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Make Differentiated Math Centers Simple With Math Workshop - Core Inspiration

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Math Workshop is a framework that makes it easier for you to plan differentiated math instruction. Less prep time and greater student growth is a win-win.

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Assess the general quality of my work with this free download

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Elementary special education teacher for 12+ years.

Whatever it takes.

HONORS/AWARDS/SHINING TEACHER MOMENT

Still waiting on the Nobel...

MY OWN EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

Don't stop learning.

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I run Digital Divide & Conquer.

English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Grammar, Spelling, Specialty, Math, Arithmetic, Basic Operations, Geometry, Measurement, Science, Biology, Social Studies - History, Arts & Music, Physical Education, Special Education, Critical Thinking, For All Subject Areas, School Counseling, Word Problems, Writing, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas/ Chanukah/ Kwanzaa, Autumn, Halloween, Winter, The New Year, Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, Decimals, St. Patrick's Day, Earth Day, Summer, Informational Text

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Browse over 150 educational resources created by Digital Divide and Conquer in the official Teachers Pay Teachers store.

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I love teaching math, which was not always the case! Small group instruction, centers, independent work, and more hands-on learning with Math Rotations really changed the game for me.

Check out a few of the posts below to explore how I plan for, launch, and teach math using the Math Rotation system:

Setting up Math Rotations

This Introduction post can give you a good, big-picture view of Math Rotations and the different centers.

As you can see, I divide my Math Rotations into four centers. Click each center below to be taken to each one for its description, helpful resources, and more:

If you're curious how I launch these at the start of the year, I ran a "Getting It Started" series where I go into more depth around organization and set-up. This is a two-part post {{ PART 1 and PART 2}}, so be sure to read both and watch the video in Part 2:

If you are interested in any of these resources for your own classroom, I have the Math Rotation Posters and Planning Sheets available for purchase on TpT:

If you're for more information on Math and how I teach it in my classroom, be sure to check out the rest of my posts HERE. And for more resources, find my math products on TpT HERE.

Happy teaching!

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3rd Grade Thoughts: A teaching blog by Stephanie Van Horn

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I have been a 5th grade teacher for the past 10 years at an urban school in Pennsylvania! I LOVE creating fun, educational activities to use with my students. If I'm not having fun, neither are they!

I love to incorporate fun, learning, and technology into my lessons.

HONORS/AWARDS/SHINING TEACHER MOMENT

Yet to be added

MY OWN EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

Bachelor's in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Master's in Educational Technology

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Yet to be added

English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Basic Operations, Fractions, Geometry, Measurement, Numbers, Order of Operations, Other (Math), Science, Social Studies - History, U.S. History, Other (Specialty), ELA Test Prep, Math Test Prep, Geography, Other (Social Studies - History), Other (ELA), For All Subject Areas, Literature, Classroom Management, Statistics, Character Education, Word Problems, Short Stories, Writing, Reading Strategies, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas/ Chanukah/ Kwanzaa, Poetry, Mental Math, Halloween, The New Year, Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, Decimals, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Spring, Place Value, Earth Day, For All Subjects, Summer, Informational Text, End of Year, Close Reading, Classroom Community

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Browse over 430 educational resources created by Fun in 5th Grade in the official Teachers Pay Teachers store.

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This morning I was working with some fifth graders who needed some intervention in the area of fractions. The Common Core has a great deal…

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2. Grab some plastic spoons (or any other object that can be grabbed by the players). You need one fewer than the number of players. For example, if you have 6 players, you'll need 5 spoons.
Object of the game:
To be the last player remaining in the game. Players get closer to being eliminated each time they are left without a spoon, which earns them the next letter in the word S-P-O-O-N. Once a player has earned all 5 letters in the word S-P-O-O-N, he or she is out.
Getting ready to play:
1.Arrange the spoons in a small circle in the center of the table.

2.Shuffle the equivalent fraction game cards and deal four cards face down to each player. The players may look at their own cards, but may not show their cards to anyone else.

3.Choose a dealer for the round. The remaining cards should be placed in a pile facedown beside the dealer.
Playing the game:
1.The dealer takes a card off the top of the pile so that he or she now has five cards in his or her hand. The dealer removes one of the five cards from his or her hand and passes it facedown to the player on his or her left. The dealer then continues to pick up cards from the pile and discard one card at a time to the player on his or her left.

2.The player to the left of the dealer picks up the discarded card from the dealer. Like the dealer, he or she removes one of the five cards from his or her hand and passes it facedown to the person on his or her left. He or she continues to do this as cards continue getting discarded to him or her.

3.This quick picking up and passing of cards continues around the circle. The last player in the circle always places his or her discarded card into a trash pile. These cards are now out of play for the round.

4.Once someone gets four-of-a-kind (four fraction cards that are equivalent makes four-of-a-kind) in his or her hand, he or she grabs a spoon from the center of the table. Once the player with four-of-a-kind takes a spoon, everyone else tries to immediately grab a spoon (even if they do not yet have four-of-a-kind).

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Equivalent Fractions 'Spoons' Game - Games 4 Gains

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2. Grab some plastic spoons (or any other object that can be grabbed by the players). You need one fewer than the number of players. For example, if you have 6 players, you'll need 5 spoons. Object of the game: To be the last player remaining in the game.

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Workbooks and Worksheets for Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, Sight Words, Letter Tracing and Writing and more

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| | Filed Under: Math, Math Centers, Multiplication & Division

Partner games are definitely one of my favorite ways to have my students practice math skills. This post will share all the details about my favorite math partner games, a link to get 30+ free partner games, and how to get even more if you love them as much as me.

Using Math Partner Games

Partner games are perfect for practicing math skills. Because there are only two students working together, both students are working, and none are left out. There is also instant accountability as the partners (when chosen appropriately) hold each other accountable.

The partner games I use (and the ones I am sharing with you) are very consistent. This allows me to teach my students the directions and expectations for the five types of games at the beginning of the year. Then, I can use those same partner games all year long with different math content and skills, and my students immediately know what to do.

Let's take a look at those partner games.

Bump Partner Games

To play the game, the students need two different colored counters (or the counters that have one color on each side) and two dice. This game is SO easy to play and so much fun.

Here are the directions:

Objective: To have the most squares covered by the end of the game

Directions:

1. Roll a pair of dice, and determine the sum of the numbers rolled.

2. Find the number that matches the sum of the numbers you rolled.

3. Answer or solve the task.

4. Find the answer or solution in one of the squares.
Other Important Information:
5. Place your marker on the square.

1. If another player rolls the same sum as you and gets the answer correct, he or she may "bump" your marker and place his or her marker on the square.

2. You can protect your square by rolling the same sum again and placing another marker on top of the existing one. Two markers on the same square by the same player will protect that player from being bumped.

If you notice, there are eleven questions but sixteen squares. Some of the questions (the sums rolled most often by the two dice) have more than one answer the students can choose to put their counter on. When I introduce this game, we spend a few minutes talking about this to make sure the students don't get confused and to discuss how you have to use a little strategy to decide what to do (protect your square by putting your counter on the square where your counter already is, trying to get the other square but not having either one of them be safe, or even bumping another player instead of putting your counter on a empty square.)

Tic Tac Toe Partner Games

Tic Tac Toe is pretty self-explanatory; however, I do require both partners to solve the tasks. This keeps both students working and being held accountable. I have included an answer key, but I only instruct my students to use the answer key if they get different answers. Here are the specific directions:

Directions:

1. Choose a game to begin.

2. Decide who will be X and who will be O.

3. Take turns selecting a box and solving the task inside the box.

4. Both partners solve the task. If the player who chose the task is correct, then he or she can mark it with his or her X or O.

5. Continue until a player covers three boxes (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) or until all of the boxes are solved.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 with a new game.

Partner Math Sort

While this one is not necessarily a "game," students still really enjoy it. For this partner activity, the students each have their own sort cards that they have to sort correctly. One thing that I did not include in the directions (for space reasons) is that I have my students initial their cards so I can use this to informally assess.

Math Game Boards

Math game boards are a staple in my math instruction, and my students never seem to tire of them. The game boards I use for partner math games are super simple and only one page. The students roll a die and move that many places. They solve the task on the place they land on. I prefer to use a special cube that is only 1-3 (included in the download) so my students move slowly across the board, thus answering more questions.

Roll and Race Math Partner Game for Review

This final partner math game that we play is "Roll and Race." This is the only one that is really new to my students, and depending on my class, I have been known to tweak the directions a bit. Here are the directions as written on the game:

Directions: Take turns rolling one die and choosing a task in the row that matches the number on the die. The first player to complete all of the tasks in a row or column wins that row or column. Continue until all tasks have been completed. If you roll a number for a row that has been completed, then you lose a turn.

Sometimes, I have my students forgo the race part and just play the game, attempting to cover as many spaces as they can. It really depends on my students that I have that year, but sometimes playing it that way (or letting them choose how they want to play it) works better.

How can I get these math partner games for FREE?

Super easy! These are exclusive free games available to my email list subscribers (and only to them - you cannot get them anywhere else!). When you sign up, I highly recommend using a personal email address (versus a school address) to ensure the email is not blocked. The games will be sent to you right away, so be sure to check your junk, spam, or promotions folder if you don't see them within a few minutes.

If you are already on my email list, they are in your exclusive freebie library. If you can't remember the details, find any email from me (Jennifer Findley) to get the details. I always include the library login information and link at the bottom of every email for your convenience.

Where can I find MORE math partner games?

As I mentioned before, the best part about using these partner games is that they stay consistent all year. Teach the directions and expectations once, and then just change out the math skills as the year progresses. For more math partner games that cover grade level skills, click on the grade level you teach.

How do these fit into your math instruction?

Typically, we play these math partner games during whole group instruction days (after the lesson and some targeted independent practice). However, they also work well for math centers. Click here to read more about what my typical math centers look like. Another option is to have the students play theses games for review before a unit or skill assessment. I have even played these games during small group math instruction. My students love when I play against them, and I do, too. The Bump and Tic Tac Toe are my favorites to play with my students in small group.

Here is the link to get the FREE games one more time: FREE Math Partner Games for Multiplication and Division Facts

Let me know in the comments if you plan on adding these to your instruction. I know your students will love them just as much as mine!

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FREE Math Partner Games for Multiplication and Division Facts

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FREE math partner games for multiplication and division facts. These partner games are low-prep, engaging, and perfect for math centers or early finishers.

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I love finding common items around the house and making games with them. I recently came across a tin of dominoes and put those babies to work! My students LOVE the idea of playing with dominoes even if they are sharpening their math skills while doing so!

These games can be played alone or with partners. Partners tend to make them even more fun!

Ordering Products

1. Students choose five dominoes, turn them over, and multiply each side together.

2. Order the products from least to greatest or greatest to least.

3. Want to make it a game? Partners order their dominos then find the difference between their greatest number and least number. The partner with the greatest (or least) difference wins.

Multiplication War

1. Students begin with dominoes face down.

2. Each student chooses a domino.

3. On the count of three, students turn over their domino and multiply the dots on one side by the dots on the other side. The student with the highest product wins the dominoes.

Even/Odd Sort

1. Add, subtract, or multiply the dots on the dominoes then sort the answer by odd or even numbers.

2. Want to make it a game? Before the game begins state a rule. The partner with the most even numbers or odd numbers wins the set.

Prime/Composite Sort

1. Add, subtract, or multiply the dots on the dominoes then sort the answer by prime or composite.

2. Want to make it a game? Before the game begins state a rule. The partner with the most prime numbers or the most composite numbers wins.

Coordinate pairs

1. Provide students with a coordinate grid.

2. Students plot points using the dots on the dominoes. One side is the x-coordinate; the other side is the y-coordinate.

Ordering Decimals

Compare Decimals

Add or Subtract Decimals

Compare Fractions

Ordering Fractions

1. Students choose five dominoes and turn them over.

2. One side is the numerator; the other side is the denominator

3. Order the fractions from least to greatest or greatest to least.

4. Want to make it a game? Partners order their dominos then find the difference between their greatest fraction and least fraction. The partner with the greatest (or least) difference wins.

For a printable version of these games, you can download it HERE. This printable is perfect to laminate and attach to a loose leaf ring for easy access.

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An Upper Elementary Collaborative blog written by 13 teachers. Includes teaching ideas and resources for grades 3, 4, and 5.

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Mind Boggling Math! Easy Prep Math Enrichment - The Teacher Studio

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A few weeks ago I posted some room pics on Instagram and I got quite a few comments and questions about this one . . . I can't wait to change out these numbers with the new printed ones I just made! I still love the paper plate backgrounds, so the new numbers will slip [...]

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Idea: How to Engage Your Students at the Start of Any Lesson — Mashup Math

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Capturing your students interest and curiosity during the first few minutes of class is the key to keeping them engaged for your entire lesson. But not all math warm up activities are created equally. Math teachers miss out on activating their students’ critical thinking and reasoning skills when

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5 Ways to Foster Meaningful Math Fluency - Tanya Yero Teaching

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I wish I had a time machine. I would go back and change some of my routines I did in my classroom. Without a doubt I would modify the way I taught and assessed math

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Discover 3 effective number sense routines that you can use instantly in your classroom. These fun math games and activities are ideal for your math block.

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Ready for some NO PREP Multiplication Games? Here you go! These games are such a simple way to practice those multiplication facts to 12.

These games are just one of the packs you'll find in our No Prep Math Games series.

*This post contains affiliate links.
**The free printable multiplication games download can be found at the END of this post. Click on the teal download button.

No Prep Multiplication Games

These no prep math games are super simple. Learners roll one die, solve one of the problems associated with the number they rolled, and cover one of the answers on the board. {Most answers are included twice on the board.} The goal is to cover five in a row.
Enter your email to snag a copy of our Multiplication & Division Fact Family Pack!
If you're already a subscriber, you will not be subscribed again.

The mutliplication games included in this free pack are:
If you teach learners who struggle to learn those harder multiplication facts, I HIGHLY recommend Times Tales! I've been amazed at how my own kids have all learned their facts using the simple visual stories from this product!!

Quick Tip: Slip the multiplication games into a dry erase pocket and use dry erase marker or cover with counters to make them reusable. {The game pictured comes from our no prep addition games.} I have more ideas for playing the game on our introduction page.

Looking for more multiplication games? You may enjoy our Card Game for Learning Multiplication Doubles or our 12+ Free Multiplication Games.

Find all the printable packs in this No Prep Math Games series
and more ideas on how to use them!

Enjoy teaching!
~Becky

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No Prep Multiplication Games: Roll & Cover - This Reading Mama

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Ready for some NO PREP Multiplication Games? Here you go! These games are such a simple way to practice those multiplication facts to 12. These games are just one of the packs you'll find in our No Prep Math Games series. *This post contains affiliate links.

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Math-Drills.com includes over sixty-four thousand free math worksheets that may be used to help students learn math. Our math worksheets are available on a broad range of topics including number sense, arithmetic, pre-algebra, geometry, measurement, money concepts and much more. There are two interactive math features: the math flash cards and dots math game.

Math-Drills.com was launched in 2005 with around 400 math worksheets. Since then, tens of thousands more math worksheets have been added. The website and content continues to be improved based on feedback and suggestions from our users and our own knowledge of effective math practices.

Most Math-Drills users are classroom teachers or parents. Classroom teachers use our math worksheets to assess student mastery of basic math facts, to give students extra math practice, to teach new math strategies, and to save precious planning time. Parents use our math worksheets to give their children extra math practice over school breaks and to enhance their math education. Home schools use our math worksheets in their programs to develop and strengthen math skills in their children.

Most Popular Free Math Worksheets this Week

Supporting Student Learning with Free Math Worksheets by Math-Drills

Math-Drills believes that education should be accessible to all children despite their socioeconomic situation or any other factors. Since it began in 2005, all the math worksheets on Math-Drills have been free-to-use with students learning math. The Math-Drills website works well on any device and worksheets can be printed or used on a screen.

Math-Drills worksheets are also used in special education, adult education, tutoring, colleges, high schools, prisons and a variety of other situations. Special education teachers especially like that we break down math skills and provide large-print options. Adult learners appreciate the simple uncluttered format that our worksheets offer. Tutors use our math worksheets to reduce their costs and focus on student learning. High school, college and university educators sometimes need remedial resources for students to allow them to continue with more advanced topics.

Students who practice their math skills with our math worksheets over school breaks keep their math skills sharp for upcoming school terms. Because we provide answer keys, students are able to self-assess and use the immediate feedback provided by an answer key to analyze and correct errors in their work. Our interactive (fillable) math worksheets allow them to fill in their answers on the screen and save or print the results.
Math-Drills.com Tour on YouTube.
Join the Math-Drills Newsletter

Join our newsletter to find out about new math worksheets and other information related to the website.

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Math-Drills includes over 58 thousand free math worksheets for students in elementary and middle school. Our easy to print math worksheets are free to use in your school or home.

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MathDrill - an interactive site for Math Problems!

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Are your students struggling with fractions equivalent to whole numbers? If so, this hands-on math activity will help your students see how an improper fraction can be equivalent to a whole number.

A free printable is included for you to use with your guided math groups.

The Importance of Drawing Area Models

It's important for students to know that a fraction is a number you can find on a number line.

Draw a number line that shows 0, 1, and 2. Discuss where you should plot 1/2.

Let's look at the improper fraction 2/2.

The bottom number is 2. This means the whole is cut into two equal pieces (halves).

The top number is 2, so we are counting two-halves.

After shading two-halves, you see that the whole circle is shaded. Two-halves is equivalent to 1.

You would plot 2/2 at the same location as the whole number 1.

I created a printable for your students to practice writing fractions as whole numbers. Two versions are included.

Version one has the shapes partitioned for them. They simply need to shade the number of pieces to figure out which whole number the fraction is equivalent to.

Version two is a bit more time consuming, because students will need to partition the circles. Still, this version is more beneficial. It helps students understand that the bottom number is how many equal pieces the whole is partitioned into.

Use Fraction Circles or Fraction Strips

Students love working with manipulatives. Students can complete the printable above using fraction circles or fraction strips.

The example below shows 12 sixths. Students then combine the equal pieces to see how many whole circles they can make. In this example, twelve-sixths is equivalent to 2.

It's fun to use math manipulates, but it's also important for students to record their work. They don't necessarily need to draw circles. Students can draw rectangles or squares to show their area models.

Use Pattern Blocks!

You could place a hexagon as the whole.

A rhombus would be.... 1/3 of the whole.

What would 12/3 look like?

12/3 would create 4 hexagons 🙂

You could place a hexagon as the whole.

a triangle would be.... 1/6 of the whole.

What would 12/6 look like?

12/6 would create 2 hexagons.

You could place a rhombus as the whole

a triangle would be.... 1/2 of the whole.

What would 6/2 look like?

6/2 would create 3 rhombi

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Fractions Equivalent to Whole Numbers - Math Tech Connections

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Are your students struggling with fractions equivalent to whole numbers? If so, this hands-on math activity will help your students see how an improper fraction can be equivalent to a whole number. A free printable is included for you to use with your guided math groups.

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For many kids, wrapping their head around fractions-what they are, what they represent, how they're used-is a huge challenge. And at first glance, comparing fractions makes no sense, because it seems to go against what they've been previously taught (bigger value=bigger number). In order to work with and compute with fractions, kids need to have a strong fraction sense, and this includes understanding how fractions compare to each other. This engaging comparing fractions game will not only provide fun and unique practice, but will challenge kids in a new way each time they play.
*Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which help support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*
How to Compare Fractions

Before you go grab this game and start printing, it's important that you start with hands on and visual models to compare fractions.

To see which fraction is smaller, they will need to have a strong understanding of what the numerator and denominator represent and understand how to visualize that fraction.

I love to draw simple area models whenever we talk about, use or compare fractions to make sure we all have a good picture in our head of what the fraction represents.

It's also really important for kids to compare fractions using a number line. On a number line, you can see where fractions fall in relation to one another. You can also include improper fractions or mixed numbers, to show additional comparisons.

Finally, you can use benchmark fractions to help compare two fractions. Seeing that one fraction is greater than 1/2 and one fraction is less than 1/2, you know instantly which fraction is smaller.

Once your kids feel confident understanding and comparing fractions, they'll be ready to play this comparing fractions game!

Materials Needed for the Game

This is a super simple game, and after a little prep, you are ready to play, no additional materials necessary!

All you need is a game board for each player plus a set of fraction cards. All of these materials are included in the download, which you can grab at the link below.

If your students are just beginning to work with fractions, however, you may want to provide some materials to help them compare their fractions.

This might be fraction tiles, graph paper, or simply a white board where they can record their thinking as they work.

Setting up the Fractions Game

I suggest printing all the materials on card stock paper. This will provide greater durability and ensure the cards aren't see through. I would also suggest laminating the game mats and fraction cards. This way you can use the game again and again.

Then simply cut out all the fraction cards (there are 48 included).

Shuffle them well and place them in a deck face down in the center of the game and you're ready to play!

Get Them in Order: Comparing Fractions Game

The object of this game is to be the first to have 4 fractions correctly in order from least to greatest on their game board.

To begin, each player draws 4 fraction cards and places them in the order they draw them on their game mat (from left to right).

Players then take turns drawing a new fraction card and swapping it with one of their current fractions, keeping in mind that they're trying to have 4 fractions that are in ascending order.

So for example, if your first fraction is 7/8, and you draw 1/6, you'll want to swap that fraction out.

Now you have a fairly small fraction at the beginning, instead of a rather large fraction.

So not only will students be comparing and ordering fractions in this game, they will have to use some logical reasoning skills as they decide which fraction to swap.

They will also get to practice simplifying fractions, as many of the fractions, such as 2/8 shown above, are not in simplest form.

And again, because you start with 4 new fractions every time you play, this game can be used again and again to strengthen fraction sense, solve problems and deepen student understanding.

I hope you and your kids love this fun, yet challenging game!

Find more fun fraction games and resources at the links below:

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{FREE} Get Them in Order: Comparing Fractions Game

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For many kids, wrapping their head around fractions-what they are, what they represent, how they're used-is a huge challenge. And at first glance, comparing fractions makes no sense, because it seems to go against what they've been previously taught (bigger value=bigger number).

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Fraction games and resources to engage students and deepen their conceptual understanding of fraction skills.

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Well hello there, friends. Did spring greet you with nicer weather? It has been an absolutely beautiful day here in North Texas. One of

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Time for fractions!

Whether you get a jolt of excitement or a sense of fear upon hearing those words, you've come to the right place.

In this series on Comparing Fractions, we'll take a look at how students are introduced to the concept in 3rd grade through mastery in 4th grade. Best of all, this post will give you some ideas you can use in your classroom tomorrow to help your students better compare fractions.

3rd Grade Expectations:

4th Grade Expectations:

Since it's important in both grades for students to recognize that the whole must be the same in order to make a valid comparison, it's helpful to use wholes that don't change in size. If you've ever had students draw their own circles or squares to show fraction equivalence or comparisons, you know the wholes don't always come out equal, which in turn makes comparing a challenge.

The good news is that many students will be able to model their own fractions through drawings with more experience and practice. Until then, here are some hands-on materials you can use in your classroom to help students recognize, create, and justify fraction comparisons.

Pattern Blocks

Pattern blocks are my favorites to start with. They are colorful and fun for students to use. There are only a few shapes, so it's easy for students to start with halves, thirds, sixths, and wholes. Comparisons are easy to recognize and students can practice a lot of math vocabulary while explaining their reasoning.

Egg Cartons

Egg Cartons are a great next step after pattern blocks. Students can think of the egg carton as the whole, or 12 as the whole and use string to divide it into halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, or twelfths.

When students are ready, egg cartons also help transition students to finding common denominators to compare fractions with unlike denominators.

Number Lines

Number lines are another great math tool to help students visualize fractions. Most students have no trouble placing 1/2 on a number line. Comparing other fractions to 1/2 is an easy way to compare two fractions that otherwise seem hard to compare.

Take 2/5 and 5/8. While some students recognize that fifths are larger than eighths, there are less of them. However, when you place them on a number line, you see quickly that 2/5 comes before 1/2 and 5/8 comes after. Therefore 2/5 is less than 5/8.

Fraction Strips Bookmarks (Free Download)

While having students fold or cut their own fraction strips can be valuable for understanding fraction basics, they just aren't precise enough to accurately compare fractions. Try out these free bookmarks as a handy tool to help your students see the relationships between common fractions.

Download the Fraction Bookmark Freebie

First, fill out the form below. After you confirm your subscription, the free resources will be sent to your inbox!

Comparing Fractions Activities:

3rd Grade:

4th Grade:

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Math Models to Compare Fractions - FREE Download - Math Tech Connections

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Time for fractions! Whether you get a jolt of excitement or a sense of fear upon hearing those words, you've come to the right place. In this series on Comparing Fractions, we'll take a look at how students are introduced to the concept in 3rd grade through mastery in 4th grade.

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I CAN Math Games for Every Math Classroom

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Discover math games that are enganging, rigorous, and fun! No matter what grade level you teach, find a set of I CAN Math Games for your classroom.

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Comparing fractions is a BIG step up from simply identifying fractions and partitioning shapes. We are now asking students to look at two different written fractions and use comparing language like greater than, less than, or equal to. It's no joke!

If you have ever taught comparing fractions before, you know that the complex nature of the content can sometimes make it hard for students to fully engage in the learning. In this post, I've outlined five of my favorite ways to making comparing fractions more engaging for your students!

Comparing Fractions in Art & Photography

If you didn't know, Number Talks are one of my absolute favorite things! They build such a strong community of mathematicians and create amazing opportunities for students to develop communication skills around their mathematical thinking!

Fractions can be such a fun topic for Number Talks. While we can absolutely put a few fractions on the board and have students compare them (these are PERFECTLY valid and useful Number Talks,) it can also be fun to switch things up! One of my favorite ways is to project a photo and have students find fractions within them.

Some examples could include artwork by artists like Piet Mondrian (See a likeness of his work below). They are such great conversation starters and offer so many possibilities to discuss colors and the representation of different fractions. I also love that number talks like this have multiple access points, so students can modify or extend the conversation easier to challenge themselves at their "just right level."

Image courtesy of Creative Commons, Artist Rоbsоn

Other fun images include buildings, windows, organization solution photos (you know... the ones with dozens of cubbies!) There are unlimited options with these!

Create a Fraction Gallery Walk

After modeling how to discuss fractions within photos/paintings during your Number Talks, you can turn this into an independent center in your classrooms! Post photos/paintings around your room, or make photocopies of them for students to put in their math journals and let them start writing about what they see. Allow them to draw, write and/or use numbers to share their thinking about the different fractions they see.

You can add a "word bank" to this activity if you'd like to push them to begin comparing the fractions in certain ways (e.g. greater than, less than, whole, equal to...etc).

Scaffolding Student Work

Prior to asking students to begin comparing fractions independently, I am sure to include several number talks and mini-lessons about:

Comparing fractions with the same numerator

Comparing fractions with the same denominator

Using benchmark fractions for comparisons

However, once we've built a foundational understanding and developed some helpful strategies, it's time to let them give it a try on their own... with some scaffolding of course!

I have some favorite go-to activities when it comes to helping students compare fractions. They start off REALLY simple and can be used over and over again to get repeated but meaningful practice (I personally stay away from one-and-done worksheets as much as possible).

These domino fractions activities (also available with dice in case you don't have dominoes) have students comparing fractions with embedded visual supports.

For the first, I like having them partition and shade their shapes (we have already done some work around this together). By having those concrete visuals in place, students can more easily decipher which fraction is greater than the other and then write a comparison sentence. As they gain familiarity, I have them try to reason through the comparison first, and then use the visuals to confirm (or not) their initial thoughts.

The second version changes the visual to a number line. My students often struggle with fractions on a number line, so giving them lots of exposure and opportunities to work with them has been really helpful! I always try to do this one second, because then they are already familiar with the idea and the activity itself, so now all they have to do is focus on the number line.

Offering Choice over Comparing Fraction Activities

Whenever I offer my students CHOICE, engagement soars! That means I'm introducing a few different activities (it doesn't have to be a lot, but 2-3) and allowing them to choose how they want to learn.

Two of my favorite activities to offer up to students as a choice are Fraction Flip & Compare (you might know it as the old card game, War) and one I created with my students called ""

Fraction Flip & Compare is super easy to implement because students often have previous experience with the game. I personally like to have a board or some visual that helps students separate the numerator and denominator.

I have students keep a recording sheet when they play for 3 reasons:

1. It allows me to see their understanding, even if I'm not there because I'm working with a small group.

2. It holds students accountable for their work. Implementing recording sheets has been a great classroom management hack!

3. Gives me a neat and tidy space to include a fraction bar model to support students as they become more independent.

Order's Up! Is another class favorite (I mean, it's pizza!) This activity is more difficult than Fraction Flip & Compare because it moves from comparing two fractions to ordering four different fractions from least to greatest. Again, I make sure to include a fraction bar model for support and often have students keep a recording page for all of the same reasons mentioned above.

My students LOVE having the option to choose how they work on comparing fractions. When they are motivated by choice, their engagement level goes up. When their engagement level goes up, their attention increases and they're more likely to improve their understanding. WIN!!!

Group Games They Can't Get Enough Of!

If you've frequented my blog before, you know that my favorite small group game is Kaboom! I swear you can use this game for just about every skill in every subject you teach.... so of course, I use it when I teach comparing fractions!

If you aren't familiar with Kaboom, you are definitely going to want to check out this blog post where I break it down and give some helpful tips for how to get it set up and organized in your classroom.

Years ago, I was going through the interview process for a new teaching position and it came time for the administration to come and watch a demo lesson. I actually put this EXACT game at one of my math centers while I was teaching a small guided math group. (Yes, I trust this game enough to do it during a formal observation during an interview.)

I got a lot of positive feedback, both regarding the level of engagement and student accountability with the recording page. And... in case you were curious, I got the job!

I hope these tips were helpful. ALL of the student games and activities can be found in my Fraction Mega Pack, and it isn't called a mega pack for nothing! It is nearly 400 pages of ALL of my favorite games to teach fractions in third grade. Click HERE to check it out!

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5 Ways to make Comparing Fractions more engaging!

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Comparing fractions is a BIG step up from simply identifying fractions and partitioning shapes. We are now asking students to look at two different written fractions and use comparing language like greater than, less than, or equal to. It's no joke!

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I have 12 years of teaching experience. I spent one amazing year in first grade, but my heart is in upper grades. I have been teaching 4th grade for the last 5 years, and I am loving every minute of it!

My teaching style is always evolving. I feel like it changes each and every year. Overall, I try to create an organized and well-managed classroom, so that my students are sure to learn, but also get to have fun at the same time. I try to create a learning environment where students feel safe and free to be themselves, and one in which students are able to work independently and cooperatively. I learn more about teaching and my own teaching style with each year that passes. Hopefully, I will have it mastered by the time I retire!

HONORS/AWARDS/SHINING TEACHER MOMENT

PTA Honorary Service Award 2014

MY OWN EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

I received my B.A. in Child Development and my M.A. in Education.

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

I live with my husband and two beautiful daughters in Southern California.

English Language Arts, Balanced Literacy, Creative Writing, Writing-Expository, Reading, Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Arithmetic, Basic Operations, Fractions, Geometry, Graphing, Measurement, Other (Math), Science, Social Studies - History, Other (Specialty), Other, Other (ELA), Life Skills, Critical Thinking, For All Subject Areas, Literature, Classroom Management, Word Problems, Problem Solving, Writing, Oral Communication, Reading Strategies, Writing-Essays, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas/ Chanukah/ Kwanzaa, Poetry, Mental Math, Halloween, Winter, The New Year, Valentine's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Decimals, Black History Month, St. Patrick's Day, Spring, Place Value, For All Subjects, Summer, Informational Text, End of Year, Close Reading, Classroom Community

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Browse over 240 educational resources created by Create Teach Share in the official Teachers Pay Teachers store.

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In 2013, NPR published " Scientists Put a 'Sixth Sense' For Numbers on Brain Map". The article summarized scientists' findings on a region of the brain responsible for our ability to estimate quantities.

Leading the study was who was quoted as saying, "The better you are at number sensing, the better you seem to do on standardized mathematical tests."
Quantities of pencils on the floor, quantities of tiles on the ceiling, quantities of flowers in a vase. Without counting, how close can you get to estimating the correct number of objects you see?
As Math Teachers, we know how hard it is to teach number sense. It's one of those things we weave in daily as we teach more concrete topics.
We also know how difficult standardized tests can be!
Looking at number sense through the lens of this study makes it seem as innate as hearing, smelling or seeing. So is it even possible to teach number sense? From a Growth Mindset point of view, of course it is! We can ALWAYS get better at math if we work at it.

My husband and I don't care what career our daughter eventually chooses. Our #1 goal is for her to be happy. From when she enters school to the day she graduates, a big part of that happiness will be centered around her feelings about school. And those feelings, tragically, will have to do a lot with how she does on tests. So we have started doing what we can to build her number sense.

To get to know even and odd numbers, I cut out pieces of paper into even and odd shapes. She got it right away. Odd + odd = even, even + even = even, odd + even = odd, odd + odd + even = even. Later when the shapes weren't in front of us she could visualize that an odd + odd = even. Why is this important? Later when she starts adding larger numbers, it'll be easy to miscount by 1 on either side. Knowing that an even + even = even will allow her to analyze her answers.

I made this even and odd reference if you'd like something printable. It's free here in my dropbox . It doesn't have to be displayed; the pieces can be used as manipulatives in an even odd investigation .

The flip books were made to work with each other when added and subtracted. I added in adding and subtracting mats to help her see the relationship between 5432, 4321 and 9753.

I loved this idea from When students struggle with multiplication they can end up feeling really bad about themselves! I see this a lot in Algebra 2 when we factor quadratics. Students who don't have their times tables memorized think they "can't" factor, when really it's not at all an algebra issue but is instead a math facts issue. Algebra tiles are great for building all sorts of skills like multiplying polynomials, solving equations and factoring quadratics. There is a free paper set of algebra tiles linked . To make them thicker and easier to handle, you can laminate then cut the algebra tile printable.

Karyn's Blog about equivalent fractions on a multiplication chart:

Numbers are building blocks. (2)(2)(3) = 12 like H+H+O = water. We can break down numbers into their "prime fingerprints" just like compounds can be broken down into their elements. This I reached out to math teacher and blogger Don Steward about creating some printables based on the visual integers references he had created. Don said that he'd be happy for this to happen. You can find the above poster (plus 3 others covering addition and subtraction) free Linking integers to temperature with a I posted a list of prime numbers and a list of square numbers on my classroom Another area where my students have struggled is with solving equations. I made them this prime and composite numbers pennant asks student to break down composite numbers into their prime factors, find the GCF of two composite numbers less than 100 and find the LCM of two composite numbers less than 12. in this visual integer rules post . There is also a fun graphic for multiplying and dividing integers in the post.
math word wall . We also have a
solving equations graphic organizer (free) that focuses on the + and - signs as it guides students through the solving process.
It was amazing to me how fast my students were able to solve equations when 30 minutes earlier they didn't even know where to start. divisibility rules poster with the same rules as this pennant.

vertical number line may also help some kids internalize these abstract numbers.

When I taught mainstream Algebra 2, even my strongest students would make mistakes with integer operations. They'd get to the end of solving a complicated radical equation and get tripped up on x - 7 = -3.
10?
-10?
4?
-4?
11?

Over the years, this post has become a hodgepodge of ides for teaching number sense. In late 2021, I made a set of multiplication flashcards with strategies for my daughter to help her learn her multiplication facts. You can grab the multiplication flash cards free here .

I recently added this number classification reference to my 8th grade math word wall to help students visualize different types of numbers.

I had been hesitant for years to give In my consumer math class we worked with percents for our number talks. There is a free set of slides to bring percents number talks to your class Jo Boaler's Don Steward's Blog post: Blog post: number talks a try in my classes, mainly because I wasn't 100% sure how they worked. When I finally sat down to figure them out and bring them to my class, I wished I hadn't waited so long.
in this post .

Estimating square can be shown with number lines or with manipulatives to make the topic more concrete. In this video , you can see how we can estimate square roots using visual models. I used cut paper to show the approximations.

With my daughter, we have begun asking her to estimate the number of My Little Ponies she sees in a box or how many crayons are on the table. She has also shown a lot of interest in the Even and Odd Word Wall, building rectangles (even) and jagged shapes (odd) with the pieces that she takes off the wall.
Our hope is to get her number sense ready for later when there will be a time crunch to perform so that her school years may be as happy as ours were years ago.

Here are a few more resources for teaching Number Sense:
What is Number Sense video
Directed Number Arithmetic Sped Up
The 5 tips in from Top Notch Teaching
10 questions in: How many piano tuners are in NYC?

Number Talks in High School Math

Integer Rules Visual References

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In 2013, NPR published " Scientists Put a 'Sixth Sense' For Numbers on Brain Map" . The article summarized scientists' findings on...

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Getting Started with Math Centers - Math Tech Connections

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It was my second year of teaching 3rd grade when I decided to move towards a math workshop model. My students were struggling with many math concepts and whole group instruction was not helping. The idea of math centers sounds great, but it can quickly get overwhelming. I’ve listed some problems I f…

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How To Integrate Number Sense Into Your Math Lessons - Tanya Yero Teaching

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There are a lot of components to a math lesson. You look for activities with engagement and complexity to assess understanding. Sounds simple enough but there are several layers to each of those factors making

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My Math Resources - Operations Key Words Bulletin Board Posters

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Use this resource to create large, vivid, and beautiful math bulletin board posters! You can create these anchor charts with any printer! Great posters for any middle school or upper elementary mat…

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Math Boggle Board: Moggle - The Routty Math Teacher

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Learn how to use a math Boggle board to build students' critical thinking skills. Free printable and digital activity included.

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Description

Place Value Partners is a place value game for math centers, cooperative learning partners, small guided math groups, or even whole class instruction. The concept is similar to the game Battleship with partners facing each other across a barrier. Instead of ships and a grid, they have a place value game board and number tiles or number cards. One partner is the "Sender" who calls out the numbers and places, and the other is the "Receiver" who listens and builds the number on his or her game board. The two players compare boards, discuss the correct response, and then record various forms of the number in their journals or on a recording page. This activity includes five different variations: three levels for whole numbers and two levels for decimals.

Common Core or Not Common Core? Have It Your Way!
Place value terminology is different in the Common Core Standards, so I created a Traditional Version and a CCSS Version of this game. Both versions include color and black and white printables although the preview below only shows the color version of the CCSS game. All files are zipped into one folder and are included with the purchase of this product. It's a large file, so be patient when downloading it.

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Place Value Partners is a place value game for math centers, cooperative learning partners, small guided math groups, or even whole class instruction. The concept is similar to the game Battleship with partners facing each other across a barrier.

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Number Talks! Get your students Talking about Math!

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Students engaging in number talks lasting from 5 to 15 minutes. Number talks are meant to be a quick way for students to solve and talk about the math. They can serve as a great intro to the math lesson.

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**This will be a 2 part post in which I will discuss different ways to engage students in activities using hundreds charts. Each post will include three activities to engage students.**

The hundreds chart is a tool for students to explore and think about the number system. Students can use it in a variety of ways to help build understanding of place value, number patterns, skip counting, addition, subtraction, and multiples of a number.

There are many ways to use hundreds charts, below are 3 great ideas:
Hundreds Chart Warm Up Activities
Important Number Warm Up Activity
Provide each student with several chips or counters and a copy of a 100's chart. First highlight an important number to you. For example, my number is 6 because it represents the 6th month of the year, which is June (the month I was born). I ask the students to find and cover the number 6 as well. I then ask the students to cover up 2 - 3 numbers that are important to them. From this point, I provide an opportunity for the students to pair up with someone from their group to discuss why that number is important to them. Typically, I call on 5 different students to share out why that number is important to them. After the students do this quick activity, allow them to choose 2 of their important numbers and determine how far apart they are. For instance, using the numbers 6 and 20 the students will find the difference is 14.

Guess My Number Warm Up Activity

As another warm up activity idea, I ask the students to guess my number. With the hundreds chart in front of each student I provide clues to the students and give them the opportunity to guess which number I am thinking of. For example I give the following clues:

My number is a two digit number.

My number is greater than 7 and less than 17.

You can only land on my number by skip counting by 2's.

The two digits in my number add up to 5.

What's my number? Answer is 14.

Provide each student with a hundreds chart and clear chips. If you do not have clear chips, laminate the hundreds chart and provide each student with a dry erase marker (they will be able to shade in the numbers that you call out). The students can work in pairs during this activity to explore and discover various number patterns.
Discovering Patterns of Skip Counting by 5's:
When you first introduce students to this activity it is important to start with familiar patterns or numbers. From this point you can progress to patterns that are not as obvious to students.

Ask the students to place clear chips on or shade in the following numbers: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30. Allow the students to discuss the patterns they notice with partners. Select several speakers to share what he or she noticed with the class.

Next, ask students to place the chips on another set of familiar numbers like: 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70. Allow the students to discuss the patterns they notice with partners. Select a different speakers to share with the class. (See images below).

Important Questions to Ask During this Activity Include:

What patterns do you notice?

How did you see these patterns? Prove it by showing it to us.

What do you think will happen if I change the starting number? Will the patterns remain the same or will they change? Will you still skip count by the same amount?

Do you notice any patterns with the digits in the numbers? What are they?

Also have the students look at less conventional patterns that still skip count by 5's, such as those in the images below. The most important part of this activity is to allow the students time to discuss and share the patterns they notice. This directly correlates to Standards of Math Practice # 3 - Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

Apply the same concept when having the students skip count by 10's. Check out the images below.
Hundreds Chart Mania Center
Another way to engage students in hundreds chart activities is through the Hundreds Chart Mania Center. This activity promotes understanding of numbers using hundreds charts. The pack includes hundreds charts through 1,000 and three different spinners. If you like this activity, you can find it here at my TpT store.Each student gets a hundreds chart and 1 chip. They start on the green square or the smallest number on that chart. The students spin a spinner and moves the chip the number of spaces they spun. For example, if the student has a chip on the number 10 and they spin a +10, they count and move the chip to 20. The goal of the game is to be the first player to get to the yellow square or multiple of 100 (i.e. 200, 300, etc.)

A recording sheet is also included so that students can track their progress.

Be sure to check out part 2 of the post by clicking on the picture below.

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Engaging Hundreds Chart Activities - Mr Elementary Math

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This will be a 2 part post in which I will discuss different ways to engage students in activities using hundreds charts. Each post will include three activities to engage students.** The hundreds chart is a tool for students to explore and think about the number system.

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3 Tips for Implementing Number Talks in Your Classroom - Tanya Yero Teaching

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As an upper elementary teacher I promote number sense in my classroom daily. So often I hear other educators say "Oh, my students have number sense." "They can multiply or add with no trouble." Memorizing steps to an algorithm is not number sense. What is number sense?

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As a kid who was never given math manipulatives (and was scolded for using my fingers), I know just how powerful they can be. Snap cubes, Geoboards, balance scales, pattern blocks - you name it, I love it. Students need ample time to work in the concrete before they can move to the abstract, which is why math manipulatives are so imperative. We must make math tangible - especially for primary students!

But a question I get often is this:

"When is it okay to begin transitioning from the concrete to the abstract? And how do I make that transition?"

The answer? Daily Number Talks!

Number talks are the perfect way to get your students' math minds moving from the concrete to the abstract. I like to think about number talks as the bridge between the two points. Even giving students just 10 minutes each day to talk about math with their peers can help build number sense.

Why number talks?

The real truth is: students who lack a strong number sense have trouble developing the foundation needed for even simple math. Number sense develops through the exploration of numbers, visualizing numbers, and relating to numbers in different ways.

Number talks encourage students to think critically and persevere in problem solving. They get students discussing, asking questions, and justifying their reasoning. Number talks ask students to explain to themselves the meaning of a problem and to look for entry points to its solution. The ultimate goal is to encourage students to build their own toolkit for solving problems, and number talks do just that!

Two books I highly recommend that really break down number talks and visual learning are Visible Learning for Mathematics by John Hattie and Number Talks by Sherry Parrish.

How do I lead a number talk?

Like I mentioned above, number talks don't have to be long. Ten minutes is ideal. You can conduct a number talk at the beginning of your math block, during calendar time, or even squeeze it in before lunch or at the end of the day.

To make this super clear and confusion-free for you, I'm using the acronym TALK to explain how to do a number talk in your classroom. Let's go!

T - Think!

Present the problem to the class (I provide plenty of number talk cards for you below). You can project the problem on your document camera. If you wish, you can even provide students with math mind mats so they can show their thinking. Dry erase boards work well too. While these are MENTAL exercises, we do want students to be able to show their thinking. *Depending on your students and where you are in your number talk journey, you may choose not to provide a writing tool for your students.

Give students plenty of think time! Prompt them with the question, "What are you being asked to do?" Then, allow students time to work through the situation or problem. Don't guide or prompt your students in any way.

A - Ask and answer questions

Next, you'll ask students to explain their thinking and give them time to respond. What you're looking for here is the process in how they came to their answer, not the product. What steps did they take? How did they explain their thinking? What kind of vocabulary did they use? If you provided students with math mind mats or white boards, can they verbally express what they showed on paper? All of these pieces are what is most important!

L - Listen and learn

Then, allow other students to piggyback on their peers' responses. It's important to teach students how to listen and respond. I like to provide prompts, such as the following:

I agree with you because...

I disagree with you because...

I want to piggyback on what _____ said...

I used a different strategy. This is what I did...

K - Grow and build new knowledge

Finally, students can take that new knowledge and apply it to other math concepts.

I keep all of my number talk cards in this container. I purchased the container at Michael's. It actually holds greeting cards, but it acts as a perfect storage solution. I print them on different colored paper to help keep me organized.

When you're first introducing number talks, you must model (and model again!). Model the entire process. Don't rush through the thinking time. Model exactly the amount of time you will give your students to work. Use the exact language you want students to use.

I provide you with the TALK acronym posters and the speech bubble cards in the free download below. You'll also receive free number talk cards too!

Are you ready to give number talks a whirl?

If you're ready to give number talks a try in your classroom, you can grab a big number talks freebie by clicking on the button below.

Or, if you're looking for a yearlong resource of number talks, I have that for you too. What's even better about this resource is you can use it outside of your number talk time as additional number sense practice. Think: early finisher tasks, exit tickets, math tub activities, math stations, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Just click here or on the image below to snag them.

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The Ins and Outs of Number Talks - Lyndsey Kuster

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As a kid who was never given math manipulatives (and was scolded for using my fingers), I know just how powerful they can be. Snap cubes, Geoboards, balance scales, pattern blocks - you name it, I love it. Students need ample time to work in the concrete before they can move to the abstract, which is why math manipulatives are so imperative.

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Another interactive math notebook??? It is, yes, but I have a purpose and a very good one! This past year I taught Title I Math for 3rd, 4th, and 5th

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Increase Engagement with Interactive Math Notebooks

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Once everyone has their notes pasted into their notebooks, then I begin my math lesson. We take notes together, with me modeling under my document camera exactly what students should write. I use colored pencils to make key terms and images stand out on the page.

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Are you interested in using math interactive notebooks in your classroom, but are turned off by complicated folds and cuts that will waste precious instructional time? Then this math interactive notebook is for you! I've got these Math Interactive Notebooks in my store for grades 2-5! They include standards-aligned full page or half page sheets. The only cutting needed is trimming the margins. And, if you're like me, and are always looking for ways to save time-you can do this before your lesson!

These interactive notebook pages include I Can statements (with and without standards) that can help your students understand the skill they are learning. These are a great way to reference standards and skills throughout the year.

You can grab my NO-FOLD Math Interactive Notebooks. These come with AND without the standards on the pages.

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No Fold Math Interactive Notebooks - Thrifty in Third Grade

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Are you interested in using math interactive notebooks in your classroom, but are turned off by complicated folds and cuts that will waste precious

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Math Projects & Activities - Teaching with a Mountain View

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Math Projects & Activities I have a passion for creating engaging, meaningful, real world projects for my students to complete. My math projects and activities are often designed as enrichment and opportunities for teachers to differentiate their curriculum. Thousands of teachers around the world use these projects (which blows my mind!), and I hope you ...

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Place Value Yahtzee Game — Games 4 Gains

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Learn how to play this fun place value game and download your free Place Value Yahtzee score sheets.

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Help kids to see large numbers and make sense of decimals with this set of Skittles Math Place Value Mats! Kids use Skittles candy to build and manipulate numbers to understand place value.
My kids always get excited when they see me buy a big ol' bag of Skittles candy. Why? Because they know it means we're gearing up for some Skittles math! Although I have shared lots of Skittles math ideas in the past, especially for our little math learners, today I want to share some simple Skittles place value mats so older kids can get in on the fun too. That's right, math with candy is fun! These place value activities help kids make sense of large numbers, as well as decimal values using Skittles candy. Learn more and grab the free set for yourself below!
*Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*
Materials Needed for Skittles Place Value Practice:

Fun size bag of Skittles for each student (or a small handful)

Skittles Place Value Mat of your choice for each student (included in the download)

"My Skittles Number" place value practice worksheet for each student (included in the download)

Pencil to record answers

Exploring Large Numbers with Skittles Candy:

The first set of pages focuses on large numbers to the ten thousands place.

To use, each color of Skittles candy represents a different place value. Kids take their handful of candies and sort them on their mat.

These then form a large number, based on how many they have for each place.

Using that value formed by the assortment of Skittles candy pieces, they can complete the "My Skittles Number" worksheet.

They then explore more than/less than questions based on the number they created with their Skittles.

If you're kids are struggling to visualize or understand the questions, provide additional Skittles candies so that they can add or take away from their mat to see the new number.

Decimal Place Value with Skittles:

The next two place value mats in the download focus on decimal values. The first includes decimals to the hundredths place, while the second includes decimal values to the thousandths place.

They use the mat in the same way: sorting their Skittles by color, and using those colors to represent each place value.

There is then a "My Skittles Number" for each different mat.

Again, if kids are struggling to make sense of the decimal parts, let them add or remove Skittles from their mat to visualize how their number changes when tenths or hundredths are added, for instance.

I hope this provides a fun and unique way to see numbers and practice operations using place value.

If you're interested in more Skittles math fun in grades 3-5, you might like my complete collection:

Do you need Skittles math for younger grades? Try these FREE activities:

Grab the Skittles math place value mats from my shop using the link below!

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{FREE} Skittles Math: Place Value Mats | Math Geek Mama

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Looking for a fun and tasty math challenge? Try these FREE Skittles math place value mats to explore large numbers and decimals with your kids.

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A few weeks ago, I asked my Facebook followers about the very first thing they taught in math at the beginning of the school year. All but one or two people said PLACE VALUE! I looked back at my blog and couldn't believe it when I realized I had never blogged about a few of the activities I do when teaching place value. I suppose it's because it has always been at the beginning of the year, and things just tend to get lost in the shuffle in the craziness that is the beginning of the year.

So, without further ado, I'm sharing a few activities we have done over the years. I'm going to let the pictures do most of the talking since I tend to get a little wordy! (Be sure to read to the bottom of the post for great ideas from my Facebook followers, too.)

We started with an anchor chart (shocking, right?!). I prep this chart ahead of time since there are so many straight lines involved. You can always tell which charts I did some prep for ahead of time...straight lines were prepped, but swirly lines (in most of my anchor charts) are used when I'm doing it on the fly with my class!

Here is what the place value anchor chart looks like when we are done.

One of the first math notebook entries we do is on Place Value (right after the ten commandments of math). I spruced mine up this year to offer to you for FREE!

You can see that the notebook entry very closely follows my anchor chart that I make with the class. We have really focused in on the difference between PLACE AND VALUE. This is crucial with this age level, as they truly have to understand the difference.

Update: Here is my most recent version of the place value anchor chart and focus board! It also includes questions that I've asked my students in relation to place value as well as several of my place value task cards for students to work through.

You can get the templates for the anchor chart free , but please make sure you only use this as a template only and fill in the content actively with you students.

I also created a free activity called The Place Value Park that kids LOVE, and it is purely intended to review the difference between place and value. They draw a picture based on several tasks that relate to place and value. Because everyone uses numbers that are individual to themselves, their pictures all come out unique. This is a beloved activity every single year!

After we have done our first few lessons, I do a little bit of a place value exit ticket type check...

This is the left hand side "output" assignment for their notebooks. Kids love it, and it's an easy way for me to see if they grasped the concept I just taught them. For the Base Ten Model of this large number, I explain it to them, BUT I don't make them draw it out. Instead, I have them split their 6-digit number into two smaller 3-digit numbers and represent it that way.

Next, we move on to one of my favorite group place value activities called Candy Rush! I created this back when I was student teaching and have used it every year since. My kids just LOVE it. Basically, each student gets a bag of candy (I used to give them actual candy, but now I just use the included printable bags of candy) and finds the value of their bag of candy.

Then, they get into groups and compile their information into a chart and answer questions about all of their candy values. It really helps students understand the difference between PLACE and VALUE because they see that even though one student has 29 pieces of candy, they may have the lowest value because of the types of candy they had. They all have those lightbulb moments during this activity that I just LOVE!

I really tried to make the questions reflective so that they could draw connections. Of course, there is plenty of other math practice included, too! You can grab the activity HERE.

When I feel like they are fairly solid in their understanding of these skills after the group activity, we get busy with my very favorite Math Project of the year, Place Value Detectives. I still remember the exact moment I came up with this project, and it was like a lightbulb turned on. It has been a huge hit with students, and I love the way it makes them really think critically about place value.

I have differentiated the project so that it meets the needs of students in grades 2-5, although it's best suited for grades 3+ since there is a lot of critical thinking and problem solving involved. It covers all the standards, including expanded form, word form, rounding, comparing, and more!

This Place Value Project is available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Click HERE to check it out!

These are two of my favorite pages. The left page has students figuring out how grades were changed in a jumbled grade book. I know it looks like those Xs on the right page are saying the work is wrong, but really, it is just the student solving the mystery of the School Supply Stealer using their clues. The three teachers with the "X" aren't the correct culprit.

Here is one of the challenge/enrichment differentiated place value pages! The kids LOVE figuring out the ages of the family and deciding who is tampering with the trash cans...

Update: Last year I was working with a group of second graders who were well above grade level. They really needed something that would challenge their thinking and also be a quick review of base ten place value models, so I created these Mystery Number Place Value Challenges. They were GLUED to them, and it was so much fun watching them work with the manipulatives to solve the problems. These place value tasks are available

Although I'm not one for "tricks" and I always teach my kids how to use a number line to round numbers, I always LOVE to show them this fun balloon rounding reminder.

When you hold the balloon and let go of 1, 2, 3, or even 4 fingers, the balloon stays right where it is. if you let go of 5 fingers, though, what happens? THE BALLOON GOES UP! Just like in rounding. They LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this analogy and our silly little saying that goes with it. Again, we definitely still teach them with a number line so that they understand conceptually what they are doing, but this is a great rounding trick for those visual kids.

After we work through the place value project and the candy rush activity, I feel like my students have a good understanding of place value skills. We culminate the unit with a review and/or quiz, which is FREE on my TpT store. I do not give all of the pages to all of the kids, especially at one time. I use it as homework throughout the unit or give one or two pages to each student to complete as a quiz at the end, depending on their skill level.

I also asked some of my Facebook fans what their favorite place value activities are. If you are looking for an amazingly supportive group of fellow teachers, please consider joining us over at Inspired in Upper Elementary, a teaching Facebook group! Here are some of their excellent ideas for teaching place value!

Even MORE Place Value Activity Ideas

"I enjoy giving my kids opportunities to move! I give them a number that is identified as ones, tens, or hundreds. I say a number out loud and together, without talking, they have to move around the room to find their partners that will make that number" -Michelle Q.

Roll dice to make a 2 or 3 digit number. Then show that number in 4 different ways: expanded form, word form, number form and with base tens."- Beth G.

" My students love "The Secret Number Game." It is played like this:
-Place lines on the board or have your students put them on their whiteboards. Then give the clues. (You can also make these on paper. Kids even love to write them, teacher can type them, and they can be given to the whole class.)
____ ____ , ____ ____ ____
The digit in the thousands place is the number of tentacles on an octopus.
The digit in the ones place is the number of legs on a cat.
The digit in the hundreds place is the number of arms on a starfish.
The digit in the thousands place is the sum of 6 + 2.
The digit in the tens place is the difference of 18-9.
What is my secret number?
Say it!! "-Stacy P.

" I do an outdoor PE game. Two teams of students, red rover style. Each student on the line gets a digit 0-9 (some students have partners). I call out a large number (i.e. 68,709) and students with those digits have to run to the other side and line up in the correct order. First team to correctly display the number called wins a point! They love it!! "-Ashly R.

I play a game with my students in which I tell them how many digits and they set up their spaces. Then I tell them, "There is a 4 in the thousands place, a 6 in the hundred thousands place, etc." (out of order) until we have built the number. If theirs matches mine, they get a point. Depending on the level of the students, I will make it more challenging by not repeating a clue or going faster, or make it easier by repeating clues or using fewer digits."- Laura H.

I also have them line up in order from ones to millions while holding cards. The other students are able to see quickly whether the students are in the correct order and we use cards with commas as well to help reinforce the periods."-Tracy Y.

Happy teaching! Feel free to share your best place value idea or blog post in the comments!

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Teaching Place Value - Teaching with a Mountain View

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A few weeks ago, I asked my Facebook followers about the very first thing they taught in math at the beginning of the school year. All but one or two people said PLACE VALUE! I looked back at my blog and couldn't believe it when I realized I had never blogged about a few of ...

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4th Grade Math Stations for Place Value, Multiplication and More!

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I am SOOOOO happy to announce that I now have 4th grade resources available! I have partnered with my sister, Anna, who has taught upper

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Anchor Charts 101: Why and How To Use Them

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When teaching your students how to solve multi-digit addition problems, it is important to provide them with a variety of place-value strategies that they can use. This will not only help them find the method that works best for them, but it will also give them a deeper understanding of the concept of addition. In this blog post, we will explore three different ways to solve multi-digit problems: the break-apart strategy, using number lines, and the traditional algorithm.

Why Teach Students Different Addition Strategies?

When it comes to teaching students how to solve two-digit addition problems, there are a variety of different addition methods that can be used. These place value strategies are a key component of the second-grade math curriculum.

There are several benefits to teaching students different ways to solve two-digit problems. First, it allows students to find the method that works best for them. This is important because everyone learns in different ways and some students may prefer one method over another.

Second, teaching multiple methods helps students understand the concept of addition better. When they see how different math strategies produce the same answer, they begin to understand that addition is more than just putting numbers together.

Finally, teaching multiple methods can help students become more flexible problem solvers. If they encounter a problem they cannot solve using their usual method, they can try another approach until they find one that works.

Once students have a grasp of two-digit addition using ten blocks they can move on to written place value strategies that move second-grade students toward efficiency in their mathematical thinking.

What are Place Value Strategies for Addition?

Place value strategies for addition are methods that students can use to help them solve multidigit problems with regrouping and without regrouping. There are three main strategies that are commonly taught: the break-apart strategy, using number lines, and the traditional algorithm.

The break-apart strategy is an addition method where students break the problem into smaller parts and solve each part separately. This strategy is helpful for problems where there are regrouping or carrying over digits. There are variations to the break-apart strategy, which I note below.

Using number lines is a strategy where students use a number line to help them visualize the problem. This strategy is helpful for problems with larger numbers, as it can be difficult to keep track of all the digits in your head.

The traditional algorithm is the most commonly used method for solving two-digit addition equations. This algorithm involves carrying over digits and regrouping as necessary to solve the problem.

Break-Apart Strategy to Add Multi-Digit Numbers

One way to solve multidigit two-digit addition equations is by using the break-apart strategy. To use this strategy, you will need to start by breaking apart each number into its place value parts.

For example, if you are adding 37 + 24, you would break apart 37 into 30 + 7 and 24 into 20 + 4. Once you have done this, you can add the numbers in each place value separately. So, using our previous example, you would have 30 + 20 = 50 and 7 + 4 = 11. Therefore, the answer to 37 + 24 is 50 + 11, or 61.

You can use this strategy with any two-digit or three-digit number, and it is a great way for students to visualize what they are doing. It is also a good strategy for students who are struggling with an algorithm because it helps to break the problem down into smaller pieces.

Vertical Addition

This method is similar to the break-apart strategy, but it is done vertically and takes away some of the visual supports. Students have to keep some of the numbers in their heads while adding. Vertical addition requires a higher level of number sense and place value.

I also call this strategy add ones to ones and add tens to tens, it is the same strategy. The ones are easily added together. The tens cannot be thought of as a single digit but as a whole number based on the place value.

Using Number Lines to Solve Addition Problems

Another way to solve two-digit addition equations is by using number lines. To use this method, you will need to start by drawing a number line. An open number line is a great tool to use when solving multi-digit problems.

There are several different ways students can use an open number line to solve problems. The easiest way is to place the largest number on the number line then count up the tens and ones of the smaller number.

For example, using the same problem, 37 + 24, place 37 on the number line. Count up two tens, from 37 to 47 to 57. Then count up 4 ones, from 57 to 61. Eventually, students will start to see that they can group the two tens together in move from 37 to 57 in one jump on the number line.

This method is helpful because it provides a visual representation of what is happening when two numbers are added together. It also allows students to see that addition is simply counting up from one number to another.

Did you know that you can turn a number line on its side and make it a vertical number line? Students benefit from seeing number lines both horizontally and vertically.

The Traditional Algorithm for Two-Digit Addition

Teaching an algorithm for adding two-digit numbers is important because it helps students move toward efficiency. We always want students to move toward efficiency. From using manipulatives to drawing it out to using place value strategies, to using an algorithm.

The traditional algorithm often involves regrouping or carrying over, and it can be tricky for some students to understand. It is best to compare the algorithm to other multi-digit addition strategies. Students should be able to see the similarities between all of the addition methods and choose which method works the best for the given problem.

Some students gravitate to using the algorithm because it's what their parents do and where they get the most one-on-one help. There are a few that use an alternate strategy, though, and it's generally those students who have the most flexibility and sophistication in their mathematical thinking.

Compare the Different Place Value Strategies for Addition

Consider creating an anchor chart to help students see the similarities and differences between the different place value addition strategies. It is important for students to understand the relationships of the different addition methods so that they can choose the best method for each individual problem.

Two-Digit Addition and Three-Digit Addition Strategies Anchor Chart

Our class did a comparison between two-digit and three-digit addition strategies the other day. Earlier in the year, we practiced the two-digit addition strategies in depth with a variety of activities. We recently started working on three-digit addition and students needed a refresher on some of the strategies they had learned earlier in the year.

I love this chart because it links up what we learned earlier in the year and allows students make connections between what they've already learned and what they're working on right now.

Students have a much deeper understanding of Addition

I love teaching students to think flexibly about how to solve problems and helping them would embrace the fun in place value. By using these strategies-based methods, students learn to manipulate the numbers within addition problems.

I do not create this anchor chart unless students have worked with each strategy individually and in depth.

My students had a good grasp of each of these strategies before we created the anchor chart and my purpose in creating it was to help students see the similarities in applying the strategies between two-digit and three-digit addition. I also always make this chart a little differently each year, depending on the needs of my students, the sophistication of their thinking, and the words they have chosen to label the strategies. It's really about the students making meaning and making connections.

There are many different strategies that teachers can use to help their students understand how to solve problems and strengthen their number sense. In this blog post, we explored four strategies: the break-apart strategy, using number lines, and an algorithm. By providing your students with a variety of strategies, you will not only help them find the method that works best for them but also give them a better understanding of addition as a concept.

Resources to help you teach Multi-Digit Addition

Are you teaching second-grade students to add multi-digit numbers? I have quite a few two-digit addition resources below and on TpT.

If you teach second grade, you might like a few pages from some of my two-digit addition and subtraction products. I've compiled this PDF of resources as a sampler from several different products that really emphasize all the work we do in our classroom to develop these strategies in depth. Different components of the sampler can be used in whole groups or small groups and are perfect for helping your students think outside the box when it comes to solving multi-digit addition and subtraction.

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4 Ways to Solve Multi-digit Addition Problems

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When teaching your students how to solve multi-digit addition problems, it is important to provide them with a variety of place-value strategies that they can use. This will not only help them find the method that works best for them, but it will also give them a deeper understanding of the concept of addition.

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Jenga Game Cards: Engaging Math & Literacy Center Activities for the Classroom - Life Between Summers

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Jenga game cards are easily my favorite way to teach and reinforce basic math fact, phonics, or grammar practice.

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If you're a primary teacher, you have probably taught your students about fact families. These not only help with fact fluency, but they give students the strategies they will need to help make adding and subtracting larger numbers easier. If you're looking to make this time a little more fun and meaningful for your students, check out these fact family games and activities.

What is a Fact Family?

A fact family is a group of 3 numbers that work together to create related facts. It works for addition & subtraction as well as multiplication and division. Sometimes you'll also see fact families referred to as related facts, number bonds, or the part-part-whole model.

Why Teach Fact Families?

Fact families help students see how addition and subtraction are related. When students see the relationships within a fact family, they begin to see mathematical properties like the commutative property (a+b = b+a). This means they see that the answer is the same even when the addends are switched around. They see the part-part-whole model for addition and subtraction. This means that when you put two parts together, you make a whole group. Or, when you take one part from the whole group, you're left with the other part.

Fact Family Games and Activities

Make it Visual

When students are first starting to add numbers and learn about the commutative property (aka turn-around or flip-flop facts), adding a visual can be very helpful. One way you can do this is with colored counters. Students use one color for each addend. They can physically move the two groups of counters around and see that no matter which order they are placed, the sum remains the same. This is what it might look like for the problem 2+5=7.

Create a Fact Family House

Since related facts are often called a fact family, it seems natural to use a home to represent the family. The roof holds the three members of the family, and the base of the house holds the four related facts. You can grab a free template here. If you place the page in a sheet protector or dry erase pocket, the page can be reused again and again.

You can also use this opportunity to incorporate art and have students create a house out of paper. Each window lifts up to reveal one of the four related facts in the fact family. Grab this free template to use with your own students.

Fact Family Dice Game

You know I love using math manipulatives to provide hands-on learning for students and dice are one of my favorite tools. For this activity, students roll the dice to create two addends. Students add the numbers to find the third member of the fact family.

You can find this activity in my Dice Games pack.

Add Movement

For this activity you will need 5 or 6 students, white boards, dry erase markers, and a bit of space in the front of the classroom. Give each of the students a white board to hold. Choose a fact family and write one number or symbol on each board (make sure they are out of order). Students will look at the information and 5 of them will physically rearrange themselves to make an accurate fact family equation. Once the equation is correct, challenge them to move around again to create a new equation. Repeat until all four equations have been created. You can repeat this process with a new group of students and a set of new numbers.

If you are working with a small group, give students sticky notes or number/symbol cards. Call out three numbers. Students physically move the cards around to create the fact family on the table in front of them.

Fact Family Dominoes

If you have a set of dominoes lying around in your classroom, get them out and put them to use. For this activity, students draw a domino and add the two numbers to create the third member of the fact family. Then students record the four related facts and repeat the steps until the page is complete.

You can find this in my Dominoes Activities pack.

Find a Fact Family

This is a 2-player game, but could also be played independently. Grab a deck of cards and remove the face cards (J, Q, K). Shuffle and lay face down in a stack. Draw four cards and place them face up next to the deck. On a player's turn, he looks at the four cards and tries to find an addition fact family. In this example, the student might say 3+5=8. He would collect the three cards and replace the empty slots with new cards from the deck.

If there are no facts to be found, the player draws one card and lays it over any one of the other cards that are showing and the other player takes a turn. When no more fact families can be made and the deck is empty, the game is over. The player with the most cards collected wins.

What are your favorite ways to work on fact families in the classroom?

You might also enjoy these math games and activities:

Happy Teaching!

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If you're a primary teacher, you have probably taught your students about fact families. These not only help with fact fluency, but they give students the strategies they will need to help make adding and subtracting larger numbers easier.

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Second Grade is a very important year for developing addition and subtraction fluency up to 100. In Unit 3 of the 2nd Grade Math Made Fun Curriculum, we focus on Addition and Subtraction Up to 100. Mastery of basic addition and subtraction up to 20 is the foundation for learning addition and subtraction up to 100. Furthermore, mastering facts up to 20 through games, hands-on strategies and lots of practice helps students to build confidence and proficiency. Next, students work to tackle more challenging mathematical computations of addition and subtraction up to 100 through a variety of strategies, models and reasoning.
In this math unit on Addition up to 100, students will learn to:
*Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one-step and two-step word problems

*Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies

*Determine whether a group of objects (up to 20) has an odd or even number of members

*Write an equation to express an even number as a sum of two equal addends

*Fluently add and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction

*Add up to four two-digit numbers using strategies based on place value and properties of operations

*Mentally add 10 to a given number 0-90, and mentally subtract 10 from a given number 10-100

*Represent whole numbers as lengths from 0 on a number line diagram with equally spaced points corresponding to the numbers

*Represent whole-number sums and differences within 100 on a number line diagram

This 2nd Grade Math Made Fun Unit 3 is loaded with 49 hands-0n math centers and 93 NO PREP/Activity pages!
ALL 10 UNITS INCLUDED! Here are the 10 Units that will be included in the 2nd Grade: Math Made Fun Curriculum

Unit 1: Number Sense to 1,000

Unit 2: Place Value to 1,000

Unit 3: Addition and Subtraction Fluency within 100

Unit 4: Addition and Subtraction with 2-Digit and 3-Digit Numbers

Unit 5: Geometry and Fractions

Unit 10: Multiplication and Division

Each unit includes a scope with the objectives:

Daily Lesson Plans that offer differentiation for on-level, below-level and above-level students.

The lesson plans are broken down into 5 easy-to-follow parts: 1. Objective- What students should be able to do by the end of the lesson. 2. Review- A quick warm-up that has students practice previous skills that will be used in the current lesson. 3. Hook-A fun intro to get students engaged. 4. Mini Lesson- Teach, model, and discuss the new skill in today's lesson. 5. Practice- Each practice section lists three types of activities that pair well with the specific lesson. Center(s)- New center(s) to be introduced with the lesson. Activity Pages- These pages require some basic materials such as scissors, glue or dice. Practice Pages- These only require a pencil and crayons! They are great for table work, homework or work on the go!

✸ Differentiation- Each lesson include scaffold and extension ides to meet the needs of students at all levels!

Pre and Post Assessments for EACH unit!

Material Wrap Up Page!

LET'S LOOK AT THE MATH CENTERS FOR UNIT 3 IN ACTION...

CENTER NUMBER 1: Fact Fluency Strips (Addition within 20)

Solve the problems. Write the sums using a dry-erase marker. Check your answers on the key.

CENTER NUMBER 2: Fact Fluency Strips (Subtraction within 20)

Solve the problems. Write the differences using a dry-erase marker. Check your answers on the key.

CENTER NUMBER 3: Fact Fluency Strips (Addition and Subtraction within 20)

Solve the problems. Write the sums and differences using a dry-erase marker. Check your answers on the key.

CENTER NUMBER 4: Fact Fluency Addition within 20

Flip a card. Solve the problem and find the matching sum on the board. Record the equation on your recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 5: Fact Fluency Subtraction within 20

Flip a card. Solve the problem and find the matching difference on the board. Record the equation on your recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 6: Fact Fluency Mixed Review within 20

Flip a card. Solve the problem and find the matching sum or difference on the board. Record the equation on your recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 7: Fact Fluency Addition (Adding 3 numbers up to 100)

Flip a card. Solve the problem and find the matching sum on the board. Record the equation on your recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 8: Fact Fluency Addition (Adding 4 numbers up to 100)

Flip a card. Solve the problem and find the matching sum on the board. Record the equation on your recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 9: Roll it and Mentally Solve it (Adding up to 20)

Roll a die. Solve the problems in your head that are in that row. Color a star each time you solve the problems.

CENTER NUMBER 10: Roll it and Mentally Solve it (Subtraction up to 20)

Roll a die. Solve the problems in your head that are in that row. Color a star each time you solve the problems.

CENTER NUMBER 11: Roll it and Mentally Solve it (Mixed Review up to 20)

Roll a die. Solve the problems in your head that are in that row. Color a star each time you solve the problems.

CENTER NUMBER 12: Tic-Tac-Toe Addition (within 100, no regrouping)

Take turns with a friend solving the addition problems. Each player uses a different color to write the answers. The first person to get three in a row wins.

CENTER NUMBER 13: Tic-Tac-Toe Addition (within 100, with regrouping)

Take turns with a friend solving the addition problems. Each player uses a different color to write the answers. The first person to get three in a row wins.

CENTER NUMBER 14: Tic-Tac-Toe Subtraction (within 100, no regrouping)

Take turns with a friend solving the subtraction problems. Each player uses a different color to write the answers. The first person to get three in a row wins.

CENTER NUMBER 15: Tic-Tac-Toe Subtraction (within 100, with regrouping)

Take turns with a friend solving the subtraction problems. Each player uses a different color to write the answers. The first person to get three in a row wins.

CENTER NUMBER 16: Tic-Tac-Toe (Mixed Review)

Take turns with a friend solving the math problems. Each player uses a different color to write the answers. The first person to get three in a row wins.

CENTER NUMBER 17: Spin and Solve Addition (within 100, no regrouping)

Spin both spinners. Add the numbers. Record the equation on your recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 18: Spin and Solve Addition (within 100, with regrouping)

Spin both spinners. Add the numbers. Record the equation on your recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 19: Spin and Solve Subtraction (within 100, no regrouping)

Spin both spinners. Subtract the number of spin B from the number of spin A. Record the equation on your recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 20: Spin and Solve (within 100, with regrouping)

Spin both spinners. Subtract the number of spin B from the number of spin A. Record the equation on your recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 21: Ice Cream Addition (within 100, no regrouping)

Flip a card. Solve the addition problem. Record the equation on the recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 22: Ice Cream Addition (within 100, with regrouping)

Flip a card. Solve the addition problem. Record the equation on the recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 23: Word Problems (one-step, up to 20)

Read the word problem. Solve the problem. Show your work on the mat.

CENTER NUMBER 24: Word Problems (one-step, up to 100 with unknown start, no regrouping)

Read the word problem. Solve the problem. Show your work on the mat.

CENTER NUMBER 25: Word Problems (one-step, up to 100 with unknown start, with regrouping)

Read the word problem. Solve the problem. Show your work on the mat.

CENTER NUMBER 26: Word Problems (two-step, up to 100, no regrouping)

Read the word problem. Solve the problem. Show your work on the mat.

CENTER NUMBER 27: Number Line Word Problems

Read the word problem. Use the number line to solve the problem. Record the question and answer on the recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 28: Spin and Cover

Spin both spinners. Add the numbers and cover the number that matches.

CENTER NUMBER 29: Roll and Cover

Roll two dice. Add them together. Cover a subtraction problem whose difference is the sum of the dice.

CENTER NUMBER 30: Open-Ended Addition Number Lines

Use the open-ended number line to solve the addition problem. Record the equation on the recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 31: Open-Ended Subtraction Number Lines

Use the open-ended number line to solve the subtraction problem. Record the equation on the recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 32: Number Line Subtraction

Flip a card. Read the problem. Decide which segments of the number line you need to help you solve the problem. Record your answer on the recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 33: Roll and Add Three 2-Digit Numbers

Roll a die. Solve a problem in that row and cover.

CENTER NUMBER 34: Fact Fluency- Missing Addends

Complete each equation by filling in the missing addends.

CENTER NUMBER 35: Fact Fluency- Addition up to 20

Complete each equation by filling in the missing sums.

CENTER NUMBER 36: Break Apart Addition

Break apart the 2-digit number into tens and ones. Write the new addition problem and solve.

CENTER NUMBER 37: Bubble Number Mix-Up (Adding a 2-digit and 1-digit number, no regrouping)

Look at the numbers that are on the bubbles. Arrange them in the boxes so that the equation is true.

CENTER NUMBER 38: Bubble Number Mix-Up (Adding two 2-digit numbers, no regrouping)

Look at the numbers that are on the bubbles. Arrange them in the boxes so that the equation is true.

CENTER NUMBER 39: Bubble Number Mix-Up (Adding a 2-digit and 1-digit number, with regrouping)

Look at the numbers that are on the bubbles. Arrange them in the boxes so that the equation is true.

CENTER NUMBER 40: Bubble Number Mix-Up (Adding two 2-digit numbers, with regrouping)

Look at the numbers that are on the bubbles. Arrange them in the boxes so that the equation is true.

CENTER NUMBER 41: Bubble Number Mix-Up (Subtracting a 1-digit number from a 2-digit number, no regrouping)

Look at the numbers that are on the bubbles. Arrange them in the boxes so that the equation is true.

CENTER NUMBER 42: Bubble Number Mix-Up (Subtracting a 2-digit number from a 2-digit number, no regrouping)

Look at the numbers that are on the bubbles. Arrange them in the boxes so that the equation is true.

CENTER NUMBER 43: Bubble Number Mix-Up (Subtracting a 1-digit number from a 2-digit number, with regrouping)

Look at the numbers that are on the bubbles. Arrange them in the boxes so that the equation is true.

CENTER NUMBER 44: Bubble Number Mix-Up (Subtracting a 2-digit number from a 2-digit number, with regrouping)

Look at the numbers that are on the bubbles. Arrange them in the boxes so that the equation is true.

CENTER NUMBER 45: Honey Comb Addition

Add two numbers that are touching each other on the honey comb. Write their sum in the empty hexagon above them.

CENTER NUMBER 46: Math Puzzle (Adding and Subtracting up to 20)

Starting in the upper left corner, work your way around the puzzle. Add or Subtract the given numbers. Record the final number on the recording sheet.

CENTER NUMBER 47: Place Value Addition (with three 2-digit numbers)

Flip a card. Use strategies based on place value and properties of operations to solve.

CENTER NUMBER 48: Place Value Addition (with four 2-digit numbers)

Flip a card. Use strategies based on place value and properties of operations to solve.

CENTER NUMBER 49: Even and Odd Numbers

Flip a card. Read the word problem. Answer the question. Record your answer on the recording sheet.

For each page, there is a grade level standard attached so you know EXACTLY what you are covering! You can feel confident that ALL the standards for Second Grade are being covered!

HOW DO I ORGANIZE THE UNITS?

I chose to store the math centers in Sterilite bins, because they don't take up too much space. It is a tight fit, but I find that they work nicely for me. However, if you choose, you could store the centers in a larger container as well. Within the bin, each math center is stored in a gallon sized ziplock baggie. Since Unit 3 has 49 math centers, I found it helpful to split up the centers into 2 bins.

SAVE BIG WITH THE BUNDLE HERE
You can purchase Unit 3 individually HERE or

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Addition and Subtraction Fluency up to 100 for 2nd Grade

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Build addition and subtraction fluency up to 100 in second grade with fun, hands-on math centers and worksheets. Includes lesson plans and assessments.

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Subtraction can be tricky for 2nd grade students. But add in double digit subtraction with regrouping and 2nd grade students can get lost. That's why I'm sharing 3 double digit subtraction with regrouping 2nd grade tips so no student fails.

Let's first get into what is double digit subtraction with regrouping. This is the standard algorithm for subtraction. You stack up the 2 digit numbers and subtract the ones and then the tens to get the answer. Students need to regroup the ones if the ones number on the top is less than the bottom. Students can memorize the steps to do this, but I like to make it more meaningful for students. I like to teach it in a way where they actually understand why they are doing the things they are doing to get the correct answer. So let's get into my 3 tips to make this possible.
Help students understand place value.
The common core state standard says that for 2nd grade math students should fluently add and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value. When students use the standard algorithm to subtract they are using place value principles. That means students need to understand place value in order to use this strategy.

If you show students the number 47 do they know that it means 4 tens and 7 ones? I like to help students learn this by working with base ten blocks. I give each student a set of tens and ones and then I have them make random 2 digit numbers. They quickly come to see what a 2 digit number actually means. I also like to show students how to draw place value blocks. They use a line to represent tens and small dots to represent ones. I have them practice drawing the base ten blocks to numbers on a white board.

Once students understand place value, they are ready to learn how to subtract 2 digit numbers with regrouping.

How to Subtract 2 Digit Numbers With Regrouping

This brings me into my second tip.
Use models for students to understand the steps.
I do this by drawing a tens and ones chart to record my numbers and another tens and ones chart for my pictures. For the tens and ones chart for my numbers, I need 2 regrouping boxes. I put one above the tens and one above the ones column.

Then I write in an equation like 47-19. Then we start by drawing the number 47. I draw in 4 ten rods and 7 ones. Then we need to take away the 19. I start with the ones, but I can't cross off nine ones because I only have 7. I have to regroup a ten to make 10 more ones.

I show this on my model by circling a ten and drawing an arrow over to my ones. Then I draw out 10 ones by the 7 that were already there. Now I have 3 tens and 17 ones. I need to record this on my numbers tens and ones chart. I cross out the 4 and put a 3 up above. I cross out the 7 and put a 17 in the regrouping box above my ones.

Then back to the picture, I can cross out 9 ones. That leaves me with 8 ones. Then I subtract 1 ten by crossing off a ten. Then I record this on my over tens and ones chart. 17-9=8 and 3-1=2 so the answer to 47-19 is 27.

After I show my students a few examples of me doing this with problems where you need to regroup and problems where you don't need to regroup, I let my students practice with me. This is our guided practice part of the lesson.

Then students are ready for independent practice.

2 Digit Subtraction With Regrouping Anchor Chart
Hang up an anchor chart and give students lots of practice.
To help give students the support they need for independent practice I like to hang up a 2 digit subtraction with regrouping anchor chart for them to refer to. These anchor charts are more meaningful to students when you make it with them. I draw the tens and ones chart and solve a problem together so students can easily see the steps.

When I get students out of their seats and moving by having them complete a scoot activity. I place double digit subtraction problems around the classroom and give students a recording sheet. They go around the room to solve the problems. I walk around observing students and giving any guidance needed.

By helping students understand place value, using models, and giving students lots of practice you help set your students up for success when it comes to double digit subtraction with regrouping.

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Double Digit Subtraction With Regrouping 2nd Grade Tips So No Student Fails - Teaching with Kaylee B

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These double digit subtraction with regrouping 2nd grade tips will help your students understand the meaning behind regrouping...

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Mr Elementary Math - Making Math Clear & Simply Fun

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Math Fact Fluency Friday: The Best Way to End the Week - Simply Creative Teaching

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Fact Fluency Friday is a meaningful way to start Fridays with your students. It gives them a chance to practice their math facts with friends using games!

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This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read on for addition fact strategies and nine no prep addition games!

Do you remember how you learned your addition facts?

My memory is a little fuzzy when I think back (over thirty years -ago - agh!) to first grade. But I remember flash cards. And as a new teacher, that was all I knew. In fact, our math series came with a giant set of colorful punch-out flash cards - one set for each student.

Can you guess where I'm going with this? Hint: it's not to sing the praises of flash cards.

Are flashcards a good teaching tool?

I'm not opposed to flashcards IF they're used after kids have developed some basic understandings.

While memorization of the addition facts is the end goal, it should come with hands-on practice and engagement with facts - not drill, drill, drill.

You know how some people automatically break down numbers in their head? You give them a big number to add or subtract, and they do it quickly. My husband is one of those people.

Then there are people like me.

I try to think it out, get a fuzzy brain, and then grab paper and pencil for some old-fashioned borrowing and carrying. All those flash cards helped me memorize the basic facts, but they didn't teach me how to manipulate numbers.

What strategies do kids need when solving addition facts?

I'm glad you asked! I've created nine free printable addition games. The first six games each focus on a particular set of facts:

In the sidebar of each game you'll find strategies that you and your learners might find helpful. If the sidebar is a distraction when your child is playing, you can fold it underneath the game.

Did I mention that these games are NO PREP? Just print and play!

How to play

1. Take turns reading a fact and covering it, coloring it, or dotting it with a Do-a-dot marker (our favorite way to play!)

2. Whoever gets four in a row first, wins.

Game 1

The first game is an easy one. It reviews the +0, +1, and +2 facts.

Game 2

The second game includes a set of facts I don't remember on my first grade flashcards: adding ten.

Game 3

For some reason, the doubles facts are usually easy and fun for kids to learn.

Game 4

The next game features sums to ten. (Have you seen my free card game that features sums to ten?)

Game 5

Here's where strategy really comes into play. How can kids use their understanding of ten to solve the harder math facts?

Game 6

Finally, kids can use what they know about doubles facts to play this game. We often call these "doubles plus one" facts.

The download also includes three mixed practice games, for a total of nine no prep addition games.

Have fun!

Did you know?

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I love these strategies for learning addition facts! Plus, you get nine free NO PREP addition games!

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We aren't a fan of flashcards around here- but all kids have to memorize their addition facts! So in addition to playing board games that teach the addition facts, we play Knockout!

We love dice games- and this one is a great one for friendly competition and learning the addition facts. Here's how to play.

** This website contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission. Please click here for more information about cookies collected and our privacy policy **.

How to Play Knockout- A Fun Game to Learn the Addition Facts!
What you'll need:
A small dry erase board

A dry erase marker

2 dice

Write the numbers 2 -12 on both sides of the dry erase board.
How to Play the Game:
Set the board in between the 2 players.

Take turns rolling the dice. Add the dice together and erase the sum from your side of the board.

The first one to erase all of their numbers wins!

Simple right? But a lot of fun. So much fun that my teen sons ask if they can play with their little sister instead of me

(But maybe that's to get out of doing algebra??)

Knockout Variation for More Advanced Kids:

Does your child need more of a challenge?

Try playing knockout with 12 sided dice! Just write the numbers 2-24 on the board instead and play as instructed above.

Skills Your Child Will Learn With Knockout:

Knockout may seem like a simple game, but it actually teaches a lot of math skills for young kids! Skill such as:

First and foremost, it will help your child learn and memorize the addition facts up to 6+6.

They will also learn how to recognize number patterns on the dice quickly. This helps them mentally count more quickly in the future.

It also helps with identifying numbers. Your child has to recognize the numbers 2-12 to be able to erase them on the board.

In addition to math facts, games like this help kids learn to take turns and good sportsmanship.

Looking for more math help? Check these out:
Printable Addition Charts and Worksheets Free Printable 100s Charts Free Printable Dinosaur Game for Addition Practice - #1-3 Free Printable Skip Counting Charts (Skip Counting from 2-10!) Free Printable Fraction Strips 10 Free Printable Multiplication Charts & Multiplication Wheels

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Knockout- A Fun Addition Game To Learn The Facts!

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Do your kids dread practicing their addition facts? Try Knockout! A fun addition game to help your child learn the facts without tears.

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This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Need another way to build math fact fluency? Try these fun printable math games - they're free!

Let's talk about basic math facts, shall we?

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

All math teachers agree that their learners need to develop fluency with these facts.

What is math facts fluency?

It's the quick and effortless recall of math facts. If kids have to think for a minute before telling you that 5 x 6 = 30, they don't have math facts fluency.

Why do kids need math facts fluency?

Here are the two most important reasons.

When kids know their facts automatically, they can do math more quickly. This becomes especially important in the higher grades.

When kids have fluency with math facts, their brains are freed up to do more complex tasks - such as mental math and problem solving.

Should I start with flash cards?

While many people begin with this step, I don't encourage it. Instead, we need to focus first on an understanding of the math behind the facts.

Kids need to explore addition as combining or adding to.

Kids need to understand subtraction as separating or taking away.

They need to see that multiplication is repeated addition of a number, and that division is dividing a number into equal parts or groups.

If not flash cards ... what?

I love beginning with a good book. (For example, check out this list of books that's great for introducing multiplication.)

Continue with manipulatives. Even older kids who are starting to learn multiplication and division need to explore basic operations using small pieces before committing facts to memory. Some of my favorite manipulatives are teddy bear counters, 2-color counters, and unifix cubes. Small budget? Use pennies!

Reinforce the concept in a variety of ways. In addition to manipulatives, try number lines, ten frames, and more. Pinterest is your friend. Go search for some fun ideas! I even did some searching for you, and I found these goodies:

Build first grade math skills with legos with these tips from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls. Not So Wimpy Teacher has some hands-ways to practice multiplication. Also see Math Geek Mama's round-up of ways to teach multiplication using arrays.

Vary your instruction. Do whole class lessons, work with small groups, and provide opportunities for individual practice.

Should I ever use flash cards?

Of course! In fact, I recommend it - after students have an understanding of the math behind the facts and need to commit them to memory. (And 15 in a Row is a fantastic game to play with flash cards!)

But don't make flash cards your only method for building math fact fluency. Try my free printable games!

Free games for building math fact fluency

At the end of this post, you'll get a math games pdf with 40 printable games for practicing basic facts. As you can see in the above image, each game features a string of facts along the border.

In the center of each game is a Bingo board.

Kids move around the board with a die, name the fact they land on, and find its answer on the Bingo board. They can color or dot it (we like Do-a-Dot markers, but they can be pretty messy - I don't recommend them for a classroom of kids).

When they have five in a row, they're done!

These games are perfect for the classroom, homeschool, or after-school practice at home.

I hope your learners enjoy them!

Check out this post too!
*Stock image via iStock.

© 2018 - 2020, Anna G. All rights reserved.

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40 math games for math fact fluency - The Measured Mom

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This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Need another way to build math fact fluency? Try these fun printable math games - they're free! Let's talk about basic math facts, shall we? Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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Making practicing dividing fun by playing a hands-on division math game! Knight's Quest is free printable to practice division with 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students! This division games printable is fun, hand-on division activity and educational math game to make learning fun with a middle ages theme filled with knights, castles, and division facts for kids! Simply print division printables and you are ready for an engaging division activities.

Division Math Game

I am always looking for fun ways to practice math! My son is good at math, but he is not quick at his multiplication and division facts. The rest of the math he will learn in school will build upon using these facts. He needs to be able to do them quickly, accurately, and consistently. So I created more division games so we could practice these essential skills in a FUN way! Knight's Quest is one of our Division Games for kids that is perfect for grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6 students who like improving division facts with a free math game!

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler - you will love this printable math game to practice division facts. Use this as extra practice, part of a middle ages or medieval times theme, math center in your classroom, or a supplement to your homeschool math curriculum. This is a fun activity that goes along great with a history lessons for kids.

Division Games Printable

Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> _____ <<. The pdf file will open in a new window for you to save the freebie and print the template.

Printable Division Games

Just print in color (or grayscale), on cardstock and follow the included directions. You will also need player pieces, we just used Knight Playmobil characters, but Legos, buttons, erasers, etc. all work great too.

The board game is 2 sheets of paper taped together.

Playing cards are also included.

Division Game

My kids particularly enjoyed drawing dragon cards that they had to "defeat' with their sword cards! This division games for 4th grade does such a great job of engaging kids so they want to practice math which will help them improve division fluency. Plus you'll love that this is a cool division games.

Printable Division Game

This printable division game is such a fun, low prep, and free math game to help kids have fun practicing math!

Division math games printable

Looking for more fun, free printable division games for kids to practice math and gain fluency? You will love these division worksheets, printable division games, and more!

Multiplication Facts games

Journey back to the time of castles and knights with this fun middle ages for kids hands-on history lesson for kids!

Knight Quest Division Game
By using resources from my site you agree to the following:

This is for personal use only (teachers please see my TPT store)

This may NOT be sold, hosted, reproduced, or stored on any other site (including blog, Facebook, Dropbox, etc.)

All materials provided are copyright protected. Please see Terms of Use.

Graphics purchased and used with permission

I offer free printables to bless my readers AND to provide for my family. Your frequent visits to my blog & support purchasing through affiliates links and ads keep the lights on so to speak. Thanks you!

Beth Gorden

Beth Gorden is the creative multi-tasking creator of 123 Homeschool 4 Me. As a busy homeschooling mother of six, she strives to create hands-on learning activities and worksheets that kids will love to make learning FUN! She has created over 1 million pages of printables to help teach kids ABCs, science, English grammar, history, math, and so much more! Beth is also the creator of 2 additional sites with even more educational activities and FREE printables - www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com and www.preschoolplayandlearn.com

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FREE Printable Knight's Quest Division Math Game for Kids

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Make practicing division fun for elementary age kids with this fun, engaging FREE Knights Quest Division Game. LOW PREP and resubale!

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Teaching division is a complex skill with a lengthy formula for students to remember. But learning and more importantly understanding division doesn't start with memorizing procedural steps. In fact, teaching the standard algorithm of division should be the last thing you teach your students.

How To Start Your Division Unit

To ensure I target conceptual understanding I ask my students a simple question to launch our division unit.
What is division? "Division is seeing how many times a number can go into a number." "Dividing is when you make a number smaller." "Division is the saying does McDonald's serve burgers."
Such responses as the three above illustrate a lack of understanding of the concept of division.

I don't give my students the answer. Instead I make them work for it.

I give my students a bag of centimeter cubes. My students sit in groups of 4-5, so I put a specific number of cubes in the bag to ensure that there will be a remainder amongst students.

I ask them to divide the cubes amongst the people at their table.

This sparks great discussion. I walk around and listen. Your students will look to you for the answer. They will stare at you with big eyes screaming "HELP US!" Don't cave in. Let them explore.

"How many should each person get?" "Brian has more than me." "Who gets the extra cubes?" "Everyone needs to have the same amount, that's what divide means!"BINGO. You want each group to come to the conclusion that every person should have the same number of cubes sitting in front of them.

As each group is arriving at this conclusion, I go over to each table and ask them to create a division equation that matches their work. I also ask them to label each number in their equation.

Now when I ask them what division is, I get the response I'm looking for. Division is putting objects into equal groups or putting the same amount of pieces into groups.

Take The Exploration To The Next Level

The next day I hand my groups another bag. This time the bag has base ten blocks. I give them the same prompt.

Divide the bag amongst the people at your table.
"How are we supposed to divide these?" "I don't get it!"
An even greater debate commences.

Finally, a group will approach me. "Can we trade a hundreds flat for 10 tens?" Sure! I complete the trade and the group forges on. Other groups start to catch up and pretty soon my room is transformed into a barter station.

These are simple but highly effective lessons to implement in your classroom. Don't start with having students memorize steps or a weird saying about burgers. After your students conceptualize division then you can teach them the formula.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE RESOURCE!

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO OUR NEWSLETTER TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE DIVISION TASK CARDS!

GET YOUR FREE TASK CARDS HERE!

Sign up below for your FREE Division Task Cards!

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How To Teach Division Conceptually - Tanya Yero Teaching

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Teaching division is a complex skill with a lengthy formula for students to remember. But learning and more importantly understanding division doesn't start with memorizing procedural steps. In fact, teaching the standard algorithm of division

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Teaching division is a complex skill with a lengthy formula for students to remember. But learning and more importantly understanding division doesn't start with memorizing procedural steps. In fact, teaching the standard algorithm of division should be the last thing you teach your students.

How To Start Your Division Unit

To ensure I target conceptual understanding I ask my students a simple question to launch our division unit.
What is division? "Division is seeing how many times a number can go into a number." "Dividing is when you make a number smaller." "Division is the saying does McDonald's serve burgers."
Such responses as the three above illustrate a lack of understanding of the concept of division.

I don't give my students the answer. Instead I make them work for it.

I give my students a bag of centimeter cubes. My students sit in groups of 4-5, so I put a specific number of cubes in the bag to ensure that there will be a remainder amongst students.

I ask them to divide the cubes amongst the people at their table.

This sparks great discussion. I walk around and listen. Your students will look to you for the answer. They will stare at you with big eyes screaming "HELP US!" Don't cave in. Let them explore.

"How many should each person get?" "Brian has more than me." "Who gets the extra cubes?" "Everyone needs to have the same amount, that's what divide means!"BINGO. You want each group to come to the conclusion that every person should have the same number of cubes sitting in front of them.

As each group is arriving at this conclusion, I go over to each table and ask them to create a division equation that matches their work. I also ask them to label each number in their equation.

Now when I ask them what division is, I get the response I'm looking for. Division is putting objects into equal groups or putting the same amount of pieces into groups.

Take The Exploration To The Next Level

The next day I hand my groups another bag. This time the bag has base ten blocks. I give them the same prompt.

Divide the bag amongst the people at your table.
"How are we supposed to divide these?" "I don't get it!"
An even greater debate commences.

Finally, a group will approach me. "Can we trade a hundreds flat for 10 tens?" Sure! I complete the trade and the group forges on. Other groups start to catch up and pretty soon my room is transformed into a barter station.

These are simple but highly effective lessons to implement in your classroom. Don't start with having students memorize steps or a weird saying about burgers. After your students conceptualize division then you can teach them the formula.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE RESOURCE!

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO OUR NEWSLETTER TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE DIVISION TASK CARDS!

GET YOUR FREE TASK CARDS HERE!

Sign up below for your FREE Division Task Cards!

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How To Teach Division Conceptually - Tanya Yero Teaching

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Teaching division is a complex skill with a lengthy formula for students to remember. But learning and more importantly understanding division doesn't start with memorizing procedural steps. In fact, teaching the standard algorithm of division

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I love, love, love teaching multiplication! There are so many fun ways to make real-world connections and use hands-on exploration. In this post, I'd like to share a few of my favorite activities, some great resources, and my key multiplication anchor charts!

Introducing Multiplication

I like launching our multiplication unit by brainstorming ideas of things that come in groups. This helps students make the connection between multiplication and equal groups, and provides a handy reference for creating our own word problems later!

First, I send students off in small groups to brainstorm together and jot ideas on a paper after listing numbers 2 through 12. After groups have a chance to generate ideas, we meet together and students share their best ideas. Next, we use our new chart to act out a few word problems. I might say, "What if there were 5 kids? How many fingers would that be?" Students will stand and solve the problem by physically acting it out. Then I'll show them how to write the multiplication number sentence and matching repeated addition.

Skip Counting

During the multiplication unit, we do A LOT of skip counting. We sing the multiples, chant the multiples, whisper the multiples, and rap the multiples. Students create their own skip counting booklet to have as a handy reference and I hang a chart in the room.

If you browse YouTube, you'll find tons of skip counting videos and songs. My students love the videos created by Dr. DeMaio like this "3 Times Table Song" set to the tune of Uptown Funk! Plus, these videos make a great brain break and allow students to get up and move.

Multiplication Strategies

We also explore all kinds of multiplication strategies so that students can visualize and understand the meaning of multiplication. My kids spend a lot of time drawing out word problems on desks or personal whiteboards, physically acting out word problems, or using manipulatives (such as Cheese-Its!) to model problems.

As we try out different strategies, I add them to an anchor chart for reference. Below is the finished chart after we'd studied both multiplication and division. I wanted to highlight the various strategies and models they would be expected to understand so that students could make connections between the different strategies and between multiplication and division.

If you're looking for more ideas, daily lessons, task cards, games and more, take a peek at my Monster Multiplication Mini-Unit. Kids love the monster-themed activities and teachers love the easy prep and challenging student tasks!

The kids play a lot of games and use manipulatives or dry-erase markers to "act out" the problems. This allows their partner to check their work and seems to keep the students engaged longer. (It also makes it easier for me to monitor understanding and fix up any confusions on the spot.)

Our anchor charts go up on the Math Wall during the unit and the key charts stay for longer periods of time. I see the kids referring to these charts all the time! We also create similar charts in their Math Journals so that even after the big charts come down, students can still flip back to reference them as needed.

Thanks so much for reading. Please share any other fun ideas for teaching multiplication in the comments below!

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Multiplication made fun! Ideas, strategies, and anchor charts to help you teach multiplication!

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Boost Division Skills in 9 Fun and Effective Ways!

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Mastering basic division facts is such an important skill for 3rd and 4th grade students. Making it FUN is just as important. As a former 4th grade

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Division can be a tricky and confusing concept for many students. When I was teaching 3rd grade, this was the unit when a large group of students would begin to fall behind. There are so many potential reasons for this struggle: lack of number sense, multiplication facts, and not having time to develop the foundational concepts.

I've found that when introducing division, it's essential to slow down and provide students with multiple hands-on learning opportunities. Students need time to explore connections and relationships between multiplication and division, as well as division and subtraction.

This post focuses on introducing and teaching the concept of division, which is typically introduced in third grade. If you're looking for ideas for teaching more advanced division concepts, be sure to check out this post. You can find all of the lessons in this blog post here.

In this post:

Hands-On

Always introduce division with hands-on activities that guide students into seeing the relationship between multiplication and division. It doesn't particularly matter what manipulative you use. It's just important that students work with concrete objects. During the instruction, I also continuously clarify the number of groups vs. the number in each group. While this may not initially seem important, this will come into play as students solve word problems.

In the activity above, you can see how students represent division problems with pictorial models and a division equation. They also discern between the number of groups and the number in each group. This lesson can be differentiated by changing the total number of manipulatives.

Full Disclaimer: I created the lesson below due to a large purchase of mini pails and seashells at Target Dollar Spot. However, even without the little "extras" it's still beneficial to give students more hands-on time exploring division. I like to use this lesson to introduce remainders.

As you discuss the equations, be sure to avoid statements such as, "The big number goes first." While this is typically true in third grade, that won't always be the case.

Repeated Subtraction

When teaching the concept of division, it's important that students understand that they can divide by using repeated subtraction of equal groups. While this is a great strategy for solving division problems, I do try to push students on and not allow them to become stuck only using this strategy. Some students find it difficult to transition from additive thinking to multiplicative thinking, which is why a good number sense routine is so important.

Division in Context

As with other math units, it's important to teach the concept of division in context. Don't wait until the end of your division unit to introduce word problems. It doesn't have to be torture for you or your students! You can absolutely make division word problems fun. One sure strategy is to incorporate food like in this M&M lesson.

Letting students see division in real-life situations makes it so much easier to teach the concept of division. Throughout the unit, I continuously require students to represent their work through situation equations, as this helps students understand the parts of the word problem.

I am forever a fan of color-coding, and this is absolutely the case for word problems. I have students highlight the number of groups with pink, number in each group with green, and the total in orange. This is a great way to force students to slow down and think about the meaning of the problem.

Teaching the Concept of Division: Arrays

When I first started teaching 3rd grade, I introduced arrays at the very beginning of my division unit. That combination was the source of considerable anxiety and frustration! By far, the most common problem was for students to build an array that modeled multiplication, rather than division. I've since learned to wait a bit and let students solidify their understanding of division before adding arrays to the mix.

Now that I've taught 4th grade for several years, I've also seen the importance of students having a firm understanding of division with arrays. Once again, you can use food to keep it interesting for students.

Teaching the Concept of Division: Critical Thinking

Even though I do embed word problems in almost all of my division instruction, the initial word problems are somewhat basic. I give students a little time before I begin to raise the rigor.

In the activity below, students are given situations and they write multiplication and division word problems to represent the given situation. That's really challenging for third graders, but it's such a powerful lesson.

In another lesson, students use pattern blocks to solve critical thinking problems. By this point in the unit, students begin quickly seeing patterns and division "clicks" for most students. Others will need extra time, and that's okay.

Some of the lessons require considerable problem solving and the application of multiplication and division concepts. One of my favorites are asking if division is commutative and then having students find errors in models of division word problems.

Remainders

How deep you go into remainders depends on your standards and your students. I saved the most challenging lessons that focus on interpreting the remainder for the end of the division unit. In the Party Planner activity students solve real-word problems to determine how many packages of items they need to purchase for a party. Too often students want to write the answer to the division problem without thinking about what the question is actually asking, so this is challenging for many students.

You can have students write word problems again, but this time students finish the question two different ways. In one scenario they write a problem where they won't use the remainder. In the other scenario, they write a problem where they will need to add another group.

All of the lessons in this part are a part of my 3rd Grade Multiplication and Division Unit.

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When teaching the concept of division, slow down and provide hands-on learning opportunities so students can explore connections.

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If you've ever taught multiplication, you know how hard it can be to help students build fluency with their facts. All of our students process the concept of multiplication differently and therefore will build their fluency and understanding at different rates. For some students, you can never have enough worksheets because they are finished before you even have a moment to put out the next. For other students, one worksheet is overwhelming and their confidence plummets when they see their peers running up to the finished work bin with three sheets in hand.

ENOUGH! I needed my students to participate in more meaningful learning in a comparison-free environment, all while being differentiated enough to meet my wide range of learners. Can you say, "TALL ORDER?!?"

Well, I got right to work. A few ideas came right to mind, but it wasn't enough of a variety to engage all of my kiddos. I then thought back to my six years of teaching math centers in first grade. Were there any that I could possibly modify to use with multiplication? Even if I could, would my students turn their noses up at them because they were too babyish?

I started sifting through all of my first-grade binders (I know we all still have our lesson plans from our student teaching, so let's stop pretending to be surprised that I have my binders from last year! Haha!)
It turns out that there are LOADS of activities that were perfectly suited to my multiplication needs.

I put a bunch of them together and began introducing them to my students. We made a board that showed which centers were independent, those that required a small group, and those that could be played either way. We also created some references materials that students could bring with them to their center. For example, each student created their own book of multiples, where they colored in a hundred chart to help them recognize patterns in skip counting {i.e. multiplication}.

As a class, we also made a list of Multiplication Strategies to help us remember when we were stuck. We posted the list on our math wall, but I also made a smaller version for students to take with them to their center if they want. Grab a copy for yourself for FREE below!

It has been really fun for me to watch students start to gain confidence in their skills and start to challenge themselves to not bring a reference with them.

In addition to several board games and computer games/apps that my students also have access to during centers, here are my TOP 10 MULTIPLICATION CENTER IDEAS. Hope ya like 'em!

1. Multiplication Activity- Array City

Making city skylines out of arrays... why not? This activity is easily modified by using different-sized graph paper (1-inch squares vs. 1-centimeter squares). My struggling students who lack confidence in their multiplication facts LOVE this center because it gives them a visual model, and they enjoy creating something in the process. They take pride in seeing their pictures hanging in the classroom. My students who are comfortable with their multiplication facts love this center too because they can challenge themselves to create massive skyscrapers and discover new strategies to solve more complex multiplication problems.

2. MULTIPLICATION LEGO ARRAYS

Come on! What kid doesn't LOVE Legos? The simple act of putting Legos out at math time sells itself! Similar to Array Skylines, this center allows students to have a visual model and has multiple access points to meet a range of learners. My struggling students stick to the smaller pieces and focus on arrays up to 6 x 6. However, I have other students who make massive arrays and show their ability to solve multi-digit multiplication problems by chunking it into smaller arrays.

This center is also great for students who have weak fine motor skills and may be frustrated by the cutting aspect of Array Skylines. I have students record their multiplication sentences on Post-It notes and place them next to their array. We take a picture of it at the end, sometimes printing them to add to their math portfolios

3. Multiplication Activity- Array Capture

This is a fun center that allows students to play with a friend. Again, it helps students by providing them with a visual model. Array Capture is an activity that can be easily modified by providing students with different sets of dice. I let my students choose the dice they want to play with (it's amazing how students are really able to choose their just-right level independently!) My students just learning multiplication usually select a set of dice that has only numbers 1-4, whereas other students may challenge themselves with numbers 5-10.

Here's how the game is played:

1. The first player rolls two dice. Those numbers are the dimensions of their array. (For example, if a player rolls a 4 and a 5, they will build an array measuring 4 by 5.)

2. The first player colors in their array with their color (player 2 will have a different color). Then, they write their multiplication sentence in the middle of their shaded array (For example, 4 x 5 = 20) On the first roll, players must place their array in the starting square. However, all future arrays only need to be touching an existing array on one side.

3. Player two rolls next and continues in the same fashion, but from their corner. If a player cannot create an array because there is no space left, they lose a turn.

4. The player to capture the most squares wins!

4. MULTIPLICATION INVESTIGATION: LOGIC PUZZLES

I made these puzzles to really challenge some of my students who felt they had "mastered" their multiplication facts. It's been a great way to combine their logical reasoning skills with their knowledge of math facts. Here's how we play in my class.

I have written the digits 0-9 on little square tiles. Since items get lost or misplaced OFTEN when students are responsible for clean-up, I have students place them in order on the top of their board. This way, they can tell right off the bat if they are missing any. Then it's time to get to work!

Students have to place ALL tiles down to make ALL of the multiplication sentences true. There are often multiple options for a single multiplication sentence (e.g. __ x 4 = __2 could be 3 x 4 =12 or 8 x 4 = 32). However, there is only one way to make all of them true! Their faces when they finally figure it out are PRICELESS!

Great news! These are also available in a DIGITAL version, designed to work with Google™ Slides, Google™ Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Seesaw!
This means you can assign the logic puzzles and have your students complete and submit the page digitally.

5. Multiplication Dominoes

This is one of those activities that I modified from first grade. My students used to love using dominoes, so I gave it a shot with third graders. What do you know? Third graders love them too! This is a great independent center for kids who really want some privacy as they practice their facts, as well as those who like selecting the facts they work with. You can find Multiplication Dominoes HERE!

6. Multiplication Self-Checking Card Games

Games that have the ability to embed fact-checking are high up on my list! This game is one of them. Every time a student answers the multiplication question on their card, the rest of the group has to check for that answer on their cards. The student with that answer on top of their card gets to go next and answer their multiplication question! You can find Multiplication I Have/Who Has HERE!

7. MULTIPLICATION FLIP/Roll & COMPARE

This popular card game can easily be turned into a multiplication center. What's better? It can be quickly modified by adding or removing larger numbers to/from the deck/dice. I like to have students use this recording page because it supports the notation of multiplication sentences, as well as provides me with a record of what the students worked on that day (or in teacher terms, there is more accountability for actually playing the game!) You can find Multiplication Roll and Compare HERE!

8. Multiplication Bump

Every single student in my class LOVES this game! Multiplication Bump is simple but awesome! Here's how you play:

1. Player 1 rolls 2 dice. Take the sum of the two numbers and multiply it by three.

2. Player 1 places their counter on that number on the game board.

3. Player 2 rolls.

4. If Player 2 rolls a number that Player 1 has taken, Player 2 may "bump" Player 1's counter off of the board and put their counter in its place.

5. If a player rolls a number that THEY have already taken, they may place a second counter on that number and "lock" that number. Their opponent can no longer "bump" them off.

6. If a player rolls a number and there are no open spaces, they lose their turn.

7. The first player to place all 10 counters on the board wins!

As if "bumping" your friend off their spot isn't the most enjoyable feeling in the world... nothing beats "locking your spot!"

I love how a simple tweak in the numbers can modify this game for every student in my classroom. I have some students who work with dice 1-4, so the numbers on the board range only from 1-16. However, I have students who have mastered their multiplication facts 1-7, and are now working on 8-12.

Students playing the board above are ONLY working on their times tables through 6 x 6. Other versions include number-specific boards (e.g. 8's multiplication tables). Everything about this game is appealing, for both teachers and students, which is why it is one of my all-time favorites!

9. Multiplication Kaboom!

I used Kaboom! in my first-grade classroom in all subject areas. Whether we were studying short vowel sounds, sight words, addition facts, or vocabulary, Kaboom! fit the bill. It's quick and easy to make and can have a flexible number of players (Usually 2-5.) All you need are some popsicle sticks and a cup. I am partial to using Crystal Light canisters because they become a cup and storage container in one!

The game is relatively simple. Write different multiplication sentences (4 x 5) at the bottom of each popsicle stick. For every 10-15 sentences you write, write the word KABOOM! on one popsicle stick. (I like to put between 30-40 sticks in, plus 3-4 Kaboom sticks.) You can easily tailor this game to any level, simply by varying the multiplication sentences. The set above is for working with factors 2-6. I also have sets that only work on 1-3 and others that focus on 7-9 and 10-12.

Put all of the popsicle sticks in face down so students can't see what is written on them. Here's how to play:

1. First student pulls out a popsicle stick.

2. If a multiplication sentence is written on it, they read the sentence and then provide their answer. If their answer is correct (determined either by a reference sheet or their peers) they get to keep the popsicle stuck. If they answer it incorrectly, the stick must go back in the cup.

3. The students continue around the circle, selecting one popsicle stick at a time and answering their question.

4. Any student who pulls a KABOOM! stick has to place all of popsicle sticks they have accumulated back into the cup, leaving them with zero. (It may sound harsh, but it happens OFTEN, so all students will at some point get "Kaboomed!"

5. The game NEVER ENDS because eventually someone will get a Kaboom! and their popsicle sticks will go back into the cup to keep the game going. Check out more about Kaboom: The Best Center Game Ever!

10. PLACE MAT ARRAYS

I picked these square placemats up for $1 each, and it has proven to be a great investment. For some of my kiddos who learn through movement, this activity has been a great help! I typically let one or two students work out in the hallway with these mats and let them create giant arrays. They are responsible for writing their multiplication sentences on whiteboards, and they love taking pictures of their work with an iPad or camera. It's a great intro to multiplication, as well as a great way for students to start recognizing multiple factors for a single product!

You can find many of these activities in my Multiplication Mega Pack and my Multiplication Logic Puzzles Pack over in my TpT Store, or by clicking on the images below.

I hope you enjoyed your tour through some of my favorite centers! Please feel free to share any of yours in the comments below 🙂 I'm always looking for new ideas. Thank you for stopping by!

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10 Multiplication Math Center Games & Activities

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10 multiplication games and activities for teaching multiplication. Students will love learning their multiplication facts, building fluency and strategies.

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What are Multiplication Posters and How Can They Help Students Learn Math?
Multiplication posters are a great way to help students learn math. They offer visual cues and support to help students understand the concepts they are working on. These posters can be used in classrooms, homes, or anywhere else students need a little extra help with their math. By providing an easy-to-understand visual representation of the multiplication process, multiplication posters can make learning math easier and more enjoyable for students of all ages. With these tools, students can better understand multiplication and develop the skills they need to succeed in math class.
Free Printable Multiplication Poster

If your students need help practicing their multiplication facts, you will want to grab this free printable multiplication poster!

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase using one of my links, which helps to support the blog. All opinions are my own and I only promote brands and products that I have used myself and truly love.

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Classroom tips,teaching ideas, and resources for the upper elementary classroom. Teacher Giveaways

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I have a thought that if i include Minecraft in my multiplication printables, I won't have to use any other techniques to get my kids to practice their multiplication facts.

This theory is untested, so approach at your own risk. But I think it's a risk worth taking. I mean, who doesn't love Minecraft?

Minecraft Multiplication Maze

I'm all about finding fun ways to practice any and every subject and skill. And I'm obviously not above using things (like Minecraft) that my kids love to make that practice even more enticing.

Another nice part of this Multiplication maze is that it can be used over and over again - and it's different every time!

Your rolls will change each time and you'll make different decisions. So this activity can be used many times over.

How to Use the Multiplication Maze

This is such a simple printable - which is one of the parts I love about it.

Print it out, get 2 dice, and grab a few small objects (like LEGO) or a dry erase marker. Or if you want to make this a one-time use printable, just use a marker or dot marker!

Roll both dice. Multiply the numbers together. Then find the product on the maze (there are multiple boxes for each product, but only cover one).

Keep rolling and covering until you've made a path for Steve to get to the diamonds and diamond ore!

The rules are pretty simple on this one - and you are welcome to change them if needed.

First, I don't let my kids move diagonally. This is simply because they'll have to roll more if they cannot move diagonally. If you're going for a faster game, just change this rule.

Second, I don't let me kids move a tile once they've put it down. Sometimes later on they realize there might have been a better spot. But part of the game is making logical choices!

Get Your Download Here
Grab your own Minecraft Multiplication Maze Printable here

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Minecraft Multiplication Mazes - Royal Baloo

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I have a thought that if i include Minecraft in my multiplication printables, I won't have to use any other techniques to get my kids to practice their multiplication facts. This theory is untested, so approach at your own risk. But I think it's a risk worth taking.

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Remember the game you used to play as a kid when you got bored at restaurants? You'd make a grid of 100 (or so) dots on a napkin and each person would get to draw a line to connect 2 dots on his or her turn. When you drew a line that closed a square, you got to write your first initial in the square to show that you had "captured" it. The goal was to be the person who had captured the most squares once all the dots were connected.

I played that game a lot as a kid. It was such a simple game, but it was fun and it had a lot of strategy to it (I mostly played with my younger brother, so I may have particularly enjoyed the fact that I had the upper hand in the strategy). So when I was trying to come up with a new, minimal prep math center for practicing multiplication facts, I decided to try to "mathify" the squares game. I find that it's easy to invest kids when I'm simply introducing a twist on a game that they're already familiar with and enjoy, so this seemed like a no-brainer.
Here's how my "mathified" version works:
1. Download your FREE copy of the game board by clicking here: Multiplication Squares Game.

2. Print out the game board. The game board contains 100 squares with the products of any two numbers that can be rolled with two dice (i.e. 1 x 6, 2 x 4, 3 x 5, etc).

3. Grab two dice and a different colored marker for each player.

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Multiplication Squares Game - Games 4 Gains

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Remember the game you used to play as a kid when you got bored at restaurants? You'd make a grid of 100 (or so) dots on a napkin and each person would get to draw a line to connect 2 dots on his or her turn.

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Traditional teaching methods encouraged the memorization of the multiplication facts - all 100 of them (144 if we include the 11s and 12s). I can still recall as a young child parroting off my multiplication facts. If you've ever tried this with your class, and no I don't recommend it, you'll find you have a handful of kids who know their tables and will lead the rest. Those who have no clue will just be mouthing along hoping you don't hear them - not a nice way to build confidence with math.

Multiplication is introduced informally in Year 2 through making groups, arrays and with skip counting.

Then year 3 comes around and kids begin to learn and memorize the facts. Rather than learn them through parroting (or mouthing) the tables we need to provide our kids with plenty of fun learning activities to consolidate the facts and enhance the memorization of them. After all fact fluency is the aim.

Of course, we need to follow a sequenced approach to teaching the facts, definitely not one that follows numerical order PLUS kids need to know the strategies that help them master each and every fact.

Yes, knowing mental math strategies, just like for addition, makes learning multiplication so much easier.

I've put a whole heap of multiplication resources into this bundle which your kids are going to love. No more boring worksheets! And of course, the thinking strategy and best sequence to follow when teaching the facts are definitely included.

Multiplication Activities

Out of all the activities and games in the bundle, I have to say Find the Answer is my favorite. I use it all the time and the kids I'm teaching love it. It's easy to use and it's way more exciting than a normal worksheet.

You know the kind I'm talking about - the ones where kids have to answer rows or columns of tables. Yuck! I taught high functioning children with Autism for 10 years and if I gave them a sheet like that - well let's just say the chances of it being completed without an incident were slim. That sort of activity is so uninspiring and definitely isn't going to improve anyone's attitude to math.

With this multiplication activity, I love that kids aren't just writing the answer but they are also recording the facts - up to three times. The more they write the same fact the more they'll start to memorize it. And let's face it - that's the aim.

Another activity I use is Multiply and Find the Answer. It's a great interactive worksheet which can be played individually or used as a partner game. Kids spin a multiplication fact and then write it in color above the answer. Once again they're writing out the number fact which helps with fact retention. The player who has the most equations completed in a row is the winner (if you're using the sheet as a partner game) otherwise your kids keep spinning and answering until they have answered ten adjacent equations.

Did I forget to say that each pack in the bundle helps consolidate each individual fact first from zero and one times (which are combined) to the twelve times tables and then a combination of facts?

Another game, Spin, Answer and Trace, can be used by one to four players. Players spin a fact and write it in the correct box in their column (for multiple players) or single players just write it the correct box in any column. The next time they spin the same fact they may trace the box around the equation. It's victory for the column (or player) that has all the boxes traced first!

Spin and Answer requires students to complete a row of multiplication facts and check it off if they spin that number. I use it as a partner game as well, with students claiming three dice first and coloring them in. If they spin one of their die numbers they complete the whole row of number facts. Whoever checks off three rows for their die first wins. Single players will keep answering the equations until they have each row completed.

There is a bit of a theme here with spinning the equation. I really found my class loved the interactive nature of spinning a paperclip before they could write the answer. (Great for fine motor as well!)

Four in a Row has both a color version for 2 to 4 players or a black ink version for single players. If students are playing it independently they will need a game marker. The student spins the spinner, moves their marker, and writes the product they land on under the correct equation. Each time they answer four facts in a row they color them in. Once again your kids will be writing the facts out multiple times. There is also a color copy of the group game. There's no writing with those game, players just put their marker over the answer.

Spin, Trace and Color is a game format that I have used often. It's sort of like a bump game but without counters. Colored pencils are used instead. When players spin a multiplication fact they trace around the answer. The next time they spin it they can claim the answer by coloring it in (even if they didn't trace it). Kids love to 'steal' their partner's fact. It's great as an independent activity as well.

If you use British English for the word colour it's not a problem. There is a set of games using British English for the word colour for every pack that requires it.

Another activity which is lots of fun is Make a Path. Students spin and write the number fact above the product. There's lots of repetitive practice with this worksheet but because the aim of the activity is to make a path from the top of the sheet to the bottom, your kids won't even realize that they're working hard at recalling their multiplication facts.

Math Homework can be Fun!

Now if you like to send math homework home, multiplication homework games are perfect. They not only give kids a great way to practice the facts at home but they also let parents know the mental math strategies you're using to help your class memorize the facts.

Each game will focus on a single strategy and has a fold-over section which hides both the thinking strategy and the answers. Kids write down each equation they land on so you know the homework has been completed plus by writing the facts they are learning them.

This bundle is growing and I've added new center games with more to come.

I've also included my math flip books (you can read about them here). Flip books focus on not just skip counting, repeated addition, arrays and understanding groups. But also, they introduce a thinking strategy to use when answering the multiplication facts.

With this bundle, you'll have all the multiplication facts covered. And as an added bonus you'll have happy kids! Isn't that what we all want?

Grab Your Bundle

You can check this bundle out at the website store by clicking HERE

If you would prefer to purchase from our store on Teachers Pay Teachers, please click this link.

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Engage and Motivate with Multiplication Activities that are Fun!

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Traditional teaching methods encouraged the memorization of the multiplication facts - all 100 of them (144 if we include the 11s and 12s). I can still recall as a young child parroting off my multiplication facts. If you've ever tried this with your class, and no I don't recommend it, you'll find you have a...