Math

Empower Students to Learn Fractions With Word Problems Using Exciting Worksheets and Epic Activities

BySadia

Teaching adding and subtracting fractions isn’t easy, especially when you’re teaching upper elementary school kids.

You not only have to explain the basics but also make sure your fractions lessons are engaging enough so they pay full attention during the learning period and do not get distracted.

In this blog post, I will discuss with you some new and easy ways I have found helpful in teaching fraction operations to my kids during math class to help them engage with the problems at hand and be happily willing to practice adding and subtracting fractions.

So, let’s dive in…

1. Fun Fractions Maze Activity with Task Cards – Save the Queen

Adding Fractions with unlike denominator

This activity includes a printable self-checking maze that you can use with your kids to have them practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division of fractions with unlike denominators.

Each fraction operations maze activity comes with 12 task cards and a self-checking FUN maze, which keeps kids inspired to learn, but you do not have to spend all day grading.

The activity is story-based, in which your kids become detectives, helping the Queen bee, who is lost in the jungle, return home. For that, your kids have to work through the problems to bring her back home.

Once the kids have completed the activity, you can use the printable reward card to reward your kid’s hard work and create a positive motivation for them to practice their math skills happily the next time!

Want to check the adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions activity bundle? Click HERE.

2. Solve the Room Fractions Activities

Are your kids bored with their daily boring math routine work and want to have some fun and excitement while learning new concepts?

Try adding Solve the Room activities to help them get moving and learn all at the same time!

Solve the Room is my kid’s favorite activity as it allows them not to be glued to their desks but to move around the room while working on the problems. The best part is that it is very easy to set up.

All you have to do is print the question cards and place them in different spots inside your classroom. Next, give students their recording sheets. Kids move around the room, looking for problems with adding and subtracting fractions.

They solve the problems and record their answers on the recording sheets provided. You can also instruct them to use the back of the recording sheet to show their work, which is always a good idea.

If you want to try these activities for your next class, Click here.

3. Color by Number Fractions Activities

Coloring is LOVE for all my kids – no matter their age.

Primary, lower elementary, or upper elementary, you name it!

The easiest way teachers can use it to their advantage is by making any doodle on a piece of paper along with a bunch of practice problems and giving them to solve and color.

Using color by number activities in elementary math classes can enhance engagement, reinforce concepts like perimeter and area of complex figures and volume of rectangular prism creatively, and facilitate differentiation for diverse learning levels.

These activities make working on math problems more enjoyable for students and provide valuable tools for teachers to effectively deal with the challenges of teaching elementary mathematics.

Looking to add some fun color by number activities to your next lesson? I have created these 5th grade fraction operations color by number activities that you can use to skyrocket your class math learning outcome. Want some fraction word problem worksheets? Click HERE to check them out.

$Teach Area of Complex or Composite Shapes figures, middle school math lesson and activities$
Interactive Games | Math

How to teach the area of composite/complex figures in an EPIC way!
BySadia
Struggling to teach the area of composite figures in a way your students actually get?

Ever wondered that every time you feel like thinking about how to get started or how even to think about introducing the topic to your kids, frustration kicks in!

Believe it or not, we all have been there during our first few years of teaching.

And you’re not alone… If your kids are zoning out the second you say “area” keep reading, this post breaks it down with easy, engaging ideas that make sense (and work for all levels).

$Teach kids how to find Area of Complex or Composite Shapes figures | middle school math lessons and activities$
Table of Contents
Explore the Area of complex figures in an exciting way
Start with the Basics:
Seeing Math Everywhere:
Step 1: Help Students See Math Everywhere (Real-Life Hook)
Step 2: Revisit the Basics with Hands-On Practice
Step 3: Decompose a Composite Figure (using engaging activities)
Finding the Area of Composite Figures or Complex Figures (Color by Number)
Finding Area of Complex Figures Piece by Piece
Finding the Area of Complex Figures (Trending and Most Popular)
Explore the Area of complex figures in an exciting way

Let’s be real right now teaching math isn’t what it used to be. Today’s kids are growing up with TikTok-level attention spans and infinite entertainment options at their fingertips.

That means if your area of complex shapes lessons are not engaging and exciting enough, you’ve already lost half the battle.

Here’s the good news, you don’t need flashy tech or hours of prep work just to make the area of composite figures click for your students. You just need the right strategy.

So how do you teach this topic in a way that’s fun, clear, and actually sticks?

$find Area of Complex or Composite Shapes lesson math middle school$

The answer: make it visual, hands-on, and connected to real life, yup, that’s right this way your students aren’t just memorizing formulas, they’re solving problems like mini math detectives on a mission hunt.

Now the question is where do you begin?

Start with the Basics:

Like I said, it all starts with basics.

And to be honest, there is no other answer to this problem other than nailing the basics!

Here is the hard truth… if kids find the lesson interesting, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn about the problem, think about it, practice it, and ultimately feel a sense of confidence in their skills.

This is why using gamified methods of teaching math inside your classroom can be a handy tool for teaching any concept!

Seeing Math Everywhere:

Here are the steps to help kids see math everywhere in their life.

Step 1: Help Students See Math Everywhere (Real-Life Hook)

One of the most effective ways to introduce composite figures is by showing students where these shapes exist in their world.

What it means is to check for there: Activate prior knowledge. Ask your students:
- What basic shapes do you already know?
- Can you think of any objects that are made up of more than one shape?
Then guide them to see that a playground, a building (maybe school) floor plan, or even a weird-shaped pizza is made of multiple simple shapes.

🟩 + 🟥 + 🟦 = Composite figure.

Your goal here is to help them realize that composite shapes are just familiar shapes combined, nothing fancy.

Step 2: Revisit the Basics with Hands-On Practice

Before diving into composite figures, make sure your students are rock solid on calculating the area of:
- Squares
- Rectangles
- Triangles
Here is a Pro Tip: Use graph paper and have them COUNT squares to confirm what the formulas actually do. This helps your visual and tactile learners “see” the math in action.

Step 3: Decompose a Composite Figure (using engaging activities)

Once the basics are solid, it’s time for the real fun, breaking down a complex shape into smaller, manageable parts.

Here is an activity you can try in your class:
1. Show them a real-life layout — like a house blueprint or the shape of a playground.
2. Ask them to identify the basic shapes they see.
3. Have them outline or color-code each individual shape inside the figure.
4. Guide them through finding the area of each part — and then adding it all together.
Want a fun way to reinforce this practice? Try out this this area and perimeter Color by Number activity!

Finding the Area of Composite Figures or Complex Figures (Color by Number)

Since kids have already mastered how to calculate the area of regular shapes, it’s time to introduce them to composite figures.

You can use any composite shape, like a park or a house layout, and ask what they see.

Tell them to imagine the shape as a whole building made by several small ones and treat every small shape like a rectangle, square, or triangle as a room inside the building.

Let them think about this concept for a while, and then decompose the shape into its parts and find the area of the individual basic shape.

Finding Area of Complex Figures Piece by Piece

Next, it’s time to decompose composite figures like literally breaking the big shape into smaller, familiar parts.

For better understanding, it’s good to introduce a composite figure with 2 or 3 squares or rectangles and then move on to the more complex figures.

The next step is to ask your kids how many squares or rectangles they see inside their big figures.

Have them trace or outline each individual shape in a different color and then calculate the area of each smaller part one shape at a time.

Pro Tip: Write the area inside each shape as they go to help them see their progress. Next step is to calculate the areas of these individual shapes.

Since your students by now already know how to calculate the area of regular figures, it would not be a daunting task. Lastly, ask them to add all of them together to get the total area.

Want some resources to practice the area of squares, rectangles, and triangles in an exciting way? Check out this area and perimeter Color by Number activity below.

Finding the Area of Complex Figures (Trending and Most Popular)

Now comes the fun part: tell your kids that we are calculating the area of the whole building, not just the single rooms inside.

They also know how to calculate it by adding the areas of each smaller shape. Basically, by summing up, kids will be able to tell what the area of the complex figure is.

Want some fun digital and printable activities to help you with this lesson?

Check out this exciting whole class activity: Digital game for area of composite figure that also includes printaba le worksheet for student accountability.

Want to access free math resources worth $29. Click here to learn more!

Click here to learn more about 5th Grade math activities that keep your students excited while learning math year long.

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$Integers and their Opposites Math Activities$
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.
Basic Operations | Classroom Management | Holiday Activities | Math | Saint Patricks Day

Best Saint Patrick’s Day Math Activities for 5th Grade to use NOW
BySadia

Are you and your kids ready for some festive fun St. Patrick’s Day spirit in your classroom?

Are you ready to say goodbye to boring activities and see your kids excited to learn math this season?

Then follow along with me for some super fun things you can try in your classroom this season.

By using these St. Patrick’s Day themed Solve The Room Activity you will be able to finally bring some Irish charm into your classroom.

But…

First things first why would you actually need to use this activity?

For me personally, this activity is something I use in my 5th grade math classroom whenever I feel like my kids need a break from their usual math learning and it’s time for some movement going to keep their learning juice flow.

So if it feels like you are facing the same problem, then here are my top 3 reasons why you should use Saint Patrick’s Day themed Scoot activities in your math class:

1. Encourages Movement and Interaction:

The ‘Solve The Room‘ aspect of this activity adds a physical aspect to learning.

Kids aren’t just sitting at their desks and practicing, instead, they’re moving around the classroom.

This is even more beneficial for young kids in elementary or upper elementary who learn better when they’re physically engaged.

2. Engagement through Theme-Based Learning:

Themed activities are always a win in classrooms.

Themed seasonal activities like Saint Patrick’s Day Math, are a fantastic way to keep students engaged.

$Saint Patrick's Day fraction operation color by number coloring worksheets and activities | St. Patty's Day Adding and subtracting fractions$

Using these activities we will integrate the fun and festive spirit of the holiday into our March math lesson plans.

This will not only capture student’s interest but make learning math more enjoyable for them.

3. Promoting Collaboration and Social Skills:

With all the rise in the use of technology for learning, kids are being glued to their screens a lot.

These activities allow them to think outside the box and build their creativity muscle.

Now… it isn’t just about math; it’s also about working together and developing social skills.

$Saint Patrick's Day fraction operation color by number coloring worksheets and activities | St. Patty's Day Adding and subtracting fractions$

Your kids can work in pairs or small groups which encourages teamwork and communication.

Want to use these activities inside your classroom?

Sign up below and get one of the freebies sent straight to your inbox.
5th Grade Worksheets | Fractions | Math | Saint Patricks Day

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

Woohoo! Are you ready to shamROCK your math lessons this Saint Patrick’s Day? Get ready to sprinkle some leprechaun magic into your maths classroom with these 5 best Saint Patrick’s Day math activities for kids!

We’re talking about turning your ordinary math session into a pot of gold-filled adventure, complete with colors, word searching, and plenty of math mischief. So grab your greenest gear to explore through some math-tastic fun on Saint Pattys Day!

Saint Patrick’s Day Fractions Operations Worksheets with Word Problems

Introducing you the blast of fun education with which your upper elementary students dive into a world where every word problem is a clue, leading them closer to uncovering the mysteries of fractions.

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! This worksheet pack is best equipped with so much more fun with word search and coloring opportunities. This is not only to reinforce their fraction skills but also to enhance their imagination and love for math.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Saint Patricks Day math activities for 5th grade!

Saint Patrick’s Day Multidigit Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Coloring

Get ready to add a splash of color to your Saint Patrick’s Day math lessons with our Saint Patrick’s Day Multidigit Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Coloring activity pack!

Who says math has to be dull and dreary? With these vibrant worksheets, your 5th-grade students will be diving into a world of mathematical mysteries while discovering their inner artists. Making them able to solve multidigit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems, means to internalize the fraction operations creatively.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Not only will they be honing their math skills, but they’ll also be exercising their imagination and attention to detail. With Saint Patricks day math color by number, they’ll be one step closer to discovering the secret treasures hidden within each worksheet.

So, why settle for ordinary math practice when you can add a splash of Saint Patrick’s Day magic to your lessons? Let’s make math fun, engaging, and unforgettable with these magical worksheets!

Saint Patrick Solve The Room Decimal Addition Subtract Multiply Divide Activity

With Decimal Addition Subtract Multiply Divide Solve The Room Saint Patrick Day Activity, we Call all 5th-grade math detectives—it’s time to put your problem-solving skills to the test in this thrilling, shamrock-filled adventure.

Not only will they be sharpening your decimal arithmetic skills, but they’ll also be up on their feet, moving from task card to task card like true math adventurers. It’s a dynamic, interactive way to engage with math that’ll have your students buzzing with excitement from start to finish.

And the best part? As the students crack each code and conquer each challenge, they’ll be one step closer to the ultimate prize—a sense of accomplishment and mastery over decimals that’ll leave them feeling like true math wizards.

So, are you ready to turn your classroom into a Saint Patrick’s Day math maze? Let’s make learning decimals an unforgettable adventure with our Decimal Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Solve The Room St. Patrick’s Day Activity!

Decimal Addition Subtract Multiply Divide Saint Patrick Day Fun Activities

Are you feeling excited to make the learning active and more engaging? Here’s the time when the Saint Patricks day math decimal operations worksheet comes into use!

As the students navigate the room and solve each challenge, they’ll be engaging in active learning, moving, and collaborating with their fellow math adventurers. It’s a dynamic, hands-on approach to math that’ll have them on the edge of their seats and eager to conquer each new challenge.

And the best part? Not only will they be honing their decimal arithmetic skills, but they’ll also be enriching themselves in the spirit of Saint. Patrick’s Day is surrounded by the magic and mystery of Irish folklore.

So, are you ready to turn your classroom into a math-filled treasure hunt this St. Patrick’s Day? Let’s make learning decimals an adventure to remember with our Decimal Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Saint Patricks day math decimal operations worksheet!

Saint Patrick’s Day Adding and Subtracting Fractions Word Problems

Are you looking to make fractions more fun and engaging for your 5th-grade students this Saint Patrick’s Day? Look no further! Our worksheets are designed to turn ordinary fraction practice into an exciting adventure filled with puzzles for word problems to make students excited to search for answers for operations.

Each worksheet is packed with word problems that will challenge your students to add and subtract fractions while unraveling the mysteries of Saint Patrick’s Day. From dividing up pots of gold to sharing lucky charms with mischievous leprechauns, every problem is a chance for your students to flex their fraction skills in a fun and meaningful way.

But that’s not all! Our worksheets are also designed to boost critical thinking and problem-solving skills as students decipher word problems and apply their fraction knowledge to find solutions. It’s a fantastic way to reinforce math concepts while immersing your class in the magic of Saint Patrick’s Day.

So, are you ready Saint patricks day word search activities? Let’s make adding and subtracting fractions a festive and unforgettable experience!

And there you have it, folks—5 shamrockin’ Saint Patrick’s Day math Fraction operations activities to add a pinch of magic to your classroom festivities!

Whether you’re counting gold coins, graphing leprechaun preferences, or solving rainbow fractions, these math-tastic adventures are sure to make your celebration unforgettable.

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

So, don your greenest attire, grab a handful of lucky charms, and let the math mischief begin! May the luck of the Irish be with you all year round!
Basic Operations | Math

3 Digit Subtraction and Addition Worksheets for Daily Math
BySadia

During my elementary math classroom, I like having games and activities that are not prep.

Why? Well, because it is easier for teachers to set them up and grade, and on top of that, kids ALWAYS love it when I teach subtraction and addition using board game worksheets.

In this blog post, I’m going to share 3 of the best resources you can use in your classroom to teach 3 digit subtraction and addition using worksheets.

First of all, teaching 3 digit subtraction and addition with and without regrouping isn’t just necessary at the start of the year. In fact, it’s better to set up the material as a year-long series resource that you just pull up and instantly use to teach.

Honestly, it can be hard to make something that you can use all year long. At least, it was always hard for me to decide what to use for practicing this basic addition and subtraction skill.

To overcome this problem, I created several 3 digit subtraction and addition worksheets that I keep with me whenever I need them during class.

Here are a few of them that you can use to make your life easier.

1. 3 Digit Subtraction and Addition Worksheets

As the name suggests, addition and subtraction with regrouping worksheets are best used when we are introducing these concepts to kids.

What you want at this stage is to allow your students to practice the skills they have learned without any distractions.

Once they have practiced enough, you can then use advanced pedagogical activities to reinforce their practice, like printable math board games, digital activities, or even coloring math worksheets.

This excites the students to work on their basics and get their practice done correctly.

Looking for some premade worksheet suggestions?

Check these 3 digit subtraction and addition worksheets

2. Addition and Subtraction Riddles Activity Worksheets

Honestly, who does not love to solve riddles? In my classroom, I always find my kids excited to practice math when done with riddles worksheets.

This activity is the single most used activity throughout my addition and subtraction practice class. Riddles not only keep them engaged in working on math but also keep them excited to know what the answer to the secret question is.

So if you want to make your kids practice 3 digit addition and subtraction, use riddle activities to keep them excited about working on their daily practice.

Another option would be to use it as a center activity or homework to reinforce what they have learned.

Want to check out how I use Riddles for multi digit addition and subtraction, click here.

3. Solve The Room 3 Digit Addition and Subtraction Activity

Let’s face it math is a tough subject for some kids.

And whether you are new to teaching or you have been teaching for quite some time.

It can get frustrating to keep your kids engaged and excited to try new concepts. It can feel boring to go through the same activities day in and day out. But the good news is that it does not have to be!

If you want to make this tedious task more fun and engaging for your kids, WHY not incorporate the Solve the Room activity in your weekly math activities list?

Solve the Room is a simple yet effective way to help your kids get up and moving while solving math inside the class.

It is not only fun and highly active, but can also be used to assess your student’s individual understanding of the concepts.

Here is how it works:

You place the question task cards at different stations inside your classroom. Give each of your students a recording sheet that they can use to solve and write their answers.

Students hop from one station to the other, solving the problems. If they get stuck, they can come to me for some help.

You can use Solve the Room activities for every 5th grade math topic. I use it for almost every 5th grade math topic, like Addition and Subtraction of Whole numbers, Fractions, and Decimals.

But just in case you do not want to make these activities yourself and want to save your valuable time, then I have one inside my TPT store for you to check out. Click here to check!

Want a free adding and subtracting decimals activity check this post!

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5th Grade Worksheets | Decimals | Math

Free Adding and Subtracting Decimals Activities PDF for 5th Grade
BySadia

Are you a 5th grade math teacher trying to figure out more ways to help your students? Try using this engaging and no prep printable adding and subtracting decimals activities PDF for a lesson that’s full of both fun and learning at the same time.

Using fun activities makes your students master adding and subtracting decimals with ease. These engaging worksheets are designed to make decimal decimal operations fun and accessible.

In this blog, we are talking about helping you to build confidence and proficiency in your student’s abilities to add and subtract decimals using mystery puzzle activities.

Why should you teach decimal operations?

It’s a very important skill to teach your students how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals.

The knowledge that your students gain by building this particular skill is very important in their daily lives while dealing with height, weight, money, etc.

But before this, they need to nail down their basic about decimal place values.

Having prior knowledge of decimal place values, your students will be better able to understand decimal operations like adding and subtracting decimals.

Here are a few resources you can try in your classroom for teaching decimal addition and subtraction:

Engaging Adding and Subtracting Decimals Activities PDF

Keep in mind you need to build up your student’s basic understanding of decimal numbers before your use this printable mystery puzzle activity for review work.

Adding and Subtracting Decimals Mystery Puzzle Activity

You want to review adding and subtracting decimals for your 5th grade math students, and your goal is to make them capable enough to be able to think independently of the math problems.

Why not try these no prep adding and subtracting decimals activities PDF with mystery puzzle worksheets? Here is an example of how it looks:

How does this activity work?

First, print the activity page and cut the puzzle pieces on the right side of the page. You can even tell your students to cut the pieces themselves.

Second, they solve the problem of adding and subtracting decimals on the left side of the page. They can use the block they are working on to show their work or even use the back side of the page to show.

Lastly, they find the puzzle picture with the answer they have found and paste it on that specific question. Encourage them to keep on working until they reveal the mystery picture.

Adding and subtracting decimals activities 5th grade mystery puzzle not only helps them with their decimal problem solving skills but also lets them wonder what mystery lies ahead of them.

If you are interested in the free printable adding and subtracting decimals activity, fill in the form below with your name and email address, and it will be delivered to your inbox.

Free Adding and Subtracting Decimals Activities 5th Grade Download

Click here to download PDF. The activity has an answer key, just in case your kiddos get stuck while solving the puzzle. I hope you found this post helpful.

Need help? I am just an email away.

Contact me at [email protected]

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