11 Halloween Math Activities to Keep Your Students Excited This Year
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11 Halloween Math Activities to Keep Your Students Excited This Year

BySadia

Halloween is just around the corner, and I believe it’s the perfect time to have a little spooky fun insides of our math classrooms using exciting Halloween math activities!

We all know that keeping kids engaged is the biggest challenge we face, especially on a day when they have costumes and candy on their minds.

But trust me with the right activities, you can turn this festive season into a enjoyable and exciting learning experience.

Want to know how? Here is a list of 11 spooktacular Halloween themed math worksheets and activities that will have your students excited to solve difficult math problems and practice their math skills.

1. Halloween Math Activities: Place Value Game Show

Kicking off the list is the “Pick A Witch” game, a digital Fun review that makes learning place value as exciting as a Halloween party.

It is an interactive game in which students are will identifying six-digit numbers and choose the answer correctly using their place value knowledge.

The digital game is more like a game show that can bebised as a whole class activity or as a centers activity. “Pick A Witch” theme on the main slide adds the Halloween twist to the game and keep kids hooked.

Students have to select witches to reveal the problem they need to solve. And once tbey have solved the problem they record their answers on the recording sheet.

Using a digital Halloween math game show can be perfect for reinforcing place value concepts in a fun, engaging way.

Basically it’s a proven option to keep their attention on the task at hand in a spooky festive way!

2. Spooky Fraction Scavenger Hunt: A Halloween Adventure in Math

If there is any activity that never let’s me down is scavenger hunt activities.

But if the hunt includes a holiday theme it’s like math fun but on steroid.

If you want to turn your math classroom into a haunted house of learning, using a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt is a good option.

This Halloween fraction activity will get your students moving around the classroom, solving math problems uncovering clues that takes them to the next challenge.

Each problem they solve brings them one step closer to completing the hunt. And it’s a great way to combine physical activity with learning, all while embracing the Halloween spirit.

3. Haunted Order of Operations: Solve the Room Halloween Activity

Order of operations can sometimes be a tricky concept for students to grasp, but this “Solve the Room” activity but it can be turned into an exciting learning experiance.

Imagine all your students excited to solve math problems without you instructing to keep them focused on task. Best way is to get your classroom filled with math problems displayed in spooky places, just waiting to be solved.

As students move around the room, they must use their knowledge of the order of operations to solve each problem correctly.

now you might be wondering how is this activity different from Scavenger hunt.

Here’s how: Solve the Room activity is not self checking and you might need to help kids while solving problems to develop their problem solving approch to the problem dat hand.

Whereas scavenger hunt is a self checking activity. Every next problem card displays the answer of the previously solved one .

This is super helpful for kids because they get to know if they did the previous one right.

I normally use scavenger hunts first to get them thinking and solving problems and helps build their practice muscle.

Whereas Halloween Solve the Room is used as a quick fun way to assess my kids concepts and the area they still lag behind.

Why use both? Because this activity not only reinforces their understanding of BODMAS but also adds excitement and competition that maks it perfect for a Halloween-themed 5th grade math lesson.

4. Halloween Color by Number: Math Practice Meets Creativity

Who says math can’t be creative and Fun?

With Halloween themed color by number worksheets, students can practice their math multiplication and division facts skills all while creating festive artwork.

These worksheets cover include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. As students solve the math problems, they reveal the colors they need to use to complete the picture.

I have found color by number activites the best during centers or as a math intervention activity. You can also use the finished artwork to display in your class and kids will love you for this as it helps them boost confidence.

5. Candy Corn Place Value Puzzles: Hands-On Halloween Math Fun

Place value is a building block concept in math, and most kids even in 4th or 5th grade syltill strugle with these basic concepts. These candy corn-themed puzzles are a good way to enforce the understanding of the skill during halloween season.

Each puzzle piece the students goal is to complete the candy corn. There are 3 piece of each candy. Students have to match the given number to its expanded form and word form to complete candy.

This activity is perfect for small group work or math centers, as it allows kids to solve the puzzles in collaborations with other classmates.

6. Halloween-Themed Addition and Subtraction Worksheets

Addition and subtraction are essential skills for young learners, and these monster-themed worksheets make practicing them a blast.

Each worksheet has almost 8 to 12 problems for kids to practice thwir basic operations.

The Halloween twist makes these worksheets more engaging and encouragiles students to work through the problems with excitement.

These can be used as morning work, homework, or in-class practice.

7. Witchy Math Fun: Independent Math Work Pack

The Halloween Independent Math Work Pack is a spooktacular resource designed to make math Addition Subtraction Multiplication and Division practice engaging and enjoyable for students during the Halloween season.

Filled with a variety of activities, this independent work pack allows students to independently work on their essential math skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—all while having fun with a witchy twist.

The puzzles not only captures young minds but also transform routine math practice into an exciting adventure, making it the perfect addition to your classroom for the spooky season.

Bringing Halloween into Your Math Classroom

Halloween is a time for fun, and with these spooktacular math activities, you can bring that festive spirit into your classroom while keeping your students engaged and learning.

No matter if you’re looking for digital games, hands-on puzzles, or creative worksheets, there’s something here for every type of learner.

By using these activities into your Halloween lesson plans, you’ll create an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm for math that lasts long after the holiday is over.

Happy Halloween!

How to Use a Teacher Planner PDF 2024-2025 to Streamline Your School Routine Now

How to Use a Teacher Planner PDF 2024-2025 to Streamline Your School Routine Now

BySadia

We all know how teachers are juggling lesson plans, grading tests, meetings, and trying to manage personal time can be exhausting. That is why a teacher planner pdf should be a necessary tool in every teacher’s toolbox. 

Honestly a well-organized planner can be your best friend in creating a streamlined and well organized daily school routine. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can effectively use a teacher planner to bring order to your busy school days.

teacher planner pdf 2024 2025

Why a Teacher Planner?

That’s a very interesting question, but before we address the “how,” let’s first discuss the “why.” 

A teacher planner isn’t just a notebook; it’s a comprehensive tool designed to help you manage your time, tasks, and priorities. 

Not only this it also offers a common place to keep track of your lesson plans, schedules, student progress, and administrative tasks so you can have everything in one place. Think of it as a hub for all your day to day activities. This drastically reduces the stress about missing deadlines and increases productivity.

The result: you get to have more time doing what you LOVE aka actual “Teaching” not just paper work or admin tasks.

Step 1: Set Up Your Teacher Planner pdf

Choose the Right Planner: First, select a planner that fits your needs. Look for one that includes sections for daily and weekly planning, monthly overviews, and room for notes. Ensure it has enough space to write detailed plans and record important dates.

teacher planner pdf 2024 2025

Personalize It: Add tabs for quick access to different sections. Use color-coded stickers or highlighters to differentiate between various tasks and priorities. Personalizing your planner makes it more enjoyable to use and easier to navigate.

Step 2: Map Out Your School Year

Annual Overview: Start by filling out the annual overview section. Mark important dates such as holidays, professional development days, parent-teacher conferences, and end-of-term deadlines. This gives you a big-picture view of the school year and helps you plan ahead.

Monthly Breakdown: For each month, break down the key events and deadlines into manageable chunks. This might include units of study, major projects, and assessment periods. Having a monthly plan helps you stay on track and makes sure you don’t miss important events.

Step 3: Weekly Planning

Weekly Layout: At the beginning of each week make sure to spend a few minutes planning your schedule. Outline your goals for the week, both professional and personal. Plan specific times when you will be doing lesson planning, grading student work, and completing admin tasks.

teacher planner pdf 2024 2025

Prioritize Tasks: List your tasks in order of priority. Focus on the most important tasks first, such as lesson planning and student assessments. If in doubt and not able to decide what to focus on, use the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important) to help prioritize your tasks more effectively.

Flexible Scheduling: While planning is essential, flexibility is key. Leave some buffer time in your schedule for unexpected events or tasks that take longer than expected. This ensures that you can adapt to changes without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 4: Daily Routine with Teacher Planner PDF

Morning Routine: Start each day by reviewing your planner. Check the day’s schedule and tasks, and make any necessary adjustments. A quick morning review helps set the tone for a productive day.

Lesson Planning: Use the daily sections of your planner to jot down detailed lesson plans. Include objectives, materials needed, and key points to cover. This keeps your lessons organized and ensures you’re prepared for each class.

Task Management: Throughout the day, refer to your teacher planner to stay on track with tasks. Tick off completed tasks and make notes of any new ones that arise. This not only keeps you organized but also gives a sense of accomplishment.

teacher planner pdf 2024 2025

Step 5: Reflect and Adjust

End-of-Day Review: At the end of each day, spend a few minutes reviewing what you completed that day. Note any tasks that need to be carried over to the next day. This reflection helps you understand your productivity patterns and make necessary adjustments.

Weekly Reflection: At the end of the week, review your planner to see what worked well and what didn’t. Use this insight to improve your planning for the following week. Reflecting on your successes and challenges helps you grow and adapt as a teacher.

Tips for Effective Use Teacher Planner PDF

Consistency is Key: Make using your planner a daily habit. Consistent use is crucial for reaping the benefits of an organized routine.

Stay Flexible: While a teacher planner pdf helps you stay organized, life can be unpredictable. Be flexible and willing to adjust your plans as needed.

Make It Enjoyable: Add a personal touch to your planner. Use colorful pens, stickers, and motivational quotes to make it a tool you enjoy using every day.

Leverage Technology: Combine your paper planner with digital tools. Sync your teacher planner pdf with your online calendar and set reminders for important tasks and deadlines.

Overall I would say a teacher planner is more than just a scheduling tool—it’s a powerful resource that can transform your daily routine. By setting up your planner thoughtfully, mapping out your school year, planning weekly, managing daily tasks, and reflecting regularly, you can streamline your workflow and increase your teaching effectiveness.

But make sure to use it as a guide and not a strict rulebook. The key is consistency and flexibility. Happy planning!

Need some free math fraction activities to try in your classroom, Checkout this post!

Fun Order of Operations Activities to Skyrocket Engagement Now
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Fun Order of Operations Activities to Skyrocket Engagement Now

BySadia

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 drive kids to think more about the order of operation. 

It is equally important that kids learn why learning about the order of operations is important. Basically it makes sure everyone of us arrives at the same answer to a particular problem.

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 the immediate visual 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 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. Each correct answer reveals a portion of the pixelated image. Students write the answers to the problems into the designated cells. 

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

This is not all. 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 aka showing their work.

Exciting Task Cards and Story-based Maze

Capture your kid’s attention using story-based gamified learning just like this Save the Queen Maze Activity. 

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

Students must correctly solve problems to help her find her way back to Hive! You can choose to use with or without exponents to differentiate the topic. 

Order of Operation Maze and Task Cards Activity

The best part is that 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 enjoy and look forward to playing this activity. This is the reason why I have made Solve the Room activities for 5th grade Bundle, so you do not have to do the work. 

Now let’s move on to the nitty gritty of the activity. Basically here is how it works. You post task cards with problems for 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 finding these problems. Kids then solve and record them on the recording sheets. 

Why you should try this activity:

  • 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 tasks, students are less likely to become restless or distracted, leading to better classroom management.

Free Order of Operations Practice Digital PowerPoint Game Activity

Want a FREE fun and festive activity to help your students master the order of operations? 

This interactive game is perfect for bringing some cheer into your classroom while reinforcing 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. This helps to reinforce learning and ensure that students understand the order of operations 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. It 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 purchase!

Order of Operation Activities Bundle Image

Want to have more 5th grade teaching ideas, Click here to learn more.

Fun Division Riddles for Practicing Division Skills
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Fun Division Riddles for Practicing Division Skills

BySadia

Division is hard for kids…PERIOD! But it doesn’t have to be using division riddles. For my kids, division feels like a confusing jumble of numbers because they don’t have their facts memorized. 

No matter how much you try to make your kids practice division, until they have a solid grasp of division facts in their minds, they won’t be able to work on more complex problems. It’s like not knowing how to drive but trying to drive anyway.

Division Riddles Worksheets and Activities-Pin

If that’s the case, then what we should be focusing on is understanding why our kids are struggling in the first place. 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 students not having a good grip on division facts.

Are you interested in knowing how I make division practice fun and engaging for my kiddos? It’s by using riddles! Riddles are a perfect tool to help children develop math and problem-solving skills, whether it’s 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 is a critical thinking skill essential for mastering higher and advanced math concepts. Division helps kids:

  • Increase their problem-solving abilities 
  • Build confidence in handling complex 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 about a solution.

The best way I am able to get my students working on division practice is using division riddles. Using riddles keeps students focused on the task in hand and also builds their perseverance skill. 

How Division Riddles Works: 

You hand out one of the division riddles to your kids. It could be a division facts 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.

Division Riddles Worksheets and Activities-2

Once all the clues are collected the answer to the mystery is revealed. The 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:

I love activities that are versatile and can be used in multiple ways inside the classroom. Here are a few ways you can use a Riddles activity 

  • Partner work
  • Home work
  • Centers or rotation
  • Review or practice work
  • Or anytime you want to have something FUN 

Are you 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.

Division Riddles Worksheets and Activities-Pin1

Looking for more tips of 5th grade math teaching checkout this Blog post on 5th grade year round math activities.

Adding and Subtracting Fractions Color by Number PDF Free with Unlike Denominators
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Adding and Subtracting Fractions Color by Number PDF Free with Unlike Denominators

BySadia

Summer is finally here and it’s the perfect time to keep your kid’s math skills sharp! If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to help your students practice adding and subtracting fractions using color by number PDF free with unlike denominators, I’ve got good news for you.

Adding and Subtracting Fraction Color by Number PDF Free Worksheet

Teaching fractions can be challenging but it doesn’t have to be. This Color by Number activity makes learning fractions fun and stress-free. Your kiddos will love the vibrant mandalas and the creative twist on boring traditional worksheets. Plus, I think it’s a great way to keep them engaged with math during.

How it Works?

This activity is perfect for independent practice, math centers, or homework. Simply print out the worksheets, and let your kids color their way to mastering fractions. The Color by Number format provides instant feedback, so kids can easily see if they’ve got the correct answer. And guess what you can download this activity now for FREE.

Stay Connected for More!

For more free resources, teaching tips, and updates, please sign up for my newsletter. By subscribing, you’ll receive access to my free resource library, filled with worksheets, activities, and more to make your teaching life easier. [Sign up here!](link to signup page)

Happy teaching!

Why Math Games Are Important in Today’s Classroom
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Why Math Games Are Even More Essential Now in Today’s Classroom

BySadia

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.

How to Integrate Math Games in Your Classroom

Use games that align with holiday themes or seasons, such as “Fall Place Value and Multiplication Division Games”. This can make learning festive and relevant to the time of year.

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.

Looking for other cool ways to make math worksheets more fun for your kids? Check out this blog post on 11 cool ways to make boring worksheets more exciting!