Engaging Students in Math - Back to School

One of my goals, like other teachers, is to get my students engaged and enjoying class. Some days are just sit in your seat and take notes. Most days are let's get moving and practicing math. You can even start this during the first week of Back to School. I started the year off with a "Meet Your Classmate" activity. I have small classes and didn't want the typical "who has a cat", "who went out of state this summer", etc. I created a "Meet Your Classmate" activity with math problems. The students moved around the room (no sitting allowed) and had to talk to others.

Goals for Moving in Class

Have students answer math problems correctly.

Give students a chance to move around & talk a bit about math.

Give students a chance to interact with many of their classmates not just a few.

Rules for "Meet Your Classmate"

1. You cannot solve the problems yourself.

2. You may ask an adult in the room.

3. You cannot have the same person solve two (or more) problems in a row. 

4. You must move around - no staying in one spot.

My students were very engaged. At first they tried to buddy up or stand in one spot. I reminded them of the rules and they figured it out. Most of the students actually enjoyed themselves and couldn't believe they were having fun doing math.

"Meet Your Classmate" doesn't just have to be just for Back to School. You can do this at any time of the year! Just create a 5x5 grid of math problems, copy, and go. 

If you are interested in mine, you can pick it up in my store: Back to School Activities.

You can grab some other Back to School activities below.