Looking for an easy way to help your students review adding and subtracting decimals without another boring worksheet?
This free adding and subtracting decimals activity turns practice into a secret mystery picture puzzle your students actually enjoy solving.
Using hands-on activities like these helps students practice more and get clarity on skills they are working on, like adding and subtracting decimals or fractions, with confidence.
In this blog, I want to help you build confidence and proficiency in your students’ abilities to add and subtract decimals using mystery puzzle activities.
Why Teaching Decimal Operations Matters in 5th Grade?
Let’s be real, dealing with decimal operations is something your students will deal with in their everyday lives.
From measuring ingredients in science experiments to calculating totals with money, the skill is crucial to understand.
So, it’s very important to teach them the concept of how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals.
But before starting addition and subtraction, they need to nail down their basics about decimal place values.
When students already understand whole-number place value, know their math facts, and can read, write, and compare decimals, learning how to add and subtract decimals feels much more easy.
A basic understanding of fractions, especially tenths and hundredths, also helps students see how decimals represent parts of a whole.
Having prior knowledge of decimal place values and what it represents, your students will be better able to understand decimal operations like adding and subtracting decimals.
By the way, if you need help with resources, you can try in your classroom for teaching decimal addition and subtraction. Here are my favorite ones:
Engaging Adding and Subtracting Decimals Activities PDF
Let me say this again: you need to build up your students’ basic understanding of decimal numbers and their place value understanding before using this printable mystery puzzle activity for review.
Adding and Subtracting Decimals Mystery Puzzle Activity
If 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 mystery puzzle? Here is an example of how it works:
How does this activity work?
Step 1: Download, print and cut the puzzle pieces (students can cut them themselves). Step 2: Solve each decimal problem on the worksheet. Step 3: Match answers to puzzle pieces. Step 4: Reveal the mystery picture!
First, download and 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 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 correct answer they have found and paste it on that specific question.
Encourage them to keep on working until they reveal the mystery picture.
This hands-on mystery puzzle activity on adding and subtracting decimals for 5th grade not only helps them with their decimal problem-solving skills but also makes them curious what mystery lies ahead of them.
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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
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
Think Aloud: Teach kids 1–2 problems on the board, and say out loud your thought process.
Turn & Talk: Have your students explain the problem’s steps to a partner before they even start.
Independent Work: Give out the Color by Number worksheet and let students solve it.
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
Encourage Estimation: Before solving, have students round numbers and estimate to check their reasonableness.
Check in Pairs: After every five problems, students compare answers before coloring.
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
Make It a Challenge: Time students and see who correctly solves and colors first.
Personalized Touch: Allow students to choose their own coloring shades.
Create a Math Wall: Display finished work to reinforce effort and accuracy.
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?
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Do you feel like the first few weeks of school are a wild ride, between building relationships, establishing routines, and trying to remember 35+ student names, it’s easy for math review to get thrown on the back burner.
But here’s the thing: if you don’t intentionally set the tone for math from day one, your students won’t either for the rest of the year.
And that’s NOT something I want happening in my classroom. Nope, neither should you.
📌 Save this post for later – Pin it to your favorite math board!
So instead of using boring math worksheets or overwhelming diagnostic tests, I use engaging skill based no prep math activities that help me review what they forgot over summer without making them cry.
Here are a few of my go to back to school math activities that review key skills AND get your students excited about learning again.
Activity #1: Color by Number for Math Facts Review
This one’s a classroom favorite — every time. I use them throughout the year in so many ways.
I start the year by reviewing basic math operations like addition subtraction multiplication and division of multi digit numbers. The best way to do this is using color by number math printables that review these core basics.
The coloring math pages aren’t just fun, but a low-pressure way that gives me an instant idea about where my students’s math skills are.
You might be thinking why would math coloring work?
Because it’s quiet, focused, and low-prep (aka teacher sanity saver).
Kids feel successful and relaxed, even if they’re rusty. Most of all, they work across all levels, not just adjust basic math skills!
Here is my go to back to school math activities that I use over and over again:
These let me see exactly who remembers their facts, and who’s gonna need support.
Activity #2: Math Riddles for Skill Review & Confidence Boost
Math + humor = WIN.
After summer brain drain, many kids feel nervous about math. That’s why I love using math riddles during the first few weeks of school.
They’re engaging, self-checking, and build serious confidence, especially for students who typically shut down during more traditional practice.
What matters most is that it keeps them engaged longer, not just because of the math itself, but because the suspense of solving the riddle holds their attention and keeps them going without frustration.
And guess what? There’s actual research to support this.
A study published in the Journal PRIMUSfound that using logic puzzles, riddles and brain teasers in math practice can significantly boost student motivation and learning outcomes.
Riddles work perfectly for partners or independent work and initiate discussions that kids might not otherwise have.
Want a ready-to-use set of math riddles to kick off the year?
Honestly, the first week of school is not the time to hit them with a textbook.
It’s time to build connections, make them curious, and ease them into structure without stress.
One of my favorite ways to do that is by using partner puzzle math activities to review the concepts.
For that, I pair students up to complete a math puzzle in collaboration with their partner. Why?
Because not only does it build classroom community, but it also gets them talking, collaborating, and thinking critically from day one, which is super important.
The key is using something that’s Skill-focused (so it’s not just fluff) and self-checking (because you’ve got 1,000 other things to manage).
You can use something like picture puzzles. Want to know how they work?
Students solve fraction operations problems (add, subtract, multiply, divide), then match their answers to reveal a hidden picture.
They work in pairs, double-check each other’s math, and get excited when the image starts to appear. It’s like math + art + problem-solving rolled into one, and YES, they’ll actually ask for more when they finish.
For middle school grades, I use this Fraction Operations Mystery Picture Puzzle during week one or two when we start reviewing fraction skills from 5th grade. It’s the perfect soft entry back into multi-step problems, especially for students who are a little rusty.
Activity #4: Fun Independent Review Packets
As we transition out of back-to-school dread and into “real curriculum,” I use independent review packets to bridge my kid’s concept gaps.
I choose 1-2 skills per day (ex: decimal addition, then subtraction the next day) and give them a page daily for 5–10 minutes to warm up their math brains.
You can even use independent packets to build your own year long review packets.
Activity #5: Digital Pixel Art Activities
By week two, most of us are already juggling tech rollouts, login issues, and trying to figure out how to squeeze actual math teaching into a packed schedule.
Digital pixel art activities are my go to when I want students using Chromebooks productively without me having to monitor them.
They’re self-checking, skill-based, and fun as hell.
Basically, students solve problems, and a hidden picture gradually appears based on their answers. It’s like gaming, but for math review.
Skill focus: Place value — perfect to revisit those rusty number sense skills from 4th grade When I use it: the first full week of school Why it works:
It’s digital, but doesn’t need fancy platforms
Instant feedback means students stay engaged
It’s great for centers, independent work, or as a tech-day activity
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be chaos. With the right math activities, the ones that are fun, focused, and functional, you’ll start your year with students who are engaged, confident, and ready to learn.
Skip the overwhelm. Get these exciting activities, and go enjoy teaching your class.
Have you ever found yourself scanning through the room during math class, looking at a mix of bored faces, frustrated sighs, and the occasional doodler?
I know I have, and we’ve all been there. But the real challenge is making math both fun and educational for kids at the same time.
This might seem challenging during some teaching days, but what if I told you there’s a way to sprinkle a bit of autumn magic into your math lessons and get those hands eagerly shooting up with answers?
And yes, that’s possible! The best way to make kids fully involved and ready to solve some problems no matter how hard they are is by using interactive games. 🍂✨
Use these interactive Fall-themed games in your classroom for small groups during centers or as a whole class activity and see the class engagement soar.
Here’s Why This Bundle is a Game-Changer:
Engagement Overload: With a delightful “Pick a Fall Cookie” Game, learning basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division isn’t just another math lesson. It’s an experience. One where students eagerly click through questions, challenging themselves and having a blast while at it.
Comprehensive Coverage: This bundle isn’t just about practicing a single concept like division. Oh no! Your students will dive deep into 3 digit addition and subtraction with regrouping, tackle 3 by 1 and 2 digit division, and master 2 by 2 digit multiplication. It’s a math smorgasbord!
Perfectly Structured: Each game comes with 12 questions, allowing for a full, immersive session without dragging it out. Plus, navigation is a breeze with interactive features like clickable numbers and a handy home button.
Versatility: Whether you’re looking to jazz up your math centers, provide engaging activities for early finishers, or differentiate your instruction, this bundle has got you covered.
What you get:
Once you get this fall interactive games bundle, you’ll find a series of PowerPoint games designed to keep kids engaged in learning addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, along with 6 digit number place value practice. The goal? To make math engaging, interactive, and the highlight of your students’ day.
The main slides have interactive numbers with fun and exciting fall images that students can click on and go to that specific slide to solve.
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.
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.
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?
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!
Teaching fractions can feel like a constant struggle, especially in 5th grade. Students need to work hard on their fractions and decimals skills to become fluent in these areas.
But here’s the good news: the right activities can completely change how students understand and engage with fractions.
So if teaching fractions feel like a constant struggle or your students lose interest halfway through the lesson… fret not because you are not alone.
In this post, you’ll find easy and engaging 5th grade fraction activities, including games, movement-based tasks, and hands-on practice that help students build confidence and actually enjoy learning fractions. So, let’s dive in.
1. Fun Unlike Fractions Games
One of the most important steps in teaching fractions to upper-elementary students is to make them meaningful.
This starts with making sense of what fractions mean and why it is important to make the denominators the same before solving any fraction operations.
From what I know, by grade 5 the majority of students are fluent in multiplication facts. So solving unlike fractions is just a matter of practice for them.
What better way to practice than using Games?
Games are a powerful way to practice and review any skill as it combines repetition, motivation and low-pressure learning opportunity for students.
If you are looking for some unique fractions game ideas to implement in your classroom, here is one I would suggest.
This activity includes a printable self-checking game 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 game, which keeps kids inspired to learn without you having to spend all day grading.
The game 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 and move through the maze 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 a free activity to practice fraction skills? Click here to join the community today.
2. Fractions Centers Activities
Math centers are one of the easiest ways to bring structure and engagement into your classroom.
An important part of keeping your math centers engaging and exciting is rotating the learning materials that the students can use during centers.
Here are a few of my favorite fraction centers for practicing 5th grade fractions with unlike denominators and how I use them in math centers!
We love to use task cards and solve the room activities during math groups. You can any topics and have kids move while learning something new.
This is my 5th grader’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, check them out here.
Math centers can be one of the easiest ways to bring structure, engagement, and differentiation into your classroom, especially when teaching fractions.
Because instead of teaching the whole class the same way, using centers allows your students to practice at their level and not the whole class, stay actively involved, and build confidence over time.
Here are the top reasons why you should have one set up for your classroom:
It helps break complex fraction concepts into manageable tasks
Keep your students actively engaged instead of passively listening
It will allow you to differentiate without any extra prep
Gives you time to work with small groups, which is super important
You don’t need 5 fancy centers right away. Even 2–3 well-structured centers can completely change how your fraction lessons feel for both you and your students.
3. Hands-on Fractions Activities
This is where the real understanding happens.
Fractions can feel abstract for many students. But when they can see, touch, and build their learning, everything starts to click.
Hands-on activities are the best way to help bridge the gap between memorizing steps and truly understanding what fractions mean using fraction strip manipulatives.
Why Hands-On Activities Work
• They help kids visualize fraction concepts clearly, so they develop a strong understanding • It is the best way to support struggling learners who need concrete examples • It also encourages deeper thinking instead of rote procedures
For many students, until they have analyzed the topics in multiple ways, things do not click. That’s why this is the moment fractions finally start to make sense for them.
Here are some hands-on activities my kids love and I used over and over again:
4. FRACTION WORD PROBLEM ACTIVITIES
This is where you will find many of your students struggling.
Many students can follow the steps to add or subtract fractions, but when those same skills appear in a word problem, they get stuck.
That’s because word problems require more than computation they require thinking, interpreting, and applying concepts in context.
Here are few of the reasons students often struggle with fraction word problems:
• They need to understand what the problem is actually asking • Deciding which operation to use (add, subtract, multiply, divide) • Work through multiple steps in the correct order • Represent their thinking clearly
So it does not just become math, instead it’s reading, reasoning, and problem-solving all combined in one.
Pro Tip: Start with simpler problems and gradually increase complexity. Your best bet is a mix of:
This helps students feel successful while still being challenged.
If you’re looking for ready-to-use fraction word problem activities that include both practice and deeper thinking, for math centers or engagement. Here is a color-by-number activity you might like:
5. DIGITAL FRACTION ACTIVITIES
Digital fraction activities are a strong way to keep students engaged in a meaningful practice while giving them the independence to review the concept at their own pace.
Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, assigning homework, or managing distance learning, digital tools make it easier to provide interactive, low-prep, and self-paced practice for your students.
There are a lot of options for digital activities for kids, including interactive digital slides, Boom Cards, digital task cards, digital escape rooms, and other paperless activities.
Mostly digital activities are best for centers where you want them to to work independently without constant supervision.
But the best thing I love about them is how much time these save for teachers on grading and preparations.
You do not necessarily need to use them inside the classroom, you can even assign them to kids as some extra homework practice.
I would say start simple. You don’t need complex tools, basic Google Slides or simple interactive activities can be just as effective as more advanced platforms like Kahoot or Breakoutedu.
Our goal is engagement and clarity, not more complexity.
6. FRACTION REVIEW & TEST PREP ACTIVITIES
One of the biggest challenges with teaching fractions is helping students hold on to what they learned.
They may understand a skill one week, but after moving on to the next concept, it can start to slip away.
That is exactly why fraction spiral review can be so helpful. A strong spiral review gives students repeated practice with the most important fraction skills.
Over time, instead of teaching a concept once and hoping it sticks, students keep on repeating the skills so it actually sticks.
In 5th grade, that means reviewing fraction concepts and equivalence, adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, mixed numbers, multiplying fractions, dividing unit fractions, and solving real-world fraction word problems.
When these skills are revisited in a structured way, students build a stronger understanding, better retention, and more confidence.
I created this 5th grade fractions spiral review as a test prep resource to do exactly that.
7. TIPS FOR TEACHING FRACTIONS EFFECTIVELY
Fractions usually click better when students see them, touch them, talk about them, and compare them before jumping into rules.
Kids in upper elementary classrooms are more inclined to learn math through games because math games provide the same environment as today’s gadgets and screens but with the goal of learning something new.
This is why, in today’s teaching, it is more important than ever to use game-based learning methods in our math classrooms.
In my 10+ years of teaching math to elementary students, I have never encountered a time in my classes when, whenever I pull up a game, my kids do not get excited.
It has always been the case for me, no matter what the type of game is! It can be digital as well as printable but what would never happen with board games or game shows is a dry class with no learning excitement for a hard subject like math.
Honestly, I feel that having printable games or digital game-based activities should be in every teacher’s toolkit. They are a compelling way for kids to connect and engage with your teaching content. Still not convinced?
Here’s a list of why math games are important and how to integrate them into your lesson planning.
1. Enhanced Engagement during Math Class
This is what we all want? I mean, I do! And the best way to increase your class engagement is by using math games to make learning more interactive and exciting.
Gamification helps develop critical thinking skills, which are essential for children’s future success. Students are more likely to participate and stay focused when they play a game in pairs, compared to just working through a set of problems on a worksheet.
So, make your kids work in pairs next time you want them to add some accountability to your math lessons. The added accountability helps them push each other and encourages a sense of responsibility.
Looking for some fun games? Melissa, a fellow teacher, coach, and TpT author, has a blog post that can give you a comprehensive idea of the benefits of using math board games in classrooms.
2. Improved Understanding with Math Games
Understanding is the most important part of the learning process. It is the integral part that should be focused on during lesson planning.
If your kids can understand the basics of any concept, like fraction operations or the order of operations, they will be able to think through them, understand them, and solve problems on their own, which should always be the goal.
This collaborative environment that is created as a result of their teamwork can help them feel more comfortable sharing their thought processes and strategies with their class fellows.
With games, we can present kids with the same math problems in various formats like multiple choice, true-false, or even open-ended, which then helps students to see concepts from different angles.
This is crucial as it deepens their understanding and helps them apply math skills in various real world situations.
During my lessons I try to give kids as many practice problems as possible, but after we have
ended a lesson I prefer other formats like multiple choice or true false using interactive activities or riddles to check their understanding and see where the gaps are!
3. Immediate Feedback
Of course, getting feedback is important! But what’s more important is making it fun not just for kids but for you too. I try to incorporate self checking games during lessons because of the immediate feedbackkk!
We all want our kids to rise and shine but none of us want to go through the painful time taking act of grading and checking the assessments and creating the report cards.
That’s why math games can actually be a handy tool. It provides us with a way to keep ourselves on top of all the stuff other than teaching by utilizing the power of active learning, allowing students to practice and reinforce their skills in an interactive way.
It allows students to quickly see the results of their actions and understand what they need to improve. This immediate reinforcement can increase their confidence and motivate them to learn more.
4. Fun and Motivation
Let’s be honest: It is a chore to make math enjoyable and personalize activities for every kid. However, I believe learning is not only enjoyable with games; students are more than ready to engage with the material. Math games can turn a challenging subject into a fun and rewarding experience, which enhances a positive attitude towards math.
Digital games can be easily integrated into your lesson plans and are great for individual or small group work. One way is to customize games for different skill levels, making sure that all students, regardless of their abilities, are challenged appropriately and can progress at their own pace.
You can create different stations with various math games, like “Digital Fraction and Decimals Pixel Art Bundle.” Just assign students one of the activities and keep them engaged by exposing them to different types of problems.
Another way is to organize math game tournaments or challenges inside the classroom to add an element of friendly competition. However, this can even create a challenge of managing competitiveness among students. For this, make sure to emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration more. This can motivate students to practice more and improve their math skills.
Lastly, have students discuss what they learned and reflect on their strategies after playing. This will help solidify their understanding and encourage them to think critically about problem-solving techniques.
Math games are a fun and effective way to review important math concepts like decimal operations inside classrooms. Incorporating math games into your classroom can transform the way your students learn and engage with math. Making lessons interactive, engaging, and fun will help your students develop a deeper understanding and a love for the subject.
