Best Saint Patrick's Day upper elementary math activities and fun worksheets
| | |

5 best Saint Patrick’s Day math activities for kids to try this year!

One of the most exciting things about March is that we can help students build a strong fraction operations foundation using themed math activities like St. Patrick’s Day.

If you are working on one of vital foundational skills like fractions or math facts review this post is for you.

In this post, I’m going to share some tips and lesson activities for you to help you learn how to teach fractions and decimal operations in 5th grade in a way that will stick with your students!

So, get ready to sprinkle some leprechaun magic into your math classroom using these 5 best Saint Patrick’s Day math activities for upper elementary students!

Why Teach 5th-grade Math Concepts Using March-Themed Lessons?

Themed activities should not just be fun, but can also bring meaningful practice in classroom learning.

They are the best way to reinforce key concepts when students need extra motivation. They can help you:

  • Builds skill fluency before spring testing season
  • Reinforces key skills through engaging review
  • Helps students apply concepts in meaningful contexts
  • Supports differentiated instruction easily
  • Encourages active participation and discussion
  • Makes practice feel less repetitive

So, if this is something you want with your kids, try out one of these activities:

Saint Patrick’s Day Fractions Operations Worksheets with Word Problems

If you’re looking for a way to support your students with fraction addition and subtraction with unlike denominators without filling up your math centers with boring activities, I have the perfect solution!

I have put together this packet of fraction review worksheets that you can use to review fraction operations that they have learnt this year.

Saint Patrick Day Math Fractions Activities with unlike denominator for upper elementary students

The pack not only includes fraction review worksheets, but also includes self-checking mazes and a word search you can use for the early finishers in your class.

Do not need something to practice, but rather need something to test their knowledge?

The packet also includes 2 pages of multiple-choice question-style worksheets you can use as an assessment to test their understanding.

One thing I love about this packet is that it includes a whole lot of ways I can get them to practice fraction addition and subtraction.

So, whether they’re asked to solve addition and subtraction of fractions, these worksheets will keep them engaged, challenged, and entertained throughout their math journey.

But wait, there’s more! The pack is best equipped with so much more fun like word search and coloring fun.

You can keep a set of these activities copied at your small group table and pull out the most appropriate one you need for each group to try. 

Saint Patrick’s Day Math Coloring Worksheets

These math coloring pages are also a great tool for increasing student independence at centers time or during morning work.

If you are practicing math multiplication or division facts and need them to go beyond and try multidigit multiplication or division, you can do that by using these Saint Patricks activities during their centers.

Adding Subtracting Multiplying and Dividing Whole Numbers Coloring Color by Number Activity with Multi-digit Practice

These provide an easy but rigorous practice to help kids be more independent in their basic whole number operations.

So, why settle for boring math practice when you can add a splash of Saint Patrick’s Day magic to your lessons?

Let’s make basic operations like addition and subtraction or even division fun, engaging, and unforgettable with these worksheets!

St Patrick’s Day Decimal Operations Activity

Are your students struggling with adding and subtracting decimals? It might not feel like a difficult skill to you but for 5th graders it’s a lot.

The one concept I have seen students get stuck on is the idea of understanding the decimal place values. They usually align their numbers wrong, which then gives a wrong answer.

So this March, if you want to help kids master decimal operations. Let them practice it in a way that is both meaningful and movement-based.

5th Grade Adding Subtracting Multiplying and Dividing Decimals Math Practice Scavenger Hunt and Solve the Room Activity

Saint Patrick’s Day Decimals Solve the Room Activity

Solve the Room activities are similar to scavenger hunts without the self checking part.

Here is how it works:

  • Display the decimal problems inside classroom for kids to find
  • Students navigate the room and solve each problem
  • They engage in active learning, moving, and collaborating with their fellow
  • Record their answer on a recording sheet until all problems are done.
Adding Subtracting Multiplying and Dividing Decimals Math Practice Scavenger Hunt 5th Grade Activity

So, are you ready to turn your classroom into a math-filled treasure hunt this St. Patrick’s Day?

Try these activities and make decimal operations an adventure to remember!

Saint Patrick’s Day Secret Picture Puzzles

For upper elementary students, repetition is key when it comes to learning multi digit multiplication and division.  They need plenty of practice with multiplication math fact fluency before they can master these skills. 

In order to keep students engaged in multiplication and division, you need plenty of activities in our teacher toolboxes! 

That’s why I wanted to share some hands-on March themed activities that your students will love!

If you’re looking for a hands-on way to help students practice multiplication or division, check out this mystery picture activity!

St Patrick's Day Math Picture Puzzles Activity for 4th 5th Grade kids Multiplication and division practice

All you need to do for this low-prep activity is print off the worksheet and cut out the puzzle pieces! You can cut them out yourself, or let your students cut them.  

These secret picture puzzles can be used in many different ways, which is helpful for differentiation and engagement. 

You can use these printable activities for math centers, morning work, small group practice, or even for fast finishers! 

No matter how you decide to use these activities, your students will benefit from the extra practice with multiplication and division!

St. Patrick’s Day Themed 5th Grade Math Craft

Lastly, there are math crafts that are not just fun but also include common core-aligned practice so your students move forward in their math progress.

This fraction math craft activity is perfect for centers because it is self-correcting and rewarding! 

Students solve 3 math problems and come back to you to collect their craft item.

Best St Patricks Day Math Adding and Subtracting Fractions Unlike Denominator Craft 5th and 6th Grade

After checking their answers, the teacher hands them a craft piece that they have earned and will use to build their lucky leprechaun friend.

It’s like a perfect reward-based activity kids need during this time of the year.

Want something fun and free to use in your class check this Free Saint Patty’s day activities!

Want to be set for the whole year of upper elementary math centers without paying your whole teaching salary. Check out this Mega Math Centers bundle currently at 75% off!

St Patrick's Fraction Color by Number Math coloring activity

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Fall Math Worksheets and Activities for 3rd – 5th Grade

    As the leaves change, so can your math lessons! 

    Fall gives us teachers the perfect opportunity to engage students with fun, fall themed math activities that build excitement for learning inside classrooms. 

    Fall Fun Worksheets and Activities for 4th and 5th grade

    For me seasonal math not only brings a fresh twist inside classroom for kids, but it also give me some change to use fun activities to keep my upper elementary kids engaged with unique activities that are different but perfectly with the curriculum. 

    Here are some way I have found helpful to bring the spirit of autumn into my math lessons to keep students motivated and excited to learn.

    Why Use Fall-Themed Math Activities?

    Once the back-to-school buzz goes away, students may start to lose some of the enthusiasm they had in the first few weeks of school. 

    This can be challenging to maintain that level of energy in the classroom as the routine sets in. 

    And tis is where seasonal activities come in handy and exciting to keep them engaged and ansurprised to work on their task! 

    Fall-themed math activities can help apture student’s attention and re-energize their will to keep their math learning moving forward.

    These activities not only make lessons fun but also ensure students are still practicing critical math skills in an engaging way.

    Upper Elementary Fall Math Activities you Should Try this Year:

    Here are some of you can use activities to help your 3rd 4th or even 5th grade students get into the Fall spirit while practicing essential math concepts:

    Fall-Themed Solve-the-Room Activities

    Fall fraction and decimal operation activity 5th grade and upper elementary grades

    This activity can transform your classroom into a dynamic learning environment. Students will move around the room, solving math problems with a fall spirit.

    Activities like these are perfect for keeping students active while making sure they’re reviewing their key math concepts, such as Decimal and fraction operations or even math facts.

    Fall Color-by-Number Worksheets

    Ahhh! Who does not like some coloring to go along with their math centers and daily practice?

    Color by number worksheets combine creativity with math practice to keep them on their learning journey and reduce their learning fatigue at the same time. 

    Honestly this alone is like a win win situation for me. 

    Every time I take out one of these Coloring sheets kids are just excited and motivated to work on them. 

    What’s most important is there are jut 8 problems they need to solve instead of bajillions just to get them to the coloring part.

    This is the reason why they are more motivated to work on this single page coloring math sheets.

    Here is how it works: Students will solve math problems and then use their answers to complete fall-themed coloring pages. 

    It’s a great activity for early finishers or as a calming task during busy classroom days which is a plus.

    Fall Math Scavenger Hunt

    Did you just said hunt? I think math reviews do not have to be boring? 

    Using this fraction scavenger hunt activity this Fall and turn you class in to a Scavenger Hunt adventure that your kids would love to be in.

    Students solve math problems while following clues around the room. It’s an engaging way to review concepts and encourage teamwork.

    And the best part is, it’s self checking so less work for you but more fun for them. 

    Fall Fractions and Decimal Operations – Mystery Picture Puzzle!

    Tired of searching for an engaging and fun way to help your 5th-grade students master fractions and decimal operations? 

    Maybe try out some mystery picture puzzle math activities.

    Using the Fall Fractions and Decimal Operations Picture Puzzle is the perfect way to practice math and increase creativity to keep your students motivated and excited on learning their fractions concepts.

    These puzzles gives students the opportunity to solve fractions and decimal problems while slowing revealing a fall-themed picture. 

    Whether you’re looking for a way to reinforce lessons on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals or simply want to add an interactive twist to your math centers, this activity does it all!

    How to Implement It

    This resource is dynamic and easy to use into your classroom. You can use it as:

    • A fun, no-prep fall math center
    • A homework assignment to reinforce what was taught in class.
    • An engaging review activity before an upcoming test.
    • A small group activity for collaborative learning.

    How to have Fall-Themed Math Spirit in the Classroom

    Using fall-themed classroom activities and resources into your lessons is easy, and literally there are so many creative ways to do it! 

    Engaging Fall addition subtraction multiplication division math powerpoint game activities for 3rd 4th and 5th grade kids

    Here are a few ideas from me to get you started:

    • Create Fall-Themed Math Centers: Yup that’s the first one. You need to set up multiple fall-themed stations in your classroom where students can rotate between different activities, like the Fall Solve-the-Room or Color-by-Number sheets. This gives kids diverse options and allows students to work independently or in small groups.
    • Use for Early Finishers or Warm-Up Activities: These activities are perfect for students who finish their work early or for a quick and engaging warm-up to get everyone focused on math first thing in the morning.
    • Fall Decor for Extra Fun: This one is a must! Decorate your classroom with fall leaves, pumpkins, and other seasonal visual elements. Then, use these resources as part of a fall-themed math review or even a class competition!

    By using these fun ideas, you’re not only bringing fall into the classroom but also boosting students’ enthusiasm for math.

    To bring the magic of fall into your math lessons. You will be able to watch your students’ willingness to work on their classwork soar, the big idea is to use multiple Fall themed elements in your day and your kids will thank you for all that you do for them.

    Ready to add some seasonal fun to your math lessons?

    Check out our Fall Math Activities on my TPT store Daily Dose of Mathematics store!

  • | |

    11 Cool Ways to Make Boring Worksheets Fun and Interesting

    Are you ready to learn how to make Boring Worksheets Fun in your next math class and make math the coolest part of your kids day . Try out these fun ideas and say goodbye to boring old traditional worksheets.

    In this post I’ve got 11 super fun ideas to make math feel like a game. Imagine your students racing to finish math problems, playing bingo with math questions, or even turning your classroom into a mini escape room.

    Let’s make sure learning math is not just about numbers but also about having a great time. And yes you can have fun in you math class even using your old math worksheets that maybe your district in mandating you to use.

    1. Math Races:

    I am all about healthy competition and honestly my kids even love it. All you have to do is give your students a competitive atmosphere by timing them as they complete their assigned math activities or worksheets. This will motivate them to finish quickly and accurately and turn the routine task into an exciting race against the clock.

    2. Worksheet Bingo:

    Another idea that you can implement is turn your normal daily worksheet problems into a bingo game. Which basically means with each correct answer you made your students to mark off a task or problem completed and check off a square. What can even motivate them more is to give them a small prize or award recognition for their effort or to the one that get a line first.

    3. Math Puzzles:

    Using puzzles as worksheets where with every problem that they solve gives them some clue for the next problem they need to solve. It can be a riddle, a hidden message, or a mystery that gets solved with each correct answer. I used on of these mystery puzzles worksheets for reviewing addition and subtraction inside my classroom and my kids just loved it.

    4. Interactive Worksheets:

    Using technology to turn your already made worksheets into interactive digital activities. This way you do not have o do the work again and still keep your kids engaged in fun way. Best way I do it is by turning the task cards in to images and then adding those task cards as background images inside Google Slides(TM) and add a text box on top of it for my kids to put their answers.

    Second thing that you can do is insert the same task cards as images in Google forms(TM) and use the multiple choice option to create a multiple choice self Checking activity like this for your class, either way your kids are gonna love the special twist of learning experience you put on turning boring worksheet fun.

    5. Group Challenges:

    Team work in important for every classroom whether its ELA, math, arts or even music. No matter what you are teaching encouraging teamwork by having students work in small groups to complete the the assigned math task. This way they can develop their social and leadership skill along side learning which is a win win. Students can discuss strategies and help each other out which fosters a collaborative learning necessary for their future growth.

    Creating activities like math mazes, puzzles or mystery activities gives them the opportunity they need to develop their collaborative skills and turn boring worksheets into fun learning experiences.

    6. Real-World Application:

    Connect math problems to real-life scenarios. This not only makes the worksheet more interesting but also helps students understand the practical application of what they’re learning.

    7. Math Stations:

    Set up different stations around the room, each with a math task or worksheet to complete. Students rotate through the stations that breaks the monotony of boring routine and adds movement and excitement to the class.

    8. Creative Rewards:

    Positive reinforcement is essential for kids to learn and get motivated to do better next time. You can give them their favorite snack as an award, a Home work pass or a chance to play their favorite game.

    9. Incorporate Art:

    Have them illustrate their mathematical thinking into art. This gives them the ability to develop further their problem solving skills and critical thinking skills.

    10. Math Journals:

    Math journals like goal journals and others can be useful. Instead of boring worksheets, have students keep math journals where they not only solve math problems but also write about their thought process, making the activity more reflective and personalized. This helps students organize their thought and develop creative thinking.

    11. Escape Rooms:

    Design worksheets that mimic an escape room challenge. Each correct answer helps “unlock” the next section until they “escape” by completing the entire sheet. This adds an element of adventure to the task.

    Remember, the goal is to make learning math not just educational but incredibly fun too. So, try to use these strategies and ideas to your advantage, and turn boring worksheets fun and use them to your advantage. Here is one such example of an multi digit addition and subtraction escape room I did in my that my kids totally loved.

    Use this and see your students discover the joy in numbers, and most importantly, develop a lasting love for learning. Implementing all these ideas might require a bit more effort on your part but I assure you it will be 100% worth it.

    Find the tips useful, share with other teacher friends!

  • How to Explain Integers and Their Opposites to Students (Without the Confusion)

    If integers make your students’ eyes roll, you’re not alone. Integers and their opposites, especially negative numbers, can feel abstract and confusing.

    This is where students start mixing up subtraction with “opposites” or struggle to see how positive and negative numbers relate. 

    The good news? With the right visuals and activities, integers don’t have to be this overwhelming. 

    In fact, you can make them click for students in a way that actually sticks.

    1. Start with Real-Life Examples

    The fastest way to make integers feel less intimidating in grade 6 is to ground them in everyday life. A few examples that always land with my students are:

    • Temperature: Show how 10° above zero and 10° below zero represent opposites.
    • Elevation: Compare a mountain peak to a cave below sea level.
    • Money: Talk about having $20 in your bank account versus owing $20.

    The goal here is to make the concept more relatable using the example, so the students can connect faster. 

    You can even ask them to share their own examples, maybe like sports scores or video game points going into the negative.

    Integers and Their Opposites activities and pdf worksheets with number line practice

    2. Use a Number Line for Integers and their Opposites

    A number line is the foundation for understanding integers. You should first focus on making sure students understand integers using a number line. 

    When students see numbers laid out visually, they notice the symmetry: every positive number has a negative counterpart that is at the same distance from zero.

    • Highlight how +5 and -5 “mirror” each other.
    • Reinforce the idea that zero is the center, it’s neutral ground, so its negative is also 0.
    • Use visuals (a giant number line taped on the floor works wonders).

    This method makes integers less of an abstract idea and more of a pattern they can see and interact with. 

    3. Introduce Integer Opposites as “Math Twins”

    Kids love simple, fun language. Try describing opposites as math twins:

    • +3 and -3 are twinssame distance, different sides of zero.
    • Use hand motions: one hand moves right, the other moves left.
    • Have students physically “be the numbers” by standing on either side of a taped zero line in the classroom.

    This builds a physical connection, visualizes the concept and gets them out of their seats (which is always a win).

    4. Make it Interactive (Coloring + Games)

    Here is the thing: students learn best when they do. Practicing is the key to success in math. Bring integers to life with:

    • Coloring activities where each answer reveals a picture.
    • Matching games: pair positives with their opposites.
    • Scavenger hunts: hide cards around the room and let students find “integer pairs.”
    Integers and Their Opposites activities and pdf worksheets with number line practice

    So if you want a ready to use resource that saves you prep time, I created a set of integer activities and coloring worksheets designed exactly for this concept. 

    They turn practice into a fun activity while reinforcing integer opposites in an interactive way.

    Integers and Their Opposites activities and pdf worksheets with number line practice

    5. Common Mistakes Students Make

    Even after a lot of practice and explaining with strong visuals, some misconceptions pop up again and again: Here is a list of a few that I encounter again anad again:

    • Mixing up subtraction with opposites: For this, clarify that “the opposite of +4 is -4,” but “subtracting 4” is a different operation.
    • Thinking zero has an opposite: Reinforce that zero is its own buddy it has no opposite.
    • Believing negatives are always “smaller”: Explain that while -10 is less than -2, the distance from zero tells us size in terms of opposites.

    Take a few minutes to address these early, and you’ll prevent bigger struggles in later concepts.

    6. Wrap It Up 

    Teaching integers doesn’t have to be a headache for you or your students. 

    By combining real-life examples, number lines, and interactive activities, you’ll help students finally see opposites in a way that sticks.

    Want to save yourself even more prep time? 

    Grab my Integers and Their Opposites Coloring Worksheets on TPT. You can even find interactive activities for GCF and LCM here. They’re ready-to-go, fun for students, and designed to make integers simple instead of stressful.

    And if you’d like even more freebies for your math classroom, join my email list, where I share grab-and-go resources like fraction operations for busy math teachers like you.

  • |

    Free Adding and Subtracting Decimals Worksheets 6th Grade

    Looking for a fun and exciting way to reinforce decimal operation to your 5th grade kids?

    Use this FREE add and subtract decimals color by number activity as an instant solution you can implement in your class right now to make it fun and engaging for you 5th or 6th grade kids learning decimals.

    Let’s break down three key teaching points from this resource and how to implement them in your classroom.

    1️⃣ Teaching Point #1: Mastering Decimal Addition & Subtraction

    How to Implement

    1. Quick Review: You can start with a 5-minute refresher on how to align decimals and borrowing/carrying when needed. Basically the stuff kids already know
    2. Think Aloud: Teach kids 1–2 problems on the board, and say out loud your thought process.
    3. Turn & Talk: Have your students explain the problem’s steps to a partner before they even start.
    4. Independent Work: Give out the Color by Number worksheet and let students solve it.
    5. Check & Reflect: Let students compare their answers with a partner before coloring.

    Practice Exercise

    Here are a few warm-up problem set you can use with your kids:

    • 3.42 + 2.58 = ?
    • 7.1 – 3.89 = ? A good one to discuss how to align decimals with 1 and 2 decimal places
    • 9.03 + 5.77 = ?

    Discuss the most common mistakes (misaligned decimals, forgetting to borrow, etc.).


    2️⃣ Teaching Point #2: Building Confidence with Self-Checking

    How to Implement

    1. Encourage Estimation: Before solving, have students round numbers and estimate to check their reasonableness.
    2. Check in Pairs: After every five problems, students compare answers before coloring.
    3. Spot the Error: If students see an unexpected color pattern, guide them to rework the problem.

    Practice Exercise

    Have students estimate first and then solve:

    • 4.92 + 3.17 (Estimate: 5 + 3)
    • 10.5 – 7.63 (Estimate: 10 – 8)
    • 6.89 + 1.56 (Estimate: 7 + 2)

    This step reinforces number sense and problem-checking habits.


    3️⃣ Teaching Point #3: Increasing Engagement with Color & Creativity

    How to Implement

    1. Make It a Challenge: Time students and see who correctly solves and colors first.
    2. Personalized Touch: Allow students to choose their own coloring shades.
    3. Create a Math Wall: Display finished work to reinforce effort and accuracy.
    4. Incorporate Tech: Have students take a photo of their work and explain their thinking via a digital tool like Flipgrid.

    Want to get your hands on this FREE decimals operation color by number?

    Sign up and get the worksheets delivered to your inbox!

  • | |

    Skyrocket your Elementary Kids math learning using Innovative Valentine’s Day Activities To Triple Their Skills

    Do you want this Valentine’s Day to be the best math learning day for your kids while adapting fun and educational activities for your lesson? I got you covered so you do not have to spend a lot of your precious time thinking about what to plan for the day. In this post, I will discuss a wide variety of Valentine’s Day activities including puzzles, color-by-number games, and interactive math games, which not only captivate students’ attention but also help them learn essential math skills.

    Want to know the best part? You don’t have to do anything except for taking the printouts and handing them over to your students. Good deal, right?!

    Spread Math Love using Valentine’s Day Fraction Puzzles and Reinforce the Skills!

    Valentines Day fraction puzzles activity

    Puzzles are a great way to incorporate hands on experience in your teaching. You can use simple sorting puzzles like these Valentine’s Day adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators to develop math skills while providing them with gamification to enhance their learning experience. These puzzles provide a playful approach to problem solving and encourage interactive learning. You will enjoy watching your students observe how the puzzles combine to create beautiful Valentine’s Day themed images.

    These activities not only enforce the faction operations skills but also help in developing a collaborative environment where kids learn to work alongside their peers and have to develop teamwork and enhance their social skills. 

    Engaging Valentine’s Day Activities with Word Problem

    Valentines Day Multi Digit Addition and Subtraction Worksheet with Word Problems

    I get how difficult it can be to make kids understand and practice word problems on top of that pair it with plain boring worksheets and all you get is a recipe for disaster in class. So, how do you manage to keep students excited while keeping your lessons on point and still moving the needle? Try using fun and interactive worksheets with a touch of coloring to increase focus while staying on track. 

    Don’t have time to create one, no problem I have done all the grunt work for you and created this highly intriguing Valentine’s Day-themed activity “Addition and subtraction activities along with word problems”. It’s a perfect way to exercise your students’ 3 digit addition and subtraction problem solving skills in a love filled way! These activities have an enjoyable twist on the traditional learning word problems. Your students will enjoy this one and so will you.

    Valentine’s Day Solve the Room Activities

    Why worry about making students get tired or bored while practicing math? Why not use some unconventional ways to keep our math classes mesmerizing while challenging students at the same time? The “Valentine’s Day Solve the Room” activities are designed to do just that. 

    Valentines Day Math Add Subtract Multiply Divide Solve the Room Activity Bundle

    These Solve the Room activities cover basic math skills like 2 digit addition subtraction along with 2 digit multiplication and division. Use them and see kid’s faces lit with joy. All you have to do is put the question cards around the room and students need to find them, solve them, and record the answers in their record sheets.

    The mere activity of walking and solving math turns it into an amusing and delightful physical experience! Students get so engaged and it’s captivating to watch them calculate and get excited!

    Color By Number Activities: A Great Way to Integrate Art and Math.

    For you teachers out there, do not forget to try out Color By Number Activity during the season of Love! It’s not only perfect for kids who love coloring, but the Valentine’s Day theme makes it even more fun and relevant for February. 

    Valentines Day Multidigit Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Coloring by number

    The activity is a perfect combination of art and math. While coloring and designing something beautiful, students can learn basic addition and subtraction skills. And, the best part! they get to create a gorgeous piece of artwork that you can then hang in the hallway as a reward! It’s a win-win for both learners and teachers.

    Try out these activities as a way to make math enjoyable and intriguing for students, while also keeping the holiday spirit alive. With these activities, students will have the chance to learn these topics and practice the essential skills, while having fun. 

    Moreover, these are great to break up your typical lesson plans and add a fun and lively aspect to your classroom. So, take advantage of these holiday-themed math activities to keep your students engaged and motivated to learn!

    By the way if you like this activity you might want to check out adding and subtracting decimals activities 5th grade.

    Fun Multiplication and Division Independent Activities Pack

    Valentines Day MultiDigit Multiplication & Long Division Worksheets Word Problem

    Do your kids struggle with poor working memory while reviewing math multiplication or division facts? Do their weak mental math skills frustrate you? Try using interactive activity – it’s super fun and educational! Incorporating this packet into your teaching arsenal could revolutionize the way your students perceive math. No longer just numbers on a page, math becomes a gateway to creativity, problem-solving, and festive fun. It’s an excellent way to maintain academic rigor while also acknowledging the season, making it a win-win for teachers aiming to keep their lessons fresh and students motivated.

    Want to get the insider’s Fun? Join the Club here!

  • | |

    Fun Order of Operations Activities to Skyrocket Engagement Now

    I get it, I get it, as an upper elementary math teacher, we can teach order of operation to 5th grade students for what can feel like forever. So long that you may feel like you are running low on new ideas to teach it anymore.

    If that’s the case, then consider using these 5 fun and exciting Order of Operations activities to keep your students hooked.

    All these are my favorite activities. They include both printable and digital options so there is something for everyone.

    Color by Number Order of Operations Activities

    Getting students excited about the order of operation topic can be a challenge but not if you are using the right activities to engage and get kids to think more about the order of operation. 

    Students do not just need to know how to solve order of operations problems. It is equally important that kids learn why learning about the order of operations is important.

    It’s a way to make sure every one of us arrives at the same answer to a particular problem.

    You can teach them various strategies like “please excuse my dear aunt sally” to make it easier for them to remember.

    This activity combines the key critical concepts of order of operations (PEMDAS) with the fun of coloring

    Here is how Order of Operations Activities works:

    Students are given a worksheet with various math problems that they have to solve using the correct order of operations to find the answers. 

    Order of Operation Color by Number Activities

    Each answer corresponds to a specific color which they will then use to color sections of a picture.

    As they solve the problems correctly, a colorful image starts appearing providing students with immediate feedback and a sense of accomplishment.

    Pixel Art Order of Operation Activities

    Want something quick for digital stations? No worries, I got you covered.

    These Order of Operations digital activities are creative and engaging at the same time so your kids won’t get bored. 

    The activities involve solving the order of operations problems using Google Sheets digital activity. Each correct answer reveals a portion of the pixelated image.

    Students write the answers to the problems into the specific cells. 

    Order of Operation Pixel Art Activities
    Order of Operation Pixel Art Activities

    The digital activity involves practicing both types of problems: with and without exponents. 

    Wait, that’s not all. You will also get students handouts that go with the digital activity and keep them accountable for showing their work.

    Exciting Task Cards and Story-based Maze

    Capture your kid’s attention using story-based gamified learning similar to this Save the Queen Maze Activity

    In this order of operation maze activity, students look for ways to help Save the Queen Bee that is lost in the wild on her way back home. 

    They must correctly solve problems to help her find her way back to Hive!

    And the best part you can choose to use with or without exponents to differentiate the topic. 

    Order of Operation Maze and Task Cards Activity

    Not only this, the activity is highly engaging and self-checking so you do not have to spend time grading the papers.

    In the end, use the reward card certificates for positive reinforcement for your kids.

    What’s Included:

    • 1 Save the Queen Game Maze Activity (Order of Operations – Beginner)
    • 1 Save the Queen Game Maze Activity (Order of Operations – Advance)
    • Each Maze has 12 Task Cards with different problems (A total of 24)
    • 1 Colored Reward Card & Story Card
    • 1 Black and white Reward Card and Story Card
    • 1 Student Recording Sheet
    • Answer Keys of all

    Solve the Room Order of Operations Activities

     This one is the most fun and dynamic activity to implement in your classroom. My kids always enjoy and look forward to playing this activity.

    Their excitement is the only reason why I have to make Solve the Room activities for 5th grade Bundle, so you do not have to do the work. 

    Want to know how it works?

    You post task cards with math problems for your students to work on at different stations or different areas of your classroom. 

    Order of Operation Solve the Room Activities

    Then give each student a recording sheet to record their answers.

    Students move around the room to find these problems, solve and record them on the given recording sheet. 

    Why this is the best activity to try:

    • Engagement: Traditional worksheets can sometimes bore students, but Solve the Room adds an element of excitement and movement, keeping students motivated and interested.
    • Concept Mastery: Students often struggle with the order of operations. This activity offers repeated practice in a fun and hands-on way, helping kids to solidify their understanding.
    • Classroom Management: By moving around the room and focusing on different problems, students are less likely to become restless or distracted, leading to better classroom management.

    Free Order of Operations Practice Digital PowerPoint Game Activity

    Couldn’t find something you were looking for?

    No worries… here is a FREE fun activity to help your students master the order of operations

    This interactive game is perfect for bringing some cheer into your classroom while reinforcing this essential math skills.

    What is it?

    This engaging PowerPoint game challenges students to solve order of operations problems with a winter theme.

    Each correct answer helps them progress through the game, while a wrong answer directs kids to try the problem again.

    It helps to reinforce learning and makes sure that students understand the concepts before moving on.

    Check out this Free Order of Operations Practice Digital PowerPoint Game Activity

    That’s a lot of content for a single topic in 5th grade math topics.

    All of these activities and more are available in the lesson pack Bundle in my TPT shop.

    Bundle includes:

    • Digital Pixel Art Activities
    • Google Slides Activity
    • Order of Operations Task Cards Printable
    • Order of Operation Worksheets 
    • Story-based Save the Queen Game 
    • Order of Operation Color by Number 

    Click here to get now!

    Order of Operation Activities Bundle Image

    Click to learn more about 5th grade math teaching lesson and ideas.