Math Wheels for Note-taking?

Engaging Middle School Games & Activities

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Do you believe that one of the best ways to learn in middle school is by using a variety of games and activities? If so, then we agree!

It’s just more engaging, and sometimes students don’t even realize how much they’re learning!

While any game that helps kids learn is a winner in my book, I have some wonderful middle school games and activities I’ve created to use at home or in the classroom.

Looking for middle school games for math and ELA - this blog post has what you need

Truth or Dare Middle School Math (and ELA) Games

Do you remember playing Truth or Dare when you were younger? Well, I’ve brought the concept to the classroom by taking math (and ELA) concepts and creating questions that are:

  1. Truth questions: true or false/more fact- based
  2. Dare questions: multiple choice or open-ended questions that are more application-based/more challenging

To play, students are in groups, and they take their turns by choosing either a Truth or a Dare question. 

  • They get one point if they answer the Truth question correctly.
  • If students choose a more challenging Dare question, a correct answer will boost their score faster; Dare questions are worth 2 or 3 points.

I’ve converted all my print Math and ELA Truth or Dare Games to Google Slides, so students can have fun with these versions too!

Truth or Dare is one of my favorites middle school games; it really gets the students excited and engaged. 

AND, it can be used in any subject area! Read more about this game HERE.

Middle School Dice Games

I’ve always loved the dice game Yahtzee!, so I decided to create my own little spin on it.

In this game, middle school math students practice converting fractions to decimals. They love rolling the dice and creating the fraction pairs.

this decimal dice game is a great middle school game for math

The challenge comes when they have to convert those fractions into decimals or whole numbers. 

This activity can be a little challenging to start, but it only takes a few turns before students learn the rules and get the hang of this math game.

It’s an incredibly engaging math activity for small groups, and could even be played as a whole class, allowing different students to roll the dice and decide which fraction pairs to create.

It’s also great as a center activity! You can read more about this math game HERE.

Using Footloose Task Cards in Math and ELA

With Footloose Task Cards, students answer various types of questions about math (and ELA) concepts – sometimes they are basic knowledge questions, sometimes they’re simple word problems, and sometimes they’re quite challenging.

It’s easy to differentiate using these cards:-)

add some middle school math games using Footloose task cards

Students move around to get a new Footloose task card each time they complete one, and they write all their answers and work on their Footloose grids.

It’s a great way to keep students practicing and moving, and it’s amazing how quiet they can be during this time!

For more details about how to play Footloose, check out this blog post.

Math and ELA Color by Number Activities

Coloring for adults is currently pretty popular, and it has become a great activity to incorporate into math class:-) 

Color by number activities are great as:

  • review before a math test
  • homework
  • assessments
  • math center activities
  • sub day activities
  • fast finishers activities

Recently, I’ve created several digital color by number activities to provide that option for students and teachers. Although these don’t offer the same benefits that physical coloring offers, they still provide engaging math practice:-)

Learn more about how coloring is helpful to students here.

Other Math Activities

A couple other math activities I absolutely love are:

  • Pentomino Exploration, which you can read about HERE, and
  • Equivalent Fraction Go Fish, which you can learn about HERE!

There are so many amazing math and ELA games and activities to incorporate in middle school.

What are some of your favorites?

Looking for some fun and engaging learning? These middle school games and activities will have your students asking for more.

Ellie

Welcome to Cognitive Cardio Math! I’m Ellie, a wife, mom, grandma, and dog ‘mom,’ and I’ve spent just about my whole life in school! With nearly 30 years in education, I’ve taught:

  • All subject areas in 4th and 5th grades
  • Math, ELA, and science in 6th grade (middle school)

I’ve been creating resources for teachers since 2012 and have worked in the elearning industry for about five years as well!

If you’re looking for ideas and resources to help you teach math (and a little ELA), I can help you out!

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