Engaging Warm Ups for Middle School Math

Want to review math and build classroom culture at the same time? Try incorporating icebreakers and creative challenges into your math warm-ups. We all know that learning math isn't just about having the right curriculum—it also requires building meaningful relationships and cultivating an inclusive classroom culture where students feel heard.

But how can we do both when time is tight?

 The answer: daily 5-10 minute icebreaker warm-ups that blend math and fun. 

I started this during the pandemic, and my students loved it. They even thanked me at year's end for helping them get to know each other better. It worked so well that I've kept it up in my regular classes after the pandemic. Trust me, it's totally worth it!

In this blog post, I’ll share easy-to-implement ideas for making warm-ups that spark meaningful discussions, incorporate social-emotional learning, strengthen class culture while reinforcing math concepts. Here are ideas of things you can add to your traditional math questions.

I encourage you to give this approach a try—it's well worth the effort!

1. Icebreaker Questions

Start your math warm-up with a fun personal question like this:

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Why? It's a great icebreaker that:

• Eases students into learning mode

• Builds classroom community

• Let everyone participate, even those struggling with math

Here are some examples of math-themed icebreakers to try:

• If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

• What's your favorite season and why?

• What's a challenge you've overcome that you're proud of

These quick prompts help students share, connect, and relax in class. My students say adding an icebreaker alongside 1-2 math questions really helps. According to my students, knowing there's at least one question they can answer reduces their math anxiety.

Tips to Implement 

1. Put it on paper. Print the icebreaker question on the warm-up sheet. This gives shy students a chance to engage quietly and time to think before sharing.

2. Keep it short. Remember to keep the entire warm-up to 5-10 minutes. It might take longer at first, but you'll find your rhythm. Peer sharing helps keep things moving, so you can smoothly transition into your main lesson (without feeling bad that you didn't get to call on all the student volunteers!)

3. Build in peer sharing. Let students discuss their answers in pairs or small groups first. This ensures everyone's voice is heard and makes whole-class sharing more manageable. Plus, it's a great way for students to bond.

4. Build trust gradually. At the beginning of the year, select light, fun questions like "What's your favorite dessert?" or "What's your favorite hobby?" As students get comfortable, slowly introduce deeper questions such as "What's a fear you've overcome?" or "What quality do you value most in a friend?" This gradual approach helps create a safe space for sharing more vulnerable thoughts as time passes.

Ready to try? Grab the 6th Grade Ice Breaker Warm Ups Bundle or click here to choose by math topics.

2. Creative Challenges

Add a creative challenge like “finish this picture” to the math warm up:

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Provide students with a half-finished squiggle and ask them to use their imagination to finish the drawing. 

Add color pencils to the mix (or stick with just pencils), and prepare to be amazed by their imagination!

This is a great way to foster a classroom where unique ideas (not just correct math answers) shine.

Tips to Implement

1. Encourage open-ended thinking. Let students know there are no wrong answers and artistic skill isn't being judged. Just remind them to keep it school-appropriate. It's all about flexing those creative muscles in a fun way.

2. Build in time for peer sharing. Let students showcase their drawings in small groups. You'll hear plenty of "oohs" and "wows" as they discover how differently everyone thinks. It's a great way to build connections and appreciate diverse perspectives.

3. Adapt your approach based on student needs. Some groups of students might love extra coloring time, while others do better with just pencils to keep things moving. Feel free to tweak your setup for different periods. The goal is to find what works best for each class.

Ready to try? Grab the 6th Grade Ice Breaker Warm Ups Bundle or click here to choose by math topics.

3. Mix Up Math Questions with Varying Formats

Now that we've covered fun icebreakers, let's add some math to the mix. Variety is helpful – it also prepares students for the different test formats they'll encounter.

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I typically include at least 2 math problems in each warm-up, using different formats like:

• Multiple choice

• Open-ended response

• Matching

• Select all

• Graphing

• Justification (Explain why, show your steps)

• True or False

• Calculator-permitted questions

• No-calculator questions

By mixing question formats, you're not just reviewing math – you're simultaneously building test-taking skills and a positive learning environment.

Tips to Implement

1. Familiarize students with different formats. Walk them through various question types. This will build confidence and reduce math anxiety.

2. Emphasize direction-reading. Encourage careful reading of instructions. It's easy for eager students to misread a "select-all" as multiple-choice!

3. Create a learning-friendly atmosphere. Set the tone that warm-ups are for practice and learning. Remind students it's okay to make mistakes here – it's all part of the process. This approach can boost math confidence over time.

Ready to try? Grab the 6th Grade Ice Breaker Warm Ups Bundle or click here to choose by math topics.

4. Kid-Friendly Questions Aligned to CCSS and TEKS

Select math problems that are relevant to students’ everyday life and aligned to the standards in your curriculum.

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For instance, consider problems involving:

• Data usage for streaming services

• Battery life of smartphones

• App subscriptions

• Popular video games

By using familiar, current examples, you'll not only make the math more engaging but also demonstrate its real-world applications. This approach helps students see the value of math in their everyday lives, making the learning more meaningful and memorable.

Tips to implement:

1. Relevance is key. Today's students live in a world of digital streaming and cloud storage. They're unlikely to connect with outdated scenarios like renting VHS tapes from Blockbuster or calculating floppy disk space. Instead, aim for contexts that reflect their daily experiences.

2. Align to the curriculum. A helpful approach to aligning the math problems to curriculum standards is to plan backward from the standards. Ask yourself, "What skills do I want students to master based on this standard?" This method guides you in designing problems that are relevant and aligned with CCSS/TEKS standards. It's why all my warm-up activities include a standards guide—to ensure each question serves a clear purpose in the curriculum.

Ready to try? Grab the 6th Grade Ice Breaker Warm Ups Bundle or click here to choose by math topics.

5. Self-assessment 

End your warm-up with a 10-second self-assessment. It's a simple yet powerful tool to gauge your class's understanding.

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Try these quick methods, like asking students to:

• Circle an emoji to rate confidence

• Jot down what they're confident about or struggling with

This quick check gives you invaluable insights. Should you reteach a concept or move on? Your students' responses will guide you.

Ready to Implement These Fun Ideas?

Try a warm-up that incorporates all five elements we've discussed. It's perfect for a full year of engaging math starts!

Grab our Ice Breaker Warm Ups Bundle!

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Currently, the 6th Grade Full Year Warm Ups Bundle is completed. 7th Grade and 8th Grade Warm Up bundle is still in progress, or join the email list to receive updates on new products & freebies!