| |

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

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

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

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

Valentines Day fraction puzzles activity

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

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

Engaging Valentine’s Day Activities with Word Problem

Valentines Day Multi Digit Addition and Subtraction Worksheet with Word Problems

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

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

Valentine’s Day Solve the Room Activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valentines Day Multidigit Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Coloring by number

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

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

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

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

Fun Multiplication and Division Independent Activities Pack

Valentines Day MultiDigit Multiplication & Long Division Worksheets Word Problem

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

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

Similar Posts

  • | |

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

    As the leaves change, so can your math lessons! 

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

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

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

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

    Why Use Fall-Themed Math Activities?

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

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

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

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

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

    Upper Elementary Fall Math Activities you Should Try this Year:

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

    Fall-Themed Solve-the-Room Activities

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

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

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

    Fall Color-by-Number Worksheets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Fall Math Scavenger Hunt

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

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

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

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

    Fall Fractions and Decimal Operations – Mystery Picture Puzzle!

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

    Maybe try out some mystery picture puzzle math activities.

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

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

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

    How to Implement It

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

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

    How to have Fall-Themed Math Spirit in the Classroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Ready to add some seasonal fun to your math lessons?

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

  • |

    3 Digit Addition Problems Activities To Increase Problem Solving Now

    Teaching your students the concept of 3 digit addition problems is essential for their math skills development. Without a solid foundation in these basic skills, students will face challenges as they progress to higher grade levels.

    Let’s explore some strategies you can use inside your classroom to teach 3 digit addition more effectively. So let’s dive in!

    Understanding The Basics of 3 Digit Addition Problems

    To build a solid foundation of 3 digit addition skills in your students, start by introducing the concept of place value.

    Students should know the value of every digit in a 3 digit number. And that should happen even before they begin practicing their addition skills.

    Once your students have mastered the place values, it’s time to introduce them to add 2 and 3 digit numbers. This is the time when you gradually introduce them to the concept of regrouping.

    Building your student’s skills in this way will allow them to make sense of what they are learning sequentially.

    Engaging 3 Digit Addition Problems Worksheet

    Printable worksheets are a must have tool for all math teachers in their classrooms, again not the only ones.

    In addition to this, engaging printable worksheets keep your students in the learning process and draw their attention towards solving math and absorbing what they are learning.

    But creating visually appealing worksheets for your students to work on can be a daunting task.

    Here are a few 3 digit addition problems worksheet ideas to consider using in your classroom.

    • 3 Digit Addition Riddles activity


    Adding riddles activity worksheets in your classroom creates an element of excitement in students. Want some inspiration? Check out these 3 digit addition riddles worksheets in my TPT store!

    3 digit addition and subtraction problems worksheets
    Addition And Subtraction Riddles Worksheets



    Here is how it works. Print out one of the worksheets and hand it out to your students. The visually appealing images and the mystery element of the riddles creates a fun and exciting experience for students.

    Students then works on the problems to find the clues and solve the riddles. Once all the problems are solved, students can then look for the answer and write the matching alphabet assigned to the problem in the given blanks.

    Once all the blanks are filled, students reveal the answer to the riddle. Honestly, riddle worksheets are what my students are always begging for more. I always make sure to incorporate such riddles in my class.

    Want to see what I use check them here.

    • 3 Digit Addition Color by Number Worksheets

    Color By Number is another engaging way to add excitement to your classroom. What’s more interesting is these activities are self checking.

    After finding the answer to their problems, kids look for the colors that the correct answer points to and color in the coloring sheet with the desired color.

    This sparks creativity and fun, which makes working on these activities enjoyable. Don’t want to make your own! Check this out

    3 digit addition and subtraction problems color by number worksheets
    3 Digit Addition And Subtraction Color By Number Worksheets

    Lastly, check out the ones I created for busy teachers like you here.

    • 3 Digit Addition Maze Activity


    Another activity you can do in your classroom is this 3 digit addition maze worksheet. These mazes are also self checking which makes less grading and more free time for the teachers. Whereas more learning for the students.

    Want some free 3 digit addition problems maze activity click here for a free printable.

    My kids are excited to find the answer to the problem they are working on and to find out how they are going to navigate the maze. This interactive activity not only increases their addition skill along with problem solving but keeps them actively engaged in solving math problems.

    Want to access Free Math Resources? Click Here!
    Free Adding and Subtracting Decimal Mystery Picture Activity

  • | | |

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

    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!

  • | |

    Fun Order of Operations Activities to Skyrocket Engagement Now

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

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

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

    Color by Number Order of Operations Activities

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

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

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

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

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

    Here is how Order of Operations Activities works:

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

    Order of Operation Color by Number Activities

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

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

    Pixel Art Order of Operation Activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Exciting Task Cards and Story-based Maze

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

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

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

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

    Order of Operation Maze and Task Cards Activity

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

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

    What’s Included:

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

    Solve the Room Order of Operations Activities

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

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

    Want to know how it works?

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

    Order of Operation Solve the Room Activities

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

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

    Why this is the best activity to try:

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

    Free Order of Operations Practice Digital PowerPoint Game Activity

    Couldn’t find something you were looking for?

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

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

    What is it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Bundle includes:

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

    Click here to get now!

    Order of Operation Activities Bundle Image

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

  • How to Plan Your Entire School Year in One Weekend Using a Printable Teacher Planner!

    What if I told you I planned my ENTIRE school year in just one weekend using my 5 step process and a printable teacher planner, and you can too! 

    Yes that’s right… When I first started teaching, I did not know what a lesson plan was, let alone how to create one. 

    Planning for the whole year without knowing when and how things will eventually start to go South was something I never understood. 

    Honestly, during those starting years, with all the lesson planning burnouts and wasted Sundays trying to keep my sanity intact during the weekdays was STRESSFUL. 

    And with all the chaos, I knew something had to change. There has to be a better solution to all this mess. 

    This is the reason why I started experimenting with my school planning and created my very own printable teacher planner that helps me map everything out without being overwhelmed. 

    It’s the exact tool I use every year to keep me organized.

    In this post, I’m walking you through my exact 5-step system so you can plan your whole year in one weekend, too. 

    Why burn out when we can enjoy the ride? So, let’s get to the nitty-gritty, shall we?

     STEP 1: Your Teaching Year-at-a-Glance

    This is what you do before you even think about detailed weekly or daily lesson plans. Zoom out and lay your yearly plan. 

    I always start with a year at a glance calendar page from my teacher planner. I block out all the non-negotiables like holidays, testing weeks, PD days, school events like sports week etc — anything that’ll take up my teaching time.

    This helps me see exactly how many teaching weeks and days I have, and more importantly, it reduces decision fatigue later. 

    I’m not scrambling in March because I “forgot” that Spring Break takes up a whole week. Trust me this calendar is your sanity saver.

     STEP 2: Set Monthly Teaching Goals

    Once your calendar year overview is laid out, now you can move on to set some monthly focus points. 

    Personally I like to use the monthly overview pages to sketch out major themes or units. For example, I like to focus on fractions in February and test prep in Mid March/April. 

    Planning it now means I don’t have to guess or wing it later. Of course, you can change that as you go, but having a plan still keeps you organized. 

    This will also make it so much easier to align your resources or activities and avoid that “what should we be doing this week?” chaos. Yeah, I know we all go through that. 

    The key here is to know you’re not just planning for content, you’re planning for confidence. 

     STEP 3: Create Weekly Skeleton Plans

    This is where things get juicy but still simple. I use the weekly templates from my planner to lay out a basic structure for each week. 

    I’m talking recurring things like morning meeting, centers, whole group lessons, spiral review — whatever your weekly rhythm looks like.

    The key here? You’re not writing detailed lesson plans. You’re building a flexible skeleton so your brain isn’t starting from zero every Sunday. It’s like giving Future You a damn hug.

     STEP 4: Plug In the details

    Now that your weeks have structure, it’s time to drop in the big rocks — major tests, projects, assessments, and anything else that requires extra prep. 

    I use the weekly planner pages (or just the notes section) to map this out.

    Mapping these ahead of time means you’re not blindsided by a science fair or a unit test sneaking up on you. 

    You’ll know when to prep, when to review, and when to chill — because it’s all part of the plan.

    STEP 5: Keep It All In One Place

    Guess what here’s the secret sauce most teachers skip: organization that actually lasts. After I plan everything, I print it all, pop it into a binder, and it’s DONE. 

    No digging through files or clicking through 42 tabs. I use tabs for months, washi tape to make it cute (because yes, aesthetics matter), and my favorite budget-friendly printer that doesn’t eat ink like a monster. 

    Everything stays in one place so I can just open, teach, and live my life.

    By planning your year thoughtfully and mapping out your whole school year like planning weekly, managing daily tasks, and reflecting regularly, you can streamline your workflow and increase your teaching effectiveness.

    ✅ Ready to be more organized this year and avoid the chaos for good?

    Grab the full printable planner here — it’s the exact system I use every year to stay organized and productive as a math teacher.

    Get your Printable Teacher Planner by clicking here!

    Here is what you get:

    • ✅ Year-at-a-glance calendar page
    • ✅ Monthly planning spreads
    • ✅ Weekly template that you can duplicate and print as many times as you like
    • ✅ Fun pages like student information etc. 

    and so much more… No more wasted time thinking “how to plan your school year” and getting lesson planning organized haphazardly. No more Sunday scaries. 

    Just one weekend of work for a full year of peace. 👉 Grab yours here: Printable Teacher Planner

    Here’s the truth: You do not have to spend every Sunday buried in lesson plans. You don’t have to live in survival mode. You deserve a system that supports you — not one that drains you.

    A plan + process = Actual Freedom.

    Freedom to rest. Freedom to live your life. Freedom to stop winging it week after week.

    I’ve walked you through the exact steps I use to plan my entire school year in one weekend — and it all starts with the right tools. 

    💛 You’re doing better than you think — and your students are so lucky to have you. 

  • |

    7 Valentine’s Day Math Activities for 5th Graders

    So you have taught fractions unit to your 5th grade kids…Now what?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1. Mystery Picture Puzzles

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

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

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

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

    How it works:

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

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

    Valentines Day 3rd 4th multi digit grade addition and subtraction with regrouping picture puzzle activity worksheets

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

    Key Skills this activity helps kids with:

    • Problem-solving
    • Attention to detail
    • Addition and Subtraction fluency

    2. Color by Numbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    3. Independent Work Pack

    Need a comprehensive 5th grade math activity pack that students can complete independently. Include:

    • Word problems
    • Word search puzzles
    • Matching activities

    Benefits:

    • Self-paced learning
    • Skill reinforcement
    • Develops mathematical independence

    4. Pixel Art Digital Valentines Day Resource

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

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

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

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

    5. Fraction Heart Puzzles

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

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

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

    The best part… it’s free!

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

    6. Valentine’s Day FREE Solve the Room

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

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

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

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

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

    7. Valentines Day Fraction Worksheets

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

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

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

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

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

    Want to get access to exclusive FREE content? Sign up for the newsletter below!

    Once you sign up, you’ll receive the freebies to help you teach elementary math!