valentines Day 5th grade math activities for upper elementary kids

7 Valentine’s Day Math Activities for 5th Graders

BySadia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Mystery Picture Puzzles

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

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

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

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

How it works:

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

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

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!

Classroom Management | Math | Teaching Tips

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!
Fractions | Math

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!
5th Grade Worksheets | Basic Operations | Math

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Division Practice Is Important

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

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

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

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

It also helps them solve real-world problems.

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

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

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

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

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

How Division Riddles Works:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Few ways to use Division Riddles inside classroom:

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

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

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

Looking for more tips on 5th grade math teaching checkout this Blog post on 5th grade year round math activities.
Basic Operations | Halloween Math Activities | Interactive Games | Math

Fun and Engaging Digital Halloween Math Activities for 3rd 4th and 5th Grade
BySadia

Looking for some Fun and engaging Halloween math activities to keep your kids busy? Try out these “PICK A WITCH” Digital Game activities with your class and see their excitement skyrocket.

This resource is an interactive digital game which you can use to review or assess your kids place value understanding during their centers time or as a whole class activity.

Here is how the Game Works:

“PICK A WITCH” Game activity is designed to help your kids practice and review the place value of larger numbers like 6 digits in a fun and engaging way.

The resource is a compressed file that unzips to a PowerPoint Activity. The Game activity has 12 question slides and 1 main i.e. “PICK A WITCH” slide.

Display the main slide on the projector and divide your kids into 2 teams. Now tell them to pick a number. The number that they pick you have to click on it to display the question. Once the kids see the question he or she has to answer the question.

You can also award 5 score points to every right answer. Once all the questions have been answered by kids. You can add all their scores and announce which team has won.

All the numbers from 1 to 12 on the first slide are clickable and linked to that specific question number slide. There is a Home button on every question slide to access the main Questions slide which makes it an interactive and super fun game that kids enjoy.

The 12 questions allow you to complete the activity in one go with your class. But it only uses 6 digit numbers. You can use it for fast finishers or as centers digital activity.

Oh and just in case if you are looking for a fun and engaging activity to to teach decimals this week, check out Free adding and subtracting decimals activities 5th grade.

Want more join in for some Insider Fun!
$Back-to-School Math Activities That Set the Tone for the Year$
5th Grade Worksheets

Back-to-School Math Activities That Set the Tone for the Year
BySadia
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:
- Multi Digit Addition Subtraction Multiplication and Division Color by number
- Math Fact’s Fluency Puzzles and Color by Number
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 PRIMUS found 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?

Check out these back to school math activities and riddle worksheets that reviews key math skills — no prep needed.

Activity #3: Partner Puzzle Challenges

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).

$Fraction addition and subtraction with unlike denominator mystery picture puzzles 5th and 6th grade math activities$

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.

$5th grade math independent work packets for morning work or warm ups$

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.

Here’s what I use them during back-to-school:

1 – Place Value Pixel Art for Early 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
2 – End-of-Year Review Pixel Art (YES, at the Beginning!)

You might think this one’s just for May — but I use it during back-to-school season, too.

Why? Because it’s super easy to preview what’s coming and get a quick pulse on what they actually remember from the previous grade.

It uses task cards + digital pixel art, which means engagement + data for YOU.

Still looking for a Free Back-to-School Math Activity? I’ve bundled one of my favorite color-by-number worksheets + math review printable into a free pack for you to download.

Use it on day one or during your first week of review to get students back into the math mindset without stress or busywork.

Want the More Back-to-School Math Center Activities?

Grab this Back-to-School Math Bundle that is 75% off and includes:
- Fun, low-prep math pintables
- Skill-based review for all 4 basic operations and more
- Engaging printables like color by number, riddles, and puzzles
Right now this mega bundle is 75% off For Full Fun and Engaging Math Centers all Year Long.

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.

Happy Teaching… Sadia
$Integers and their Opposites Math Activities$
Math

How to Explain Integers and Their Opposites to Students (Without the Confusion)
BySadia
If integers make your students’ eyes roll, you’re not alone. Integers and their opposites, especially negative numbers, can feel abstract and confusing.

This is where students start mixing up subtraction with “opposites” or struggle to see how positive and negative numbers relate.

The good news? With the right visuals and activities, integers don’t have to be this overwhelming.

In fact, you can make them click for students in a way that actually sticks.

1. Start with Real-Life Examples

The fastest way to make integers feel less intimidating in grade 6 is to ground them in everyday life. A few examples that always land with my students are:
- Temperature: Show how 10° above zero and 10° below zero represent opposites.
- Elevation: Compare a mountain peak to a cave below sea level.
- Money: Talk about having $20 in your bank account versus owing $20.
The goal here is to make the concept more relatable using the example, so the students can connect faster.

You can even ask them to share their own examples, maybe like sports scores or video game points going into the negative.

2. Use a Number Line for Integers and their Opposites

A number line is the foundation for understanding integers. You should first focus on making sure students understand integers using a number line.

When students see numbers laid out visually, they notice the symmetry: every positive number has a negative counterpart that is at the same distance from zero.
- Highlight how +5 and -5 “mirror” each other.
- Reinforce the idea that zero is the center, it’s neutral ground, so its negative is also 0.
- Use visuals (a giant number line taped on the floor works wonders).
This method makes integers less of an abstract idea and more of a pattern they can see and interact with.

3. Introduce Integer Opposites as “Math Twins”

Kids love simple, fun language. Try describing opposites as math twins:
- +3 and -3 are twinssame distance, different sides of zero.
- Use hand motions: one hand moves right, the other moves left.
- Have students physically “be the numbers” by standing on either side of a taped zero line in the classroom.
This builds a physical connection, visualizes the concept and gets them out of their seats (which is always a win).

4. Make it Interactive (Coloring + Games)

Here is the thing: students learn best when they do. Practicing is the key to success in math. Bring integers to life with:
- Coloring activities where each answer reveals a picture.
- Matching games: pair positives with their opposites.
- Scavenger hunts: hide cards around the room and let students find “integer pairs.”
So if you want a ready to use resource that saves you prep time, I created a set of integer activities and coloring worksheets designed exactly for this concept.

They turn practice into a fun activity while reinforcing integer opposites in an interactive way.

5. Common Mistakes Students Make

Even after a lot of practice and explaining with strong visuals, some misconceptions pop up again and again: Here is a list of a few that I encounter again anad again:
- Mixing up subtraction with opposites: For this, clarify that “the opposite of +4 is -4,” but “subtracting 4” is a different operation.
- Thinking zero has an opposite: Reinforce that zero is its own buddy it has no opposite.
- Believing negatives are always “smaller”: Explain that while -10 is less than -2, the distance from zero tells us size in terms of opposites.
Take a few minutes to address these early, and you’ll prevent bigger struggles in later concepts.

6. Wrap It Up

Teaching integers doesn’t have to be a headache for you or your students.

By combining real-life examples, number lines, and interactive activities, you’ll help students finally see opposites in a way that sticks.

Want to save yourself even more prep time?

Grab my Integers and Their Opposites Coloring Worksheets on TPT. You can even find interactive activities for GCF and LCM here. They’re ready-to-go, fun for students, and designed to make integers simple instead of stressful.

And if you’d like even more freebies for your math classroom, join my email list, where I share grab-and-go resources like fraction operations for busy math teachers like you.