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Use a box of celebrations for each group and let the fun begin estimating......this allows for wonderful math conversations. Represent you finding and share with class

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Use bags of pasta for each group and let the fun begin estimating......this allows for wonderful math conversations. Represent you findings and share with class

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Click on the link and see how your class can do some estimation in groups.. Each group will need a bag or alternatively use pasta

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Use mini packets of skittles, allow chn to estimate and discuss. Represent their findings

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A story about multiplication-- how a teacher of 5th & 6th has used this in her classroom

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This wonderful book introduces the basic  idea of dividing and sharing to a 1st or 2nd class. Teachers can use the video and activity resources to enhance children’s understanding of sharing and dividing.

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Picture Books in Maths Education – MATHS WEEK IRELAND

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Maths Week will take place from 11 - 19 Oct. 2025. We will have events and activities for all the family. Visit MathsWeek.ie for more info MATHS WEEK IRELAND

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This wonderful book introduces the basic  idea of dividing and sharing to a 1st or 2nd class. Teachers can use the video and activity resources to enhance children’s understanding of sharing and dividing.

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Picture Books in Maths Education – MATHS WEEK IRELAND

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Maths Week will take place from 11 - 19 Oct. 2025. We will have events and activities for all the family. Visit MathsWeek.ie for more info MATHS WEEK IRELAND

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Some excellent ideas in this document, linkage with literacy

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Some excellent ideas in this document, linkage with literacy

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Math through Story: Fractions in Disguise

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Math through Story: Fractions in Disguise

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A wonderful story about fractions

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Book: Fractions in Disguise --activities

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Book: Fractions in Disguise --activities

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Some lovely activities linking with literacy.

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Mr. Factor loves fractions! When a prized fraction up for auction goes missing, it is up to Mr. Factor to solve the mystery. Through a clever invention he is able to catch the culprit. Can you guess who stole the missing fraction?
Get access to this book, and nearly 1,000 more in Skybrary - RIF's digital library of engaging children's eBooks, perfect for ages 2-9. Available on the web, iPhones and iPads.

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Mr. Factor loves fractions! When a prized fraction up for auction goes missing, it is up to Mr.

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Kids use reasoning to decide if statement are always, sometimes or never true....enjoy!

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Ask kids to come up with as many questions about the pictures, using maths language!!!

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Lots of ideas here how to us the story 10 black dots to enhance your math lesson

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Every ten days of school, Zero the Hero visits our classroom. Zero (a puppet) always brings an activity to do. On the 10th day of school, he brings the book Ten Black Dots and activities to go along with the book.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I'll receive a small commission. This helps me to build my collection of books so I can share ideas with you. You will never infer a fee or charge for this.
Ten Black Dots Activities

If you are not familiar with the book, you should check it out! The book Ten Black Dots is a fun counting book written by Donald Crews. It's simple, but engaging for kids. The book explores what you can make with black dots. This book provides your students with opportunities to practice counting and explore their creativity.

One-to-One Correspondence Practice

A couple of my students struggle with one-to-one correspondence with counting. I pulled a couple of them for counting intervention. Each student was given a copy of the book and some black pom poms.

I reread the book and my intervention students followed along with their own copy of the book. On each page, students placed a pom pom on each black dot and practiced counting. This was a fun way for them to practice one-to-one correspondence when counting.

Ten Black Dots Class Book

I love to make class books and place them in our classroom library. Students feel like their work has a purpose. They see themselves as young authors!

After reading the book Ten Black Dots, we brainstormed things we can make with black dots. I modeled a couple of things to make, then challenged them to make their own black dot page.

First, we brainstormed ideas.

We began making individual pages during station time.

At their station, the first thing they did was use a 1-inch circle punch to make black circles with black construction paper. This was hard for some of them but was a great fine motor activity.

Next, they placed their dots on their paper and drew their design. I showed them how to color their design and then glue the dots down with their glue sponges.

After the pages were complete, I made a class book titled Black Dots. My students enjoyed looking through the pages to see what their classmates did with their dots. Would you like to try this activity with your class? Grab the free book cover and pages template below.

Are you looking for more counting activities? Check out our thematic counting here.

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Ten Black Dots Activities for the Classroom - The Teacher Bag

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Every ten days of school, Zero the Hero visits our classroom. Zero (a puppet) always brings an activity to do. On the 10th day of school, he brings the book Ten Black Dots and activities to go along with the book.

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Some lovely math activities to do around this story.

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Use the book 10 Black Dots to inspire activities to work on composing 10 and number sense. Be creative with small world play and a free writing prompt.

I bought the book 10 Black Dots (Affiliate link) by Donald Crews over the summer, and I was so excited to use it in the classroom! It is perfect to learn how to decompose 10 and I used it to inspire some learning opportunities.

10 Black Dots Small World Play

I started by reading the book with our class and counting the dots on each of the pages. Then I set up a small world play center where students could create their own images using black dots. I cut some circles out of felt, and also put out 10 black gems. Added in some other loose parts and let students explore and create.

Love all their awesomely creative ideas: teddy bears, people, family at the movie theater, gardens!

They got a chance to use the materials in any way that they wanted. There was: gems, popsicle sticks, wood numbers, peg people, buttons, and small dowels.

10 Black Dots Class Book

The next week, we made a class book together. Every student got a chance to create their own image using black dots. We cut out a whole lot of black dots out of construction paper and let them create whatever they wanted.

I put them together into a book so that students can look through it whenever they want! They love seeing themselves as authors and illustrators.

If you would like to create your own class book, I am offering it as a freebie! I made it in two versions. The PDF is not editable so you would have to write in your class name, the Word document can be edited to add your name and the date to it.
10 Black Dots Class Book - Word Version 10 Black Dots Class Book - PDF Version
more Math Activities

If you are looking for more math books to read to your students, take a look at my Math Books blog post. I also have a post that will give you ideas for working on How to Practice Making Ten.
Need more daily inspiration for your classroom? Make sure you are following me here, on Facebook and on Instagram!

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Use the book 10 Black Dots to inspire activities to work on composing 10 and number sense. Be creative with small world play and a free writing prompt. I bought the book 10 Black Dots (Affiliate link) by Donald Crews over the summer, and I was so excited to use it in the classroom!

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There is no right or wrong answer here, encourage all to have a go!!

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You need dice and lollipops sticks for this tally game

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This teaching idea came from a student teacher who wanted to add a ‘little bit of life’ to using tally marks. The children needed further experience in order to fully understand, read and form the ‘traditional’ sets-of-five tally. The teacher opted for using objects instead of images to reinforce the counting process. In this case […]

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These will need to be printed. Cues needed also, lovely game

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Grab these free printable Number Tower Mats to give kids practice with counting and composing numbers while building number sense!

Number Tower Mats Math Activity

This number sense activity is just what you need to get your students practicing their math skills. Add it to your math center for practice with counting, addition, number recognition, composing and decomposing numbers, one-to-one correspondence, and fine motor practice!

The mats come in color and black and white, so you can use them even if you can't print in color. They include the numbers 1-10, so students get the chance to practice composing lots of different numbers.

How to differentiate this number sense activity.

Once you have the number tower mats, there are a couple of options for you to choose from. First, there are boxes with pictures of dominos on them. The students will use two colors of linking cubes to count and match the domino.

The next option is a building activity that shows one number. The student will use two colors of linking cubes to make a tower that equals that number. This increases the difficulty a bit by having students choose how many of each color to use to create the number tower.

The final option is a recording sheet for your students to write addition sentences to match the towers they created.

Students who aren't ready to use two colors to compose a number, can simply use one color and practice counting and number recognition.

They can be adapted to meet the needs of students at a huge variety of levels!

Print and Play Math Activity

The number towers activity includes multiple color game boards and a recording sheet. You will print them out and slide them into a write-and-wipe pocket or laminate for durability. Then gather some linking cubes and pencils and begin playing!

No cutting, coloring, or gluing is required! From one print-out, your students will be practicing their number recognition, counting, one-to-one correspondence, and fine motor skills!

Setting Up the Number Tower Mats Free Printable
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Supplies Needed:

Number Towers Math Activity (get it by clicking the button at the bottom of this post)

2 colors of linking cubes per student

Write and wipe pockets (optional)

Directions:

1. Print the game board and recording sheets.

2. Slide into write and wipe pockets for durability. You can also laminate it.

3. Gather the linking cubes.

4. Store in a large bag or storage container for easy access.

Using this Number Sense Activity

The first version shows a box with a domino on it. The students will use one color to create a tower on top of the left side of the domino and another color on the right side of the domino. Then, they will combine the two towers to make one cube tower.

Next, they will record the addition sentence they created. For example, the domino shows a 2 and a 5. They will make a tower with 2 yellows and a tower with 5 blues. Then they will combine the tower to make one tower. They will then write the addition sentence 2+5=7.

The second version is similar but more complex by having them problem-solve a little more. The mat shows a number, and the students will design a tower using 2 colors of cubes that add up to that number.

Then, they will write an addition sentence to match the tower that they built. For example, the mat has a 2 on it. The student would create a tower with 2 colors (1 red and 1 purple). Then, they would write the addition sentence to match (1+1=2).

More Ideas for the Number Tower Mats

Hands on activities included are 2 versions to play for easy differentiation! These game boards could be used for a small group, math centers, a whole class activity, an after-school tutoring group, and so much more.

If your students aren't ready to make addition sentences yet, you could use the mats with just numbers and have them make towers with one color to just practice counting and one-to-one correspondence.

They could use play dough to create little counters to match each numbered spot on the mat. Mini erasers would make a great manipulative for this idea, as well.

Students could also use different manipulatives like pom poms, building blocks, or other manipulatives.

Early finishers would love to work together with a partner to build a tower for every spot on the counting mat. This could be completed quietly once they have finished their main math lesson. If you have a student looking for more practice, they could transfer their addition sentence into a ten frame to take it even further.

Grab these number tower activity mats to have a fun way to practice number composition or counting all throughout the year. The printable counting mats are no prep for you, which is perfect for busy teachers!

Click the button below to get the number tower mats free printable activity. Happy learning!

Here are some more number sense math activities!
Number Formation Cards Printable Number Matching Clip Cards Number Match and Cover Mats Roll and Dot the Numbers List of Fun Number Sense Activities Activities for Learning Numbers and Counting Printable Number Sense Resources Number Matching with Paper Cups

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Grab these free printable Number Tower Mats to give kids practice with counting and composing numbers while building number sense!

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Simple math game, work against and then with each other, whiteboards ad markers only needed.

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Watch the video below which shows two people playing the first few turns of a game.

What do you notice?

What do you want to ask?

Watch the video a second time.

Can you work out how to play the game?

What do you think the rules might be?

How might someone win the game?

If you are unable to view the video, you could click through this powerpoint presentation, which also demonstrates how to play. Alternatively, the rules of the game are hidden below.

The aim of the game:

The player who stops their opponent from being able to go wins the game.

How to play:

The first player chooses two numbers on the line and crosses them out. Then they circle the sum or difference of the two numbers and they write down the calculation.

For example, the first player's turn could look like this:

The second player must start by crossing off the number that Player 1 has just circled. They then choose another number to cross out and then circle a third number which is the sum or difference of the two crossed-off numbers. Player 2 also writes down their calculation.

For example, once the second player has had a turn, the game could look like this:

Play continues in this way with each player starting with the number that has just been circled.

Once a number has been used in a calculation, it cannot be used again.

The game ends when one player cannot make a calculation. The other player is the winner.

It's your turn!

Try playing the game against someone else a few times to get a feel for it.

Do you have any good ways of winning?

Now it's time to work together with a partner, rather than against them.

Try to create a string of calculations that uses as many numbers as possible on the 0-20 number line.

Is it possible to create a string of number sentences that uses all the numbers on the 0-20 number line? Why or why not? How would you convince a mathematician?

Once you've had a good think about it, you may like to look at this proof that has been scrambled up.

Can you rearrange it into its original order?

If you would prefer to work away from a screen, you could print off, cut up and rearrange the statements. (This sheet includes three copies of each statement.)

What about the 1-20 number line? Is it possible to create a string of number sentences that uses all the numbers on the 1-20 number line? Why or why not? How would you convince a mathematician?

Again, once you have thought about it, you may like to look at this proof that has been scrambled up.

Can you rearrange it into its original order?

If you would prefer to work away from a screen, you could print off, cut up and rearrange the statements. (This sheet includes two copies of each statement.)

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Use your addition and subtraction skills, combined with some strategic thinking, to beat your partner at this game.

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Whiteboard, marker and dice needed.

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All classes

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"math songs" "telling time" "3d shapes" "times table song" "math videos" "multiplication song" fractions measurement "skip counting" numberock "3rd grade" "4...

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We make animated, educational songs for kids that make math learning more fun and math teaching more effective! To date we have created nearly 70 animated videos that cover mathematical concepts from 1st Grade - 5th Grade; with concepts like; Rounding Numbers, Ordering Decimals, Subtraction with Regrouping, 3D Shapes, Angles, Place Value, Multiplication Times Tables and much more!

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Wonderful example cards of how we use math in real life jobs

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Have some fun with these magic numbers

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Activity booklet- could be used for early finishers. ( 3rd-6th)

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Maths Week will take place from 11 - 29 Oct. 2025. We will have events and activities for all the family. Visit MathsWeek.ie for more info MATHS WEEK IRELAND

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Some simple ideas with cubes to encourage maths chat about estimation

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Fantastic ideas, to elicit wonderful maths conversations and collaboration beyond the text book. They provide opportunities for learners to explore and investigate multiple solutions creatively and independently. (3rd-6th)

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This activity helps develop their communicating and reasoning skills. All answers are correct, and learners are encouraged to justify their choices. Maybe pick one a day.

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This activity helps develop their communicating and reasoning skills. All answers are correct, and learners are encouraged to justify their choices. Maybe pick one a day.

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Lesson on planting candy tress for Willy Wonka

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This open-ended learning experience provides a realistic context for learners to explore the concept of area.

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Children will use a real-life situation by using unknowns in an expression to solve the problem.

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Scroll down to see the virtual manipulatives, lovely for small group instruction also. Unifix cubes, fraction wall, ten frames to mention a few are fantastic. ( All classes)

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Hands-On Math Goes Digital In and Beyond the Classroom!

Explore Our Collection of FREE Virtual Manipulatives

From Number Lines to Base Ten, Pattern Blocks to Place Value, Disks our collection of free Virtual Manipulatives gives educators and families access to visual and hands-on digital resources that lead to understanding. Students can use these resources in class and at home to practice math concepts, reinforce their growing math understanding, technology they love in the process.

Free Resources & Instructions for Teachers and Families

We've developed these resources for easy access and easy use:

How-To Videos

There's a short video for each of the Virtual Manipulatives in our collection so teachers can use these digital materials easily and confidently with students.
Watch Now

Activities

Activities from the Didax books that teachers use most for easy download. Engaging challenges address core math operations, concepts and skills, from early numeracy all the way to introductory geometry and algebra.
Access Now

FAQ

Download this document of FAQ's to answer your Virtual Manipulative questions.
Download Now

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Demonstrate key math concepts in your classroom using our new virtual manipulatives!

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A collection of mobiles, who am I? and mystery grid puzzles to choose from, play or build your own! (3rd-6th)

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Use logic to solve visual, interactive mathematical puzzles. Create your own puzzles to share with your friends or the SolveMe Community.

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You can differentiate by only using 0-5 so none of the sums are more then 5, or alternatively use counting on.

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Infant classes

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Have fun with some outdoor math, maybe you could incorporate into your PE lessons ( all classes)

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Ask the children to create their own math board game,( group project if you like) get them to swap with classes or maybe invite another class to test out the board game on Friday!

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Have a laugh with some jokes!

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There is a list of activities to do with the class each day, pick and choose and have fun!

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Junior & Senior Infants – MATHS WEEK IRELAND

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Maths Week will take place from 11 - 19 Oct. 2025. We will have events and activities for all the family. Visit MathsWeek.ie for more info MATHS WEEK IRELAND

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There is a list of activities to do with the class each day, pick and choose and have fun!

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Maths Week will take place from 11 - 19 Oct. 2025. We will have events and activities for all the family. Visit MathsWeek.ie for more info MATHS WEEK IRELAND

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There is a list of activities to do with the class each day, pick and choose and have fun!

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Maths Week will take place from 11 - 19 Oct. 2025. We will have events and activities for all the family. Visit MathsWeek.ie for more info MATHS WEEK IRELAND

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There is a list of activities to do with the class each day, pick and choose and have fun!

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5th and 6th Class Resources for teachers and students.

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Answers to the math jokes

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Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight nine! (Get it? Seven ate nine!)

There are an infinite number of ways to make math class fun! Why not start your class with some of these cheesy math jokes? You'll have your students cracking up and ready to use their math brains.

1.
SOURCE
2. Why should you never mention the number 288?

Because it's "two" gross.

3.
SOURCE
4. Why couldn't the angle get a loan?

Its parents wouldn't cosine.

5.
SOURCE
6. Why did the student get upset when his teacher called him average?

It was a mean thing to say!

7.
SOURCE
8. What did one math book say to the other?

Don't bother me. I've got my own problems!

9.
SOURCE
10. What did the acorn say when it grew up?

Ge-om-e-try! (Gee, I'm a tree!)

11.

SOURCE
12. Student One: I saw my math teacher with a piece of graph paper yesterday.

Student Two: She must be plotting something.

13.
SOURCE
14. What do you call an empty parrot cage?

A polygon. (A polly gone.)

15.
SOURCE
16. Why do teenagers travel in groups of three?

Because they can't even.

17.
SOURCE
18. Why couldn't the number four get into the nightclub?

Because it was too square.

19.
SOURCE
20. What do you call a man who spent all summer at the beach?

A tangent. (A tan gent.)

21.
SOURCE
22. What do baby parabolas drink?

Quadratic formula.

23.

SOURCE
24. You know what seems odd to me?

Numbers that can't be divided by two.

25.
SOURCE
26. What do you call a number that just can't stand still?

A "roamin'" numeral.

27.
SOURCE
28. Have you heard the latest statistics joke?

Probably.

29.
SOURCE
30. I'll do algebra, I'll do trig, I'll even do statistics. But graphing is where I draw the line!
Share your favorite cheesy math jokes in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook. And for more laughs, check out our favorite grammar jokes and science jokes.

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30 Cheesy Math Jokes That'll Make "Sum" of Your Students LOL

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Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight nine! (Get it? Seven ate nine!) There are an infinite number of ways to make math class fun! Why not start your class with some of these cheesy math jokes? You'll have your students cracking up and ready to use their math brains.