Hey there, teacher friends! January is here, and I’m sure you’re feeling the excitement in the air. It’s that magical time when our little learners hit their stride, mastering the ins and outs of our daily routines. The classroom vibe is shifting, and those first graders are becoming more independent. But, hold up – as you dive headfirst into the New Year, let’s tackle a common concern: how to spice up those math sessions and tie in a winter theme! If you’ve ever found yourself pondering, “What fun math activities can I bring to the table?” – fear not, because I’ve got your back. Here are six engaging January math activities that will turn your class into a math-tastic adventure!
7 January Math Activities
1. January Math Glyphs
Math glyphs are like the secret weapon for easing your students back into the swing of things after winter break. Picture this: a New Year’s themed glyph where your kiddos spill the beans on how they like to ring in the new year. Or, how about a winter snow globe glyph where they get to showcase their winter favorites? The best part? It’s a breeze for them to do, plus they are perfect for getting students to analyze data. January math just got a whole lot more interesting, right?
2. Winter Measurement:
Start by reading The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats to your class. Then, let the measuring fun begin! Get those little hands busy measuring various winter objects (e.g., snowballs, mittens) using nonstandard units (e.g., Unifix cubes, paper clips). The real magic happens when they start comparing and ordering these chilly objects based on their measurements. It’s like a winter wonderland of learning fun – trust me, your class is gonna have a blast!
3. January Math Winter Graph
Winter brings a bunch of cool activities, right? So, here’s the plan: ask your first graders about their top winter picks – sledding, ice skating, skiing, or snowboarding. Get ready for the suspense as they eagerly await the poll results. Once that’s done, unleash their creative genius – have them whip up their very own graph and winter kid topper. Then take this winter math activity up notch by diving into a data discussion after the class graph is completed. Winter math just got a whole lot cooler!
4. Winter Number Sense
Let’s keep the math party rolling all through winter for our first graders. As you know, students need number sense practice all year long. Create a set of winter-themed number cards (e.g., pictures of mittens or snowflakes) Now, get those little minds buzzing. Give each student a card and have them play the order game – sort those numbers from least to greatest or flip it around. Math will be a winter wonderland of number fun.
5. January Math Winter Word Problems
Got snowmen or penguins on the agenda? No problem! Create a set of word problems that incorporate the winter themes you are teaching. Let your students solve the problems using a strategy of their choice. Afterwards, have them share their strategy with their peers. It’s like the winter theme gives these problems an extra sprinkle of awesome – easy-peasy differentiation and loads of student excitement. Winter math, nailed it!
6. Snowflake Symmetry
Want to teach your students about symmetry? Then grab this snowflake symmetry activity from Curriculum Kings. And guess what? It’s a freebie in her TpT store – talk about a win-win! My students make these every year, and let me tell you, it’s like a creativity party with shapes. Plus, the end result? A pretty winter bulletin board that’s an absolute showstopper. Trust me, your students are gonna eat this up!
There you go! Six winter themed math activities that you can do with your students in January. Take your January math and turn it from drab to fab. Remember, no need to go all in – just pick a couple that vibe with your class. The goal? Add a splash of fun to your math block. So, dive in, have a blast, and drop a comment below with your top pick!
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