As teachers, we want to make sure that our students are getting the most out of their practice. That’s why it’s important to use math worksheets and other materials that are targeted and meaningful. Today, math worksheets get a bad rap as many people think that they are boring and useless. Truthfully, sometimes that can be accurate. But when used correctly, they can be a great resource for teachers and students. In this blog post, we will dive into how to make sure your instruction is intentional when using math worksheets. I’m also going to provide some quick tips for making math worksheets more engaging and kid-friendly!
How to Give Students Meaningful Practice Using Math Worksheets
After you finish working with students in whole or small groups, you will want to provide them with a chance to apply new skills and strategies on their own. This is how you can determine if they understand and they also get the opportunity to use what they’ve learned. This is easier said than done, after all, there is only so much time in the day. After planning and preparing mini lessons, small group activities, center activities, assessments, and homework- who wants to think of yet ANOTHER resource to use in the classroom? (Not me). The trick is to keep. it. simple.
Look at the lesson objective.
What skill or concept do you want students to practice? Focus on it and don’t get lost in the details. (That is always my struggle). This is your main goal. Check out my post on planning a meaningful math block for step-by-step guidance and a free math lesson planner. It’s easy to get lost in the details, especially when our math programs provide SO much information so do your best to focus on what’s most important.
Start at the end: Look at the assessment.
Grab a copy of the assessment you will be using to determine your students’ understanding at the end of the chapter or unit. Locate the items that tap into the objective of this particular lesson. Familiarize yourself with how it is presented so you know what students are expected to be able to do.
Choose math worksheets that target the specific goal of your lesson.
Many math programs include pages that students can complete to go with each lesson. Quickly evaluate each one to see if it truly aligns with your overall objective in the lesson. It’s important to not choose something too general at this point. You need to have a good idea if students are able to apply the specific skill or strategy you just taught.
If you need to, write the problems (at least 3) onto a page and copy them. Or if you want to save yourself even more time (and just so happen to teach first grade math) you can use these standards aligned extra practice pages from me. I’ve done all the hard work for you!
Grab some free extra practice math worksheets (like the ones in the image above) by clicking the link.
Check in with students.
Don’t just collect the math worksheets after your students complete them. Make sure you have time to stop by their desks and see how they are doing as they are working in real-time. Provide immediate feedback and support– even if just for a minute or two.
Take notes.
Note which students are crushing it and need more of a challenge and which students require more support. This will help you to better plan for future math blocks or small group lessons.
Make a point to check the math worksheets over and send them home THAT DAY. It helps parents see how their child did with the classwork as well as how it was done. I can’t tell you how many parents over the years have told me how much they love that I’ve always done this. It’s not hard once you get in the habit and it truly makes a difference.
Math Worksheets ≠ Busy Work
Remember- using math worksheets isn’t just about giving students something to do. You are looking for math worksheets that will provide intentional, meaningful practice with your students. It’s about making sure they are able to apply what is taught- not just keeping them busy.
Also, keep in mind that you don’t want to replace centers with math worksheets! You can use them in conjunction. Look for high-quality center activities that target standards.
Make Math Worksheets More Engaging
There are many easy hacks you can use to make math worksheets more fun for your students. The easiest way to do this is by providing math manipulatives for them to use (when appropriate). You can use the materials from your math program, or you can scour the aisles of your local dollar store or Target to get creative ideas. Mini erasers make fantastic counters!
Another easy way to make things more engaging is to have students use spinners and dice. For example, instead of just giving students addition facts to practice, you can have them roll two dice and use the numbers they roll to write an addition sentence to solve. It’s so simple, and kids LOVE this type of activity.
Make Math Worksheets Worth It
Math worksheets can be a valuable resource for teachers and students when used correctly. By targeting instruction and making math worksheets more engaging, you can help your students get the practice they need to be successful. Make sure you check in with your students to provide feedback and support and send math worksheets home that day so parents can see how their child is doing!
