MATH DESSERTS
Make something with what you know.
Some students are still working through the main course. Others are ready to turn their understanding into something they can share.
CLASSROOM IDEA 01
Number Flex
Choose a number. Show it in several ways.
24 = 20 + 4
24 = 6 × 4
24 = 30 − 6
Start with three or four representations. Extend with larger numbers or more complex expressions.
CLASSROOM IDEA 02
Math Matters
Become a mathematical journalist.
What strategy did you use?
Why did it work?
What did you change?
In my classroom, students publish a newspaper twice a year. Everyone contributes an article, co-written piece, or illustration.
CLASSROOM IDEA 03
Student-made quizzes
Think carefully about a convincing mistake.
3/4 + 3/4
6/4 = 1 1/2 = 1.5
The “best wrong answer” prompts discussion of a common misconception. Students explain the error and create correct representations.
The examples above are editable teaching examples based on the presentation, rather than photographs of student work.
More ways to create and lead
Math content posters
Students turn lesson notes and their own teaching explanations into resources for classmates. A starting point is to copy and illustrate notes; an extension is to combine ideas into a new explanation. The posters become useful references during spiral review.
Equations About Me
At the beginning of the year, students create equations connected to themselves for an Open House bulletin board. As learning develops, they revise the equations to become more complex.
Write the next Problem of the Day
Students use textbooks or lesson notes to write a review problem, ask at least two classmates to review it, and bring it to me before sharing it with the class.
Prove It Place
After students have practiced explaining their thinking in writing, a weekly challenge invites thorough mathematical reasoning. In my classroom, this begins in December, with a math specialist helping judge the responses.
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How are addition and subtraction related?
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What is the difference between factors and multiples?
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Is the sum of an even number and an odd number always odd? Explain.
Math practices in action
Students communicate precisely through posters and quizzes (MP6), explain and critique ideas (MP3), and explore mathematical relationships (MP7). A student’s choice of a helpful model or tool can also make MP5 visible.
Building confidence through connection.
© 2026 Heidi Fee · Math With Meaning
Music. Creativity. Student leadership.