Math color by number worksheets and activites for elementary students, decimals and fractions color by number worksheets
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5 Unique but Epic Ways To Use Color By Number Worksheets For High Student Engagement This Year

Using color by number activities in one of my favourite ways to bring excitment and fun inside classroom. I cannot tell you how much my kids look forward to using these for any topic or theme day.

Seriously its one of the best way in my opinion to keep them on the task while still interested in practicing math during math centers.

Try using the if your kids are hitting a math practicing roadblock. We even display the art result they produced in our classroom or gallery. Students feel super prod when I do that.

So today let’s discover five easy ways you can implement math color by number worksheets so you can have an engaged class that’s excited to work on them.

What is a Color by Number Worksheets:

Color by number worksheets aren’t just art and math combined today, instead they are a sure way to give your kids a more engaging and educational experience that they might miss out on during a traditional learning environment.

This way of practicing math provides a structured way to kid’s daily math practice. Today, I’m about to sow you how I use them to add engagement for any topic you want to teach be it fraction operation including word problems or order of operation along with decimal operations.

Why to use Color by number worksheets for developing understanding:

Using art in our daily learning is a fantastic way to increase our kid’s educational experience. Think of it this way: your kids solving math problems and revealing a historical place, figure, or even a themed art piece to set the mood for some festive spirit.

Coloring is also a calming activity that reduces stress and keeps them focused on the task while developing fine motor skills. This is one of the reason why I use color-by-number worksheets as a terrific way to keep them on track with their daily math progress while having fun

Customizable Math Teaching Tool:

Every child is different, and no 2 kids can learn the same way. Customizing color by number worksheets to fit their needs and learning styles can drastically boost student’s engagement.

For visual learners or students who cannot focus on a single task, these worksheets can be a handy tool for any math teacher. 

Creative Reward and Recognition:

You can use the completed math coloring worksheets as a positive reinforcement activity for your students.

Here is how I achieve this. I display the finished color by number worksheets inside our classroom or hallway, which encourages students to perform better and acts as a reward for their hard work.

Develops Emotional Intelligence:

This type of activity not only gets student’s creative juices to follow but also keeps them calm and organized. This enhances their emotional intelligence and stamina to endure more demanding challenges in the learning process, which we as a teacher always strive for. 

Independent and Self-Checking Practice:

If I had to pick one reason among all the above, this one would always surpass the rest. The most important thing any teacher wants is to cut down the time used for grading so we can actually do more of what we Love, aka “TEACHING“.

Color by number worksheets are a fantastic way to facilitate independent practice of topics like area of complex figures, order of operations during the math center activities or the morning bell work, or you can even leave them for a sub day and still get the teaching stuff done while you are away. 

Want to include some color-by-number activities in your class?

Here are a few free ones for you to use.

Get access to Free addition and subtraction color-by-number worksheets and Multiplication Color by number worksheets

If you would like to see more color by code activities, just click on the cover below.

Math color by number worksheets and activites for elementary students, decimals and fractions color by number worksheets

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  • |

    How can teaching math be made easy and interesting for elementary students?

    As a math teacher with various grade levels teaching experience, I know the struggle math teachers face in their day to day life. Your days are undoubtedly filled with various responsibilities, from strategizing your lessons and managing your classroom to caring for your families. Finding the time and energy to create engaging and effective teaching environments and lessons can be challenging!

    This is why I have created this blog post to help teachers like you with the tools and resources you need in order to ensure your students master math while you have more time for yourself and your loved ones.

    Why should you help your students in learning maths?

    As teachers, I know your first priority is to help your kids master the subject with ease. This is the mere reason why I am excited to share all my valuable findings with you.
    All math teaching strategies to help you make an impact on students learning and foster independent problem solving and critical thinking in your students.

    By implementing these strategies effectively, you can inspire a love for math and develop confidence in their abilities, which is what we all strive for as educators.

    How should you think about these math learning abilities in kids:

    Learning to solve math is very important for our kids’ everyday lives and a country’s growth. All those students that are good at math perform better in STEM fields which are very important in this information and technology driven digital era.

    This is why it is important for schools to help kids develop their mathematical abilities. In recent studies, experts have found that one of the reasons our young learners do not perform well in maths is because math teachers simply don’t have enough knowledge of their subject.

    This could be a direct result of the old-fashioned teaching methods still used in schools.

    One way to fix this problem is by developing your student’s metacognitive skills. This helps them better equip themselves to solve their own problems not only in maths but in life.

    How to implement this in your teaching practices:

    Helping your students develop their metacognitive skills is a tedious task. But being a class facilitator to goal during your teaching would be to help them develop their own thinking for every problem that they encounter.

    Let’s say your students are working through an area and perimeter of composite figures of project. They can check their understanding of the project by calculating what’s required for the task at hand. Now for every problem that they come across during practicing they should be able to plan it out and then check if the plan works. This type of thinking helps them develop the cognitive skills required to solve complex math problems.

    The more your students are able to reflect, plan, and evaluate the math problem at hand the better their understanding gets with time. This is why I like to use math projects riddles and mysteries with my students during my class.

    Strategies to help your kids learn math in an interesting way:
    Here are some math teaching strategies to help kids learn math faster and more easily:

    1. Make it Relevant:

    It is a powerful strategy in math education that aims to give students some real world experience in their math learning. Through this strategy the educator aims to bridge gap between abstract concepts and real scenarios application, which deepens the students understanding.

    Elementary students are in the age group where they are naturally curious about their environment, so connecting math to their everyday lives captivates their interest and sparks more motivation in them.

    In traditional math teaching, students are made to memorize the concept and formulas without any practical understanding. This approach keeps them wondering about the purpose of their math learning beyond the classroom. However, by making math relevant to their environment and everyday life, teacher’s have the opportunity to show how math is an integrated part of our everyday life, from simple to complex discoveries.

    Ways to implement:

    One way to implement this is using math problems such as calculating discounts during shopping or measuring ingredients during cooking so students can immediately see the practical usage of their abilities.

    Such hands on experience solidifies your kid’s understanding of math concepts and boosts their confidence. You can even integrate math with other subjects showing its interconnection with other disciplines.


    For example in science students can use mathematical formulas to understand the laws of motion, or in arts, they explore geometrical shapes and symmetry. This type of understanding nurtures a holistic approach to their learning.

    In conclusion, this strategy is an essential pillar in math education. It  ignites curiosity, foster engagement, and equips learners with the skills they need to tackle real-world challenges with confidence and proficiency.

    As students recognize the practical relevance of math, they are more likely to approach the subject with enthusiasm and become lifelong learners and problem-solvers.

    2. Hands on learning: 

    This strategy involves using physical objects, manipulatives and interactive activities to teach math concepts. Students interact, measure and manipulate the objects to understand abstract ideas more concretely. For instance, using counting blocks to illustrate addition and subtraction or using shapes to teach geometry. This approach caters to different learning styles, making math more accessible and enjoyable.

    making math easy and fun for every one

    3. Problem-Solving Approach:

    The problem-solving approach nurtures students’ critical thinking and analytical skills. Instead of relying on rote memorization, kids are presented with real-world problems that require applying mathematical concepts to find solutions. So if we can encourage them to reason through problems and instill a deeper understanding of math, this will equip them with valuable skills beyond the classroom.

    4. Games and Puzzles:

    Honestly, math games and puzzles make learning math enjoyable and engaging. For my kids, these create a fun learning environment where students can practice math concepts while having fun.

    Games can range from board games that reinforce basic arithmetic to online math challenges that promote strategic thinking. What is most interesting to see is the element of competition between peers. It motivates students to actively participate and reinforce their learning.

    5. Personalized Learning:

    This strategy focuses that students have different learning paces and needs. As teachers we must adapt to cater to individual needs, offering extra support or advanced challenges based on each student’s abilities. This approach builds a positive learning experience, boosts confidence, and helps students reach their full potential.

    6. Visual Representations:

    Visual representations use graphs, charts, diagrams, and drawings to illustrate math concepts. It enhances comprehension and memory retention, especially for complex topics. Visualizing information helps students make connections between abstract ideas and concrete examples.

    7. Real-life Problem-solving:

    Connecting math to real-life situations makes the subject more meaningful and relevant to students. By presenting math as a tool to solve practical problems, such as budgeting, measurements for a classroom project, or understanding patterns in nature, students can see its importance in their daily lives and future careers.

    8. Positive Reinforcement:

    Positive reinforcement involves praising and acknowledging students’ efforts and achievements. Recognizing their progress and hard work promotes a positive attitude toward math. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and motivates students to continue learning and exploring math concepts.

    9. Peer Learning:

    Peer learning encourages students to work collaboratively, discuss concepts, and solve problems. This explaining math to peers helps to reinforce understanding and different perspectives which gives new insights. This cooperative learning environment motivates them to develop effective communication skills and teamwork, both of which are valuable in and beyond math class.

    Educators can create a supportive and stimulating learning environment by incorporating these strategies into math teaching, helping students learn math more effectively and enjoyably. Each strategy complements the others, contributing to a comprehensive and well-rounded math education for young learners.

    Join in to get special FREEBIES and Insider’s FUN!

  • |

    The Only Multi-digit Addition and Subtraction Practice I’ll Use This Year

    Raise your hand if you’ve ever printed a math worksheet, handed it out and watched your entire class immediately ZONE OUT. 

    Same. Dry, black and white worksheets suck the energy right out of math time for your students and for you.

    They’re boring. They don’t work. And worst of all? They make these core basic operations reviews feel like a chore. 

    But here’s the thing, addition and subtraction practice doesn’t have to be dull. 

    When you mix in color by number printables or activities with riddles to review, your kids are engaged, your classroom is calm, and your math centers become something everyone actually looks forward to.

    I’m breaking down the multi-digit addition and subtraction practice worksheets I’ll use this year, because they work and they save my sanity.

    Strategy 1: Use Multi-digit Addition and Subtraction Escape Room to Make Practice Fun

    What would life be like if you didn’t have to convince kids that the more they practice, the better it is for them?

    What better way to practice than to disguise it as a riddle and increase their curiosity along with math skills? These are just a few of the reasons why math riddles are magic, I use during review time.

    The only 2 and 3 digit Addition and Subtraction Practice Activity Needed in your elementary math class | Multidigit Addition and Subtraction Escape Room printable worksheets activity for 3rd 4th and 5th grade

    My students get self motivated to solve them, and that’s not just to get the math right but to solve the riddle. That little “aha” moment at the end makes the work feel like a game to them, not a worksheet.

    The best part? Riddle worksheets are also self-checking. If the answer doesn’t make sense? It means it’s time to double-check their math without you having to hover or correct them. The reason why it’s a total win for me. 

    Escape Room-style riddles are also perfect for independent work, partner pairs, or small groups. 

    The only 2 and 3 digit Addition and Subtraction Practice Activity Needed in your elementary math class | Multidigit Addition and Subtraction Escape Room printable worksheets activity for 3rd 4th grade

    You’ll love the classroom management piece (hello, quiet engagement), and your students will love cracking the code.

    Still not sure? Try what I use and see your kids filled with excitement: Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction with Regrouping Escape Room.

    Want to try a free activity? Grab my FREE addition and subtraction printable pack from my TPT store here. It’s ready to print and go. 

    Strategy 2: Color by Number for Fluency & Focus

    You know those kids who can’t sit still for more than five minutes? Yeah, even they get into color by number math. The visuals pull them in, and the structure keeps them focused. It’s like sneaking in math fluency practice… with crayons.

    To be honest color by number is a game-changer for independent work, early finishers, math centers, basically anytime you need your students to be engaged without needing your constant attention.

    And unlike flashcards, these worksheets build fact fluency in a low-stress, low-prep way that students actually enjoy. 

    My go-to resources that I pull again and again are: Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Color by Number Worksheets

    My students actually ask for these during math review. Yep. It’s that fun. 

    Strategy 3: Mix Seasonal + Skill-Based Review

    Want to keep review fresh without re-inventing the wheel every week? 

    Seasonal printables are your best bet. You’re still hitting the same addition and subtraction skills, just dressed up for fall, Halloween, winter, or whatever season you’re in.

    Students stay engaged because it feels new even though the practice is familiar. Teachers win because it’s low-prep and high-impact. 

    It’s perfect for early finishers, homework, and sub plans basically anytime you need a minute to breathe.

    Teachers like you find these a fun addition to their toolkit: any seasonal or holiday themed addition and subtraction practice.

    What would life be like if you didn’t have to reinvent the wheels? 

    If you want your students engaged, confident, and actually enjoying math this year, start with tools that make them smile and think. Riddles, color by number, seasonal printables, they’re more than just fun. They’re effective.

    You don’t need to reinvent math review. You just need the right tools in your teacher box. 

    Still want to learn more?

    Check out this back to school math activities that set the tone for your whole year.

  • |

    3 Digit Addition Problems Worksheets For Practicing Addition

    Looking for a 3 digit addition problem worksheets to practice 3 digit addition or subtraction with your students? Look no more because I got you covered.

    Helping students work on word problems is a daunting task.

    Especially if you are trying to encourage them to think independently on math problems and solve them on their own.

    That is why I have created these fun and engaging 3 digit word problem worksheets that are free for you to grab and teach now.

    [Click here to download.]

    3 Digit Addition problems worksheets
    3 Digit Addition & Subtraction Word Problems

    Here is how it works.


    Signup for the freebies and download the file.

    Inside this freebie, you have 3 digit word problems on addition and subtraction. Besides word problems, it also contains no prep 3-digit mixed addition and subtraction problem worksheets.

    Print the problems you want your students to work on and hand them to your class. Students can solve the word problems independently, or you can help them complete the task.

    What I like to do in my class is put them in pairs. This way, even if one of the kids gets stuck, they can help each other out and figure out the solution.

    Here are a few benefits of using 3-digit word problems worksheets in your classroom

    • Increase in reasoning and problem solving skills
    • More understanding of the topic by using comprehension skills
    • Able to break down more significant concepts into small problems
    3 Digit Addition problems worksheets
    3 Digit Addition & Subtraction Worksheets


    Tips to make 3 digit addition problems fun and effective in your classroom

    Here are a few ideas you can implement to make word problems an effective and fun activities in your classroom

    • Solve at least one word problem daily to develop the muscle
    • Make it fun
    • Provide feedback
    • Easier to introduce differentiation

    If you are looking for ways to make 3 digit word problems more fun, here is your opportunity to try these FREE 3 digit word problems in your classroom.

    Hopefully, this will give you enough to practice 3 digit addition using worksheets to keep your kids engaged and excited.

    Do you have any activities that you use in your classroom for addition word problems?

  • | |

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

    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 asFall 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!

  • How to Explain Integers and Their Opposites to Students (Without the Confusion)

    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.

    Integers and Their Opposites activities and pdf worksheets with number line practice

    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.”
    Integers and Their Opposites activities and pdf worksheets with number line practice

    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.

    Integers and Their Opposites activities and pdf worksheets with number line practice

    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.

  • 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.