I had so much fun creating the first version of this list that I had to create a second!! Here is my next list of top 5 classroom transformations for MATH TEACHERS:
Classroom Transformation Rating scale:
EASY: Minimal prep. Not a lot of moving parts. You may already own a lot of the items involved.
MODERATE: Medium prep. Planning in advance is recommended.
HARD: Extensive prep. Planning ahead is a must.
Fraction Glow Day
Classroom Transformation Level of Difficulty: HARD
Click this link for Fraction Glow Day Materials
GET GLOWING! I’m a complete sucker for anything that glows. My son is about to turn a year old…am I planning to use black lights for his space themed birthday party? Oh, yes. 100%. Fractions are tough so get your kids EXCITED and ready to tackle those challenging problems by adding in a touch of magic and a pinch of incentive.
Units of Capacity: 1950’s Soda Shop
Classroom Transformation Level of Difficulty: EASY
Click this link for Capacity Soda Shop Materials
Make converting units of volume and capacity EASY with this fun and engaging lesson. Students will explore customary units of liquid volume with this themed 1950's soda shop activity. All necessary converting customary units of capacity worksheets are included in this download! Perfect for students in third (advanced), fourth or fifth grade!
Construct a Gingerbread House:
Classroom Transformation Level of Difficulty: MODERATE
Click this link for Construct a Gingerbread House Materials
This gingerbread math activity is a fun and engaging way to review before or after winter break. In this holiday math review, students will practice place value, rounding, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students must solve math problems to earn snowballs (currency) in order to purchase materials needed to construct their own gingerbread houses. Teachers love the math review and kids love the hands on construction!
Use recyclable materials to build the houses or real eatable gingerbread materials!
How to Catch a Leprechaun
Click this link for How to Catch a Leprechaun Materials
Classroom Transformation Level of Difficulty: MODERATE
This engaging St. Patrick's themed activity will have kids searching for leprechauns all day long! Students will work through three math stations (simplifying fractions, order of operations, & multiplication), solving problems to earn clues to guide them to the last STEM activity where they will construct a leprechaun trap using simple machines.
A Quest for Winter Wonderland
Classroom Transformation Level of Difficulty: EASY/MODERATE/HARD
Click this link for Winter Wonderland Quest Materials
Side note: This activity comes in a Grade 4 AND Grade 5 (fraction) version as well as an editable version.
Escape winter doldrums and go on a quest for WINTER WONDERLAND!! Students will practice their math skills as they wind their way through snow storms and an elf workshop, get stuck on an iceberg and lost in Misty Mountain and more!! I’ve rated this transformation level as all three (easy, moderate, and hard) because it is really what you chose to make it. You could EASILY print out the materials and set up six stations that students work through or you could go all out and create a winter wonderland in your classroom. You do, you!! Your students will love the activity either way :)
Not to mention, this is a GREAT activity for right before break when you, well, might need a bit of a break but still need your students working hard!
Have you tried any of these classroom transformations? Let me know in the comments below!