Math

Fall Math Activities | Holiday Activities | Math

Keep Students Engaged with These Thanksgiving GCF and LCM Worksheets (Includes Answers!)
BySadia
The week before Thanksgiving is pure chaos in most middle school classrooms.

Students are hyped about the holidays, focus levels drop, and teachers (yes, you!) are juggling lesson plans, grading, and trying to keep the class calm.

That’s where seasonal resources come in.

Thanksgiving GCF and LCM worksheets with answers aren’t just a cute idea they’re a strategic teaching tool.

They combine review and engagement so your students practice key math concepts without tuning out.

In this post, we’ll walk through what GCF and LCM are (with examples), why themed math activities work so well, and where you can grab high-quality Thanksgiving worksheets that save you time. But before that let’s first try to answer:

What Is GCF and LCM (with Example)?

Before diving into Thanksgiving math fun for 6th grade math, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page, especially if you’re prepping sub plans or review material for your students.

Thanksgiving GCF and LCM Worksheets and Activities Grade 6 PDF 1

Thanksgiving GCF and LCM Worksheets and Activities Grade 6 PDF 1

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor.
It’s the largest number that divides evenly into two or more numbers.

LCM stands for Least Common Multiple.
It’s the smallest multiple that two or more numbers share.

For example:

Let’s find the GCF and LCM of 27 and 45.

Step 1: List the factors.
- Factors of 27 → 1, 3, 9, 27
- Factors of 45 → 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 45
and here GCF = 9, because it’s the largest number both have in common.

Step 2: List the multiples.
- Multiples of 27 → 27, 54, 81, 108, 135, …
- Multiples of 45 → 45, 90, 135, …
Therefore, LCM = 135, because it’s the smallest number both share.

When students practice this repeatedly, they start to recognize patterns and that’s exactly what this Thanksgiving GCF and LCM worksheets with answers help reinforce.

Why Use Themed Math Worksheets Around Thanksgiving?

Because engagement matters.

When math review looks like just another worksheet, students mentally check out.

But throw in a Thanksgiving theme a turkey to color, a riddle to solve, or a math puzzle with a seasonal twist, and suddenly, they’re in it.

These worksheets focus on multiple learning styles at once:
- Visual learners connect with coloring and design-based activities.
- Hands-on learners enjoy puzzles and cut-and-paste components.
- Auditory learners can explain their reasoning as they check answers with peers.
Plus, when the activities include built-in answer keys, it saves you (and your sub) valuable grading time.

Inside the Thanksgiving GCF and LCM Worksheets

If you’ve been searching for a no-prep, ready-to-go way to review factors and multiples, this set is exactly what you need.

Here’s what’s inside:
- Engaging coloring activities that make abstract concepts visual.
- Riddles and puzzles that apply GCF and LCM to real-world-style problems.
- Cut-and-paste practice for reinforcing math patterns.
- Answer keys included for quick grading and student self-checking.
Check out these Thanksgiving GCF and LCM worksheets with answers pdf and make your pre-break lessons actually enjoyable.

Honestly themed math lessons don’t have to be fluff.

Done right, they can reinforce real math skills and give you a breather during the busiest time of the semester.

So the next time you hear, “Do we have to do math today?”, you can smile and say, “Yup but it’s Thanksgiving style!”

Your students stay engaged, you stay sane, and everyone wins.

Check out Thanksgiving GCF and LCM worksheets pdf with answers and make this year’s holiday math review something your class actually looks forward to.
$Integers and their Opposites Math Activities$
Math

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

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.”
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.

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.
$Halloween GCF and LCM Math Activities for 5th and 6th Grade Math$
Halloween Math Activities | Math

How to Teach GCF and LCM With NO Stress This Halloween
BySadia
Halloween week in the classroom is chaos. Between sugar highs, costume distractions, and a packed schedule, the last thing you need is a complicated GCF and LCM practice lesson.

But October is also a great time to hit those tough concepts like Greatest Common Factor (GCF) and Least Common Multiple (LCM) practice especially, if you’ve got the right tools.

That’s why I created these three hands-on, no-prep Halloween-themed math activities that actually get your students excited about GCF and LCM.

These aren’t just worksheets, they’re interactive, self-checking, and fun.

In this post, I’m breaking down how each activity works and how you can use them in your classroom this October.

GCF and LCM Practice Halloween Coloring

Kids in my class LOVE coloring period. The truth is, we need to use more coloring math practice in the age of AI than ever before.

The reason is that kids these days aren’t as calm as they used to be. Coloring helps them calm down due to their hyperactive abilities.

This Halloween color-by-number activity blends math + art to keep kids engaged while practicing core skills.

Students solve GCF and LCM problems, find the matching color, and use it to complete a spooky themed image that you can display on bulletin board.

Why it works:
- Self-checking format helps students correct their own work
- Visual + hands-on = more focused engagement
- Works great for early finishers, math centers, or calming down a hyped-up classroom
The best part? It’s Print and go! No prep needed.

It’s perfect for days when you want meaningful review without managing chaos.

To try this out in your class, you can check out this Halloween GCF and LCM activity pack here.

Want to get access to free Order of Operations activity you can use with 5th and 6th grade students? Check it out here:

GCF and LCM Puzzle Cut, Solve, and Reveal

Puzzles help kids with their critical thinking and problem solving skills.

This Halloween math puzzle is like magic, your students won’t even realize how much math they’re doing.

Here is how to implement this 2-pager activity. Problems are on one page and corresponding answer puzzles are on the other.

Students solve each GCF or LCM question, find the puzzle piece with the correct answer, and paste it into the correct space to reveal a mystery Halloween image.

Skills it reinforces:
- GCF and LCM mastery
- Critical thinking
- Fine motor skills and focus
It’s engaging, it’s visual, and it’s low-prep. Just print both pages, and your students handle the rest.

To try this out in your class, you can check out this Halloween GCF and LCM activity pack here.

Halloween Greatest Common Factor Riddle

Riddles are like catnip for kids. In this Halloween themed riddle activity, students solve GCF and LCM problems and write their answers on the connected given space.

At the end, they collect letters that solve a spooky riddle.

Here is why it’s a win in my classroom:
- Instant buy-in from students
- Encourages problem-solving and logic
- Great for math stations, partner work, or even test prep review
You can even use it during rotations, independent practice, or as an enrichment activity during Halloween week.

To try this out in your class, you can check out this Halloween GCF and LCM activity pack here.

Pro Tip:

Want to survive Halloween week without losing your mind?

Print all three activities and set them up as stations.

Your students rotate through the color-by-number, puzzle, and riddle and they stay engaged the entire time.

They think it’s fun.
You know it’s standards-based review.
Everyone wins.

Want to try all 3 Activities?

I bundled all three Halloween GCF & LCM activities together in one low-prep printable pack perfect for 5th and 6th grade math teachers who need a break from boring stuff.

You don’t need to skip meaningful math instruction just because it’s Halloween week.

With the right activities, your students can have fun while practicing critical concepts and you can keep your sanity intact.

Whether you use them for centers, sub plans, or fast finishers, these Halloween-themed GCF and LCM worksheets are ready to go when you are.

Pin it now. Print it later. Teach it without the stress.

To try this out in your class, you can check out this Halloween GCF and LCM activity pack here.

Want more ideas to teach in your next 5th or 6th grade math class? Check them here
Basic Operations | Math

The Only Multi-digit Addition and Subtraction Practice I’ll Use This Year
BySadia

Raise your hand if you’ve ever printed a math worksheet, handed it out and watched your entire class immediately ZONE OUT.

Same. Dry, black and white worksheets suck the energy right out of math time for your students and for you.

They’re boring. They don’t work. And worst of all? They make these core basic operations reviews feel like a chore.

But here’s the thing, addition and subtraction practice doesn’t have to be dull.

When you mix in color by number printables or activities with riddles to review, your kids are engaged, your classroom is calm, and your math centers become something everyone actually looks forward to.

I’m breaking down the multi-digit addition and subtraction practice worksheets I’ll use this year, because they work and they save my sanity.

Strategy 1: Use Multi-digit Addition and Subtraction Escape Room to Make Practice Fun

What would life be like if you didn’t have to convince kids that the more they practice, the better it is for them?

What better way to practice than to disguise it as a riddle and increase their curiosity along with math skills? These are just a few of the reasons why math riddles are magic, I use during review time.

My students get self motivated to solve them, and that’s not just to get the math right but to solve the riddle. That little “aha” moment at the end makes the work feel like a game to them, not a worksheet.

The best part? Riddle worksheets are also self-checking. If the answer doesn’t make sense? It means it’s time to double-check their math without you having to hover or correct them. The reason why it’s a total win for me.

Escape Room-style riddles are also perfect for independent work, partner pairs, or small groups.

You’ll love the classroom management piece (hello, quiet engagement), and your students will love cracking the code.

Still not sure? Try what I use and see your kids filled with excitement: Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction with Regrouping Escape Room.

Want to try a free activity? Grab my FREE addition and subtraction printable pack from my TPT store here. It’s ready to print and go.

Strategy 2: Color by Number for Fluency & Focus

You know those kids who can’t sit still for more than five minutes? Yeah, even they get into color by number math. The visuals pull them in, and the structure keeps them focused. It’s like sneaking in math fluency practice… with crayons.

To be honest color by number is a game-changer for independent work, early finishers, math centers, basically anytime you need your students to be engaged without needing your constant attention.

And unlike flashcards, these worksheets build fact fluency in a low-stress, low-prep way that students actually enjoy.

My go-to resources that I pull again and again are: Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Color by Number Worksheets

My students actually ask for these during math review. Yep. It’s that fun.

Strategy 3: Mix Seasonal + Skill-Based Review

Want to keep review fresh without re-inventing the wheel every week?

Seasonal printables are your best bet. You’re still hitting the same addition and subtraction skills, just dressed up for fall, Halloween, winter, or whatever season you’re in.

Students stay engaged because it feels new even though the practice is familiar. Teachers win because it’s low-prep and high-impact.

It’s perfect for early finishers, homework, and sub plans basically anytime you need a minute to breathe.

Teachers like you find these a fun addition to their toolkit: any seasonal or holiday themed addition and subtraction practice.

What would life be like if you didn’t have to reinvent the wheels?

If you want your students engaged, confident, and actually enjoying math this year, start with tools that make them smile and think. Riddles, color by number, seasonal printables, they’re more than just fun. They’re effective.

You don’t need to reinvent math review. You just need the right tools in your teacher box.

Still want to learn more?

Check out this back to school math activities that set the tone for your whole year.
5th Grade Worksheets | Basic Operations | Math

Fun Division Riddles for Practicing Division Skills
BySadia
Division is hard for kids…PERIOD!

But it doesn’t have to be if its practiced with something fun like riddles.

Honestly, when I first started out teaching… division always felt like a confusing jumble of numbers because didn’t have their facts memorized.

No matter how much you try to make your kids practice division problems unless they have a solid grasp of math facts they won’t be able to work on those complex problems.

It’s like not knowing how to drive but trying to drive anyway.

If that’s the case, then what we should be focusing on is helping them get their basic math facts straight.

By fifth grade, students should be proficient in basic math facts but if that’s not the case, there’s a problem.

To be honest, there can be many reasons for this problem.

Reasons like
- a lack of understanding,
- memorization feeling like a draining task,
- table overload,
- multiplication confusion,
and more can all contribute to elementary kids not having a good grip on facts.

Are you interested in knowing how I make division practice fun and engaging for my kiddos?

Without making it seem like they are practicing… It’s by using riddles!

Riddles are a perfect teaching tool to help students develop division and problem-solving skills during back-to-school time or throughout the whole year.

Why Division Practice Is Important

Practicing division problems is crucial for a kid’s basic math learning and understanding.

It’s like a foundational math skill that helps kids make sense of math.

When children practice division, they learn how to break things into equal parts and understand the relationship between multiplication and division.

This reinforces their number sense, basically how they see and work with numbers in daily life.

It also helps them solve real-world problems.

Let’s say, they’re cutting a pizza into slices or figuring out how many cookies each friend gets, knowing how to divide makes it easier for them.

The most important thing is, it opens doors for advanced topics like fractions, ratios, and algebra later on grades.

Ina nutshell, division helps kids:
- Increase their problem-solving abilities
- Build confidence in handling day to day calculations
- Improve their understanding of the world around them
Now that you know how important it is for our kids to practice division problems. Let’s talk solutions.

The best way I am able to get my students working on division practice is by using division riddles.

They keep kids focused on the task at hand and builds perseverance.

How Division Riddles Works:

You hand out one of the division riddles to your kids.

It could be a division fact or 2 by 1, 2 by 2 digit or 3 by 1 or 3 by 2 digit, whatever numbers you want your students to practice that day.

Students start working on the problems and with every problem they unlock a key (letter) that is part of the mystery riddle they are solving.

The clues are unlocked randomly to make it more interesting and exciting for the kids.

Once they have solved all the problems the answer to the mystery is revealed.

This gamified way of practicing division makes it less intimidating for the students and helps them gain confidence in their math skills.

Few ways to use Division Riddles inside classroom:

We all love activities that are versatile and can be used in multiple ways inside our classroom.

Here are a few ways you can use a Riddle activity
- Partner work
- Home work
- Centers or rotation
- Review or practice work
- Or anytime you want to have something FUN
By the way if you are looking for 2 and 3 digit by 1 digit long division practice worksheets for your upper elementary students?

Check out the division riddles resource on my TPT shop and let your kids have fun while learning at the same time.

Looking for more tips on 5th grade math teaching checkout this Blog post on 5th grade year round math activities.
5th Grade Worksheets | Math

7 Valentine’s Day Math Activities for 5th Graders
BySadia
So you have taught fractions unit to your 5th grade kids…Now what?

There are many ways you can keep your students practicing there fractions skill this valentines without feeling overwhelm.

This Valentine’s Day get your 5th graders math game strong by using meaningful activities that help them practice various math skills they have already learnt.

one thing I would advice before starting is do not just make this season all about hearts and candies use it as a perfect opportunity to get your kids more engaged in math fun!

So if your goal is to engage your students with math fun… interactive math activities both print and digital is the way to go.

But before we get started a quick reminder, if you need free math activities and worksheets to try with your 5th grade kids, join the newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox!

Now let the fun began, here are seven exciting math activities that will help your 5th grader’s attention and get them to practice key mathematical skills.

1. Mystery Picture Puzzles

Want to practice multi digit addition and subtraction with regrouping but do not want it to be a boring activity? Mystery picture puzzles are the best way to do it while making it a fun interactive activity.

Your kids will practice their 2 and 3 digit addition and subtraction skills by solving these problems and putting together the puzzle pieces to reveal the picture.

Because look – we math teachers need to know what kids know and what needs more practicing so we can keep our math class more interesting.

So if there is any activity that I can use with my kids to practice their basic operations skills while solving and building a puzzle, I’m am here for it.

How it works:

Prints out the puzzle worksheet and hand it over to the kids. Let them cut the puzzle pieces on the right side.

Once that’s done let them solve and put the mystery pictures together to reveal the picture.

As your students complete the puzzle and uncover the picture you can even instruct them to color it and make it a fun art piece for their classroom bulletin board decoration.

Key Skills this activity helps kids with:
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Addition and Subtraction fluency
2. Color by Numbers

When it comes to practicing math facts especially multiplication and division some things are easier than others. And honestly coloring math activities is like one of those things.

For my kids multiplication and division are the skills that they need more practice with than anything else.

And to tell you the truth it is better to get them to practice these skills more during their upper elementary years more so it’s easier for them to build other math concepts during their middle school years.

This is the exact reason why I have whole year themed multiplication and division color by number activities.

That mainly focuses on multi digits like 2 or 3 digits multiplication and division practice.

The best part is each page has just enough math problems for kids to complete in a day making it a perfect addition to your daily math lesson.

Here is how it works: Kids use the back of the page to solve the problem. Each problem has 2 answer options along with the color they need to use to color the picture.

Students solve and select the right option and work on there coloring part of the activity.

Does this sound boring? Nope. Click here to see Valentine’s Day color by number on my TPT shop.

3. Independent Work Pack

Need a comprehensive 5th grade math activity pack that students can complete independently. Include:
- Word problems
- Word search puzzles
- Matching activities
Benefits:
- Self-paced learning
- Skill reinforcement
- Develops mathematical independence
4. Pixel Art Digital Valentines Day Resource

I do not know about you but I still feel like I haven’t fully got the hang of using digital activities in my class.

Honestly to leverage technology to get kids practicing math concepts like fractions addition and subtraction with unlike denominator is a bit mess but we are getting though it using Pixel Art Google Sheets(TM) activities.

I assign my students thise activity on their devices and they solve math problems to reveal a pixel art Valentine’s design. The more kids solve the problem right the more picture is revealed which is super FUN!

So if you need a digital valentines day fraction operations resource check out the link to my TPT shop. Its fun, its engaging and most of all its self checking so kids get immediate feedback.

5. Fraction Heart Puzzles

Puzzles puzzles and some more puzzles. I you one for the people who hear about differentiation or centers in meetings and are excited to try new thing to make it work then this one is for you.

Puzzles are the best part of my centers. Although they take up a little bit of time to prep but its so worth the effort.

Kids not only have to solve the problem but also find the answer to complete their puzzles making it a perfect game based activity to try during math centers.

The best part… it’s free!

But if those same puzzles are heart shaped fractions problems that’s even better. You can check them here.

6. Valentine’s Day FREE Solve the Room

This my friend is what I ALWAYS do when I do not have anything planned for the day and need something quick to engage but still keep them learning.

The idea is simple you write math problems on task cards and display them at various points in your classroom.

Kids walk around the room and solve the problems on the recording sheets.

They feel engaged and fun. Not sticking to their chairs and able to walk around is what makes this activity one of my ids favorite thing.

And honestly, I do not blame them. So if you want to transform your classroom into an interactive collaborating math learning place try out math solve the room activities.

7. Valentines Day Fraction Worksheets

We all use worksheets to put the practice kids need to improve their understanding.

In fact, who does not like to use worksheets to make learning fun with Valentine’s-themed images so kids are more likely to solve them and not feel bored?

These Valentine’s Day math worksheets go beyond traditional worksheets by offering engaging, interactive ways to practice their math skills.

By using themes of love, you are helping students see math as an exciting, enjoyable subject.

How do you make learning fun during valentine’s day? Let me know in the comments!

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