A peek into my lesson plans as we embark on a new school year
The first week of school is always a whirlwind of introductions, expectations, and laying the groundwork for a successful year. As a math teacher, I believe it’s essential to create a classroom environment that’s not only conducive to learning but also engaging and fun. Here’s a glimpse into my plan for the first five days:
Day 1: Getting Acquainted
On the first day, I aim to create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable and excited about the year ahead. I’ll introduce myself, share a bit about my love for math, and outline our classroom expectations. To break the ice and foster creativity, we’ll dive straight into a fun activity: the Math About Me Tessellation! Students will work in pairs or small groups to answer thought-provoking questions about themselves on hexagon-shaped tiles. These tessellations will then be combined to create a colorful and collaborative bulletin board.
Day 2: Teamwork and Problem-Solving
Teamwork is a crucial skill in math and in life. To emphasize this, I’ll challenge students to complete a 100-piece puzzle (these are the ones I use!) as fast as they can without the box cover. Working in groups of three or four, students will learn the importance of collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. After successfully completing the puzzle, we’ll reflect on our teamwork and identify areas for improvement.
To reinforce the collaborative spirit, students will continue working on their Math About Me Tessellations, adding color and personality to their designs.
Day 3: Assessing Student Needs
I’ll administer a diagnostic assessment using Pear Assessment (formerly Edulastic) to determine students’ strengths and areas for growth. This information will help me tailor instruction to meet individual needs. I use this an both a pre-assessment and an opportunity to get familiar with the website since I use it frequently throughout the year when I give tests and quizzes.
Day 4: Diving into Math
We’ll begin our math curriculum with a foundational lesson that builds students’ confidence and excitement. It will also help the students get to know my teaching style and the expectations of a normal class.
Day 5: Looking Ahead
If time allows, we will work on a Collaborative Back to School Bulletin Board (I change up which one every year!) focused on reviewing key math concepts will be a fun and interactive way to wrap up the week. It’s also a great opportunity to reinforce teamwork and create a visually appealing classroom.
I also love to do review cubes so I change it up every year depending on the students!
Throughout the year, I’ll infuse my lessons with creativity, real-world connections, and opportunities for student inquiry. By making math relevant and exciting, I hope to inspire my middle schoolers to become confident and critical thinkers.
Action Steps:
- Check out all the Math About Me Tessellation HERE.
- Do you want a free math craftivity to start your collection? Check out the FREE Math Craftivity HERE.
- Be the first to hear about new resources by following me on TPT here.
*This post contains affiliate links. All products that are listed are ones that I use and love in my own classroom.