mistake that they made on their paper if they don’t take the time to ask me?”

When they find the mistake, they know what happened. I don’t need to be the only one making those types of connections and observations. They need to make them too.

4. Increased Student Engagement

As students were checking their work, they were more engaged than ever! By giving them the answer key and the responsibility – they took ownership in the process. It was fun to see them with their pens or colored pencils, pointing at their papers, question by question, making sure they were being accurate in their grading of themselves. They were also very responsible in writing the correct answer accurately. I have them write the correct answers, using pen or a colored pencil, so the change stands out.

Add Some Self Checking Math Activities to Your Lesson Plans

I don’t know what prompted me to copy the answer keys and turn this into a self checking math activity, but I’m so glad I did! I was quickly reminded of all the benefits. You can guarantee we will be doing this more often in my classroom. It’s wonderful to be reminded of forgotten/lost practices that help students to think just a bit more.

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Use the Date for Daily Math Review and Math Thinking in Middle and Upper Elementary Classes

                                                Updated 5/2020

In 2015, I started adding a little extra daily math review into my classes. How did I do this, I use the date! 

I know it sounds crazy, but this daily math review using the date is so easy to do. And. . . you can review a variety of math skills with your students.

Keep reading to find out how you can quickly and easily add daily math review in your class too!

How to Use the Date for Daily Math Review, Method 1:

Use all the digits in the date to create an equation.

The ‘rules’ for creating the equations are fairly simple:

• The digits stay in the same order they are in the date; so for Feb 2, 2016, the digits are 2 2 2016. 

• Any operation signs and parentheses can be added in between any digits.
• The equal sign can also be placed between any digits.
• Digits can be used as exponents, as shown in the example in the image. 
• You can add square roots signs if you can find a way to use them.

How to Use the Date for Daily Math Review, Method 2:

 Write the date so that each number in the date is an expression to evaluate.

For example, for the date February 8, 2016:

• The 2 for February can be written as the cube root of 8

• The 8th can be 2 cubed
• The ’16’ for 2016 can be 64 divided by 4

When to Use the Date for Daily Math Review

It can be challenging to add ‘another thing’ to math class, but using the dates for math review can take as much or as little time as you want.

• Some days you might just put the date on the board (or use a calendar card for your calendar) for students to observe and mentally note that the expression is equal to the numbers in the date (this is even great in a non-math class!).
• Other days you might use the date as a warm-up and ask students to show you their solutions.
• You could even add the dates into your math centers. 

However you incorporate this type of math review, it’s a great way to provide daily math review. You can address equivalent expressions and MANY other concepts as a type of spiral review throughout the entire year.

It’s so much fun watching students write these in the corner of their notebooks during class even when that was not the assignment.  And. . . during last period students ask to write the equation or expression for the next day. This lets me know that they enjoy both solving and creating the equations and expressions.

Five Benefits of Using the Date for Math Review

What I love about including math dates as a daily review is that they:

1. Are quick
2. Can be solved at any time (beginning of class, finished early time, closing of class, or in homeroom)
3. Help kids to expand their number sense and use some “out of the box” thinking
4. Help improve students’ understanding of equivalent expressions
5. Can be differentiated to challenge students:

• Students can create their own expressions 
• Students can evaluate the entire expression (using the bars as division signs – a student did this on his own one day!)
• If you happen to make a “mistake,” students can find it and correct it. 🙂

6. EXTRA Math Benefits of Using the Date

Some other fantastic benefits of using the Math Dates for daily math review are that you can:
Introduce Math Concepts

• Introduce notations or concepts students haven’t seen before, like the cube root or exponent rules. 
• As you discuss the date in class, a quick overview of a particular concept can help set students up for greater success when it comes time to teach the concept in the course of the curriculum (especially if they’ve seen it in several different dates!).

Reinforce Math Concepts or Facts You Want to Target

• Reinforce some basic concepts, like the meaning of exponents. I don’t know about your students, but mine often forget that 2 cubed means 2 x 2 x 2, not 2 x 3. Using the exponents in the date keeps bringing that concept back for review. 
• In 2017, I used the ‘year part’ of the date to reinforce that 51 is divisible by 3 – this was such a huge help to students who thought 51 was prime.

If your students are struggling to retain a certain concept, give the math dates a try – work that concept into the date.

Where Can You Find Math Dates Created for You?

I post math dates in my Facebook group AND send them to my email community every week. 

Feel free to join my group or subscribe to my emails to have the dates done for you.

I put together Math Dates resources for you to use throughout the year – these have been published by individual months and as a year-long resource on TPT. These are great for middle schoolers and have a BUNCH of number puzzles included as well.

I’ve also added a year of dates for upper elementary math.

How do you include more daily math review and math thinking in the middle school classroom?

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Order of Operations Activity for 5th and 6th Grade Math

Are you looking for an easy, effective and FREE order of operations activity to help students practice order of operations in math class?

 

Early last week, I was trying to think of a different kind of activity to help my middle school math students who needed more reinforcement with order of operations. So I decided to make a sequencing activity.

I hadn’t tried this before, so I wasn’t sure about the best way to design it. But the activity ended up working very well. 

This post shares how I put this math activity together and used it with my 6th grade math classes.

Activity Design

For this order of operations activity, I created 8 different expressions, and then typed out the steps to simplify each expression. You can see what this looks like farther down in the post.

To prepare the activity for the students:
1) I copied the expressions and steps onto different colored papers, so that two expressions would be on the same color.
2) I cut the steps apart into strips, and then put two expressions and their steps (of the same colored paper) into a baggie.

• I figured if I put only one equation in a baggie, the activity would be too simple.
• If I put two expressions of two different colors, it would be too easy.
• So I went with two expressions in the same color. That way they’d have to do some sorting of the expressions.:-)

Using the Order of Operations Sequencing Activity

I put 3 baggies (6 different expressions and their order of operations steps) into a manila envelope for each group.

• Groups were mostly just partners, with an occasional group of 3.

I typed directions to include in the envelopes, and asked students to do their best to follow those directions before asking for clarification.

• Some of the students worked on this activity, while others completed different activities. So, I needed them to try to work through the directions themselves, before I got to each group to discuss with them. 

Some students needed additional instruction, while others did not.

After students put the steps into the correct order, they had to write those steps onto a recording sheet, pictured below.

In each of my math classes, students worked on this activity for about 15-20 minutes. 

• Some groups completed all 6 expressions, while others completed only 2-3. 
• A few more minutes would have been helpful for those students who didn’t complete as many expressions, but I can revisit the activity with those students this week.

I will definitely use this again next year:)

Download the free Order of Operations Activity

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Observations During the Metric Conversions Matching Activity

Metric Conversions Problem Solving

Additional Resources to Practice Metric Conversions

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