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Orientation day is one of the weirdest days on the school calendar — 8-minute rotations, a room full of strangers, and zero real instructional time. Here's exactly what I put on my students' desks before they ever walk in, and why it works on every single kid, not just the ones who like math.

Free professional development that's actually built for middle school math teachers? I'll take it — and I'm presenting there this year. Here's my game plan for getting the most out of the Middle School Math Summit (July 27–29), plus how I'm turning what I learn into back-to-school-ready lessons before the first bell rings.

If you teach middle school math, you already know the moment: the kid who hasn't picked up a pencil all period suddenly leans over a puzzle like it's the most interesting thing he's seen all week. That's not an accident, and it's not really about the puzzle either — it's about giving his brain a break from heavy lifting while still, quietly, doing math. I'm spending an entire session on this exact idea at the free virtual Middle School Math Summit, July 27–29, 2026 — three da

Math review doesn't have to feel like a punishment. Most students tune out the moment they see another stack of problems that looks exactly like last week's homework — and honestly, who can blame them? The good news is that switching up your review format doesn't require hours of planning or a classroom full of supplies. It just requires the right activities. Here's what actually works for middle school math review, and why the format matters as much as the content. Why Creat

Research consistently shows that students can lose two to three months of math progress over the summer — and middle schoolers are especially vulnerable. The good news is that stopping summer slide math loss doesn't require a full curriculum overhaul or hours of teacher prep. A little consistency, the right activities, and a format students can tolerate goes a long way. Math is built on prior knowledge — gaps don't stay contained. They spread.

Summer school doesn't have to mean boring worksheets and checked-out students. These 10 no-prep summer math activities for middle school are the kind your grades 6–8 students will actually want to do — and they're ready the moment you need them.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is happening right now — in your students' social feeds, in their group chats, in the arguments they're having at the pool about which team should have won. And while they're doing all of that, you're about to make them solve a word problem about a train leaving Chicago at 60 miles per hour or a camping trip on a budget. We can do better. Real data is always more engaging than made-up data. And right now, there is no dataset more culturally relevant to

State testing is finally over. You’ve survived the weeks of prepping, proctoring, and the inevitable post-test slump. Now comes the tricky part: keeping middle school math students engaged when their minds are already checked out for summer. If you’ve noticed the energy in your classroom drop faster than a dropped calculator, you’re not alone. The last few weeks of school can feel like a battle between your desire to keep learning meaningful and your students’ desire to menta

Preparing students for end of year tests can feel like a daunting task. Traditional review sessions often lead to boredom and disengagement, which can hurt retention and confidence. The key to effective test prep is making review time active, varied, and enjoyable. Setting up stations around the room with different activities and incorporating digital tools like pixel art and interactive games can transform test prep into a dynamic experience. This post explores creative ways

Math can be a challenging subject for many middle school students. But with the right digital math tools, learning becomes more engaging and effective! I’ve seen firsthand how these resources can transform the way students understand concepts and build confidence. Let’s explore how digital math tools can boost learning and make math fun and accessible. Why Digital Math Resources Matter Digital math tools bring lessons to life. They offer interactive experiences that textbooks

Reviewing math concepts can sometimes feel repetitive and dull. But it doesn’t have to be that way! I’ve discovered that mixing creativity with review activities can make math exciting and memorable. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, these fun math review activities will help students stay engaged and confident in their skills. Why Fun Math Review Activities Matter Math can be challenging for many students. When review sessions are boring, students lose

Teachers and homeschool parents often look for ways to keep students engaged without adding to their prep load. Brain games and logic puzzles offer a powerful solution. While students may see these activities as just a fun break, they actually provide rich opportunities for learning and skill-building. For grades 5–8, these puzzles do more than fill time—they sharpen thinking, build perseverance, and reinforce academic language. Brain Games as Low-Prep, High-Engagement Tools

Critical thinking in math is more than just solving equations. It’s about helping students think deeply, make connections, and understand concepts beyond memorization. Visual puzzles are a fantastic way to engage 6th graders in this kind of thinking. They encourage students to analyze, reason, and explain their thinking—all skills that build strong math foundations. In this post, I’ll share five visual puzzle activities that you can use right away in your classroom. These act