Getting middle schoolers to engage during the first week of school can be like pulling teeth! I like to spend the entire first week doing team-building activities, going over procedures, and of course, warming up my student’s brains for a year of math! I like to sprinkle in math in as many ways as possible. Keep reading if you’re ready to learn about my go-to math activities for the first week of school!
After reading this you will know what to do to:
If there’s one subject that requires a little extra effort to ignite excitement it is math. But fear not! I have the perfect solution to transform your math classroom into a vibrant hub of active learning and enthusiasm.
One of the keys to building a positive classroom environment is getting to know our students on a personal level. The Math About Me Pennant Flag activity achieves just that! As students answer math-related questions about themselves, they also get to decorate their own unique pennant flag. The flags serve as classroom decor, showcasing their math skills and individuality.
In order to allow students to showcase their math skills, you could challenge them to write their answers as math expressions. For example: There are 2 squared letters in my first name!
This activity not only creates a welcoming atmosphere but also reinforces the idea that math is a subject that can be connected to personal experiences.
Plus, students will love seeing their creations displayed proudly in the classroom!
Bonus: Before doing this activity, use math-inspired facts to introduce yourself to your students!
After completing their Math About Me Pennant Flags, students are ready for the next challenge. Projecting math-related questions one at a time, students move to the corresponding number around the room. This dynamic activity gets students up and moving while reviewing essential math concepts. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to collaborate, engage in discussions, and build connections with their peers.
I usually have them move silently and then ask them some follow up questions like “What kind of pets do you have.” or “Tell me about your pets.”
My students love puzzles!! This word search takes the excitement of a traditional word search and infuses it with math vocabulary. Students will search for and define key math terms, reinforcing their understanding of essential concepts while expanding their math vocabulary.
When it comes to math review, why not make it a colorful experience? This Middle School Math Review Color By Number activity is a perfect combination of academic reinforcement and artistic expression.
Students answer a variety of middle school math review problems and use their answers to color a fun “I LOVE MATH” page. I love giving students as many opportunities as possible to be creative!
Make sure you use things you learn about your students to build connections with them throughout the year!!
Grab all of the activities in this Back to School Math Activities Bundle!
Check out these other Back To School resources:
Welcome to my Blog!
I started The Sassy Math Teacher in 2020 to help teachers like you increase classroom engagement and teach with confidence!
I also love to share about my life as a teacher including my favorite outfits, home items, gadgets and trips!
One Response
The first week of school is always such a challenge! Thank you for the great resources to help connect with my students in fun and interactive ways that first week.