Oh, Back to School season. It seems to creep up on us so fast. You finally catch a breath after the whirlwind of the end of the school year, and BAM, the Back to School displays in stores hit you. I'm not going to lie, I do like browsing the isles looking at all the different kinds of pens and the fancy notebooks. However, it doesn't take long before I start thinking about what first day of school activity I will use for my students.
My favorite back to school activities in middle school or high school math give me a few quiet minutes to observe students, and then get them talking a bit. The first day of school can mean silently sitting for HOURS for a lot of students. I want my math classes to give students a bit of a break, while also letting them know that math class is for working.
I like using a different first day of school activity each year - partly to keep things fresh for myself! If you're like me and like to use different first day of school activities for math class, this list of ideas is for you! Not every idea is a math activity, but they will all be great for a secondary math class.
15 Math Activities for the First Day of School
Back to School Math Activities - This activity pack is a little bit of everything. It includes a cut and paste learning styles inventory AND logic puzzle task cards. AWESOME!
First Day of School Worksheet - This FREE all about me worksheet is great for math class. I like to use it as seatwork while I'm taking roll at the beginning of the period.
Back to School Pennant - This pennant is a great activity for the first day! I've used it in the past as a sponge activity at the end of class. The bonus is that you can use it to decorate your classroom when your students are finished!
Make The... - At the bottom of this blog post is a description for a game. It's an awesome way to get students thinking about place value, probability, and using logic. If you don't use this for the first day of school, you really need to file it away as a great (productive!) time filler activity.
Math About Me Activity - This project is a fun way for students to use numbers and mathematical expressions to write about themselves. It is a great way to sneak in a little review!
Beginning of Year Task Card Stations Activity - This is a fun activity that gets students moving around the room and has them complete various ice breaker activities in small groups.
The Marshmallow Challenge - Spaghetti. Marshmallows. Tape. You know it's going to be fun when kids play with food.
Back to School "Would You Rather?" Activity - Everyone loves a good game of Would You Rather! This one is a school themed and a bit silly with a splash of serious.
Solving Equations Puzzle - This puzzle is a low pressure for kids to work on math right away, but still have a relaxed first day of school.
Writing in Math Prompts - Precise writing is an important skill that often gets neglected in math class, but it doesn't have to be with these writing prompts! Not only does it include prompts for the first day of school, but there are many more to use throughout the school year.
Petals Around the Rose - Just bookmark this game. It's a fun (but maddening) puzzle. The computer rolls the dice and you have to figure out how the computer scores the roll. Just make sure you students don't spoil the surprise for others once they figure it out!
Emoji Logic Puzzles - Emojis are a great way to sneak in a little bit of math practice. The bonus? This activity is accessible to middle schoolers, but secretly teaches systems of equations.
Character Education Stations Activity - What better way to start the school year than with a bit of character education? This activity includes templates so you can have students practice your class procedures while reading about kindness and respect.
Integer Review - Integers are important for so many topics in math! This review is a great way to start the school year.
Back to School All About Me - This activity is a creative spin on a classic numbers about me activity. There is even a digital version!
....And a BONUS! Do you ever have students forget to bring pencils to class? This pencil management strategy may be just perfect for you!
