If you are on the lookout for real life math activities, you’re going to love the various projects below. Most with differentiated and editable options ensure you can switch up the math and extend the learning to match your individual students from 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade.
But before we dive into what these are all about, I’ve love to give you a little background on why I chose to start creating real life math activities in the first place.
Ready to buy? You can see the Real Life Math Activities HERE.
In the fall of 2018, my family went to the pumpkin patch with our young kids – only toddlers, at the time. I made the remark to my partner at the time that I was excited to hand each of the kids a set amount of money when they get older to let them pick how we decorate our front stoop for the season. This way they could decide if they wanted one bigger item, several medium items, or a bunch of small. Or maybe they would even pool the money they were given to work together.
A few weeks later, I ran across another article blaming teachers for the lack of financial literacy in the US. After all, we wouldn’t have the trillion dollar student loan debt if it weren’t for teachers. They are the ones clearly not teaching kids enough about money during their 13+ years in formal education. #eyeroll #sarcarm (I canNOT stand when teachers are blamed for society’s issues when we all know the family unit and communities in general have been struggling for decades!)
I started complaining about the article when my partner at the time said something like, “Rather than complain about it, what can you do?” At first I was upset, but I quickly realized he was right.
I thought back to that fall day in 2018 where I had the idea at the pumpkin patch, and I knew I was on to something!
Hence, my Real Life Math Activities were born! I want kids to really think about money. Students who complete my Real Life Math downloads will be doing real life math (obviously!), some project based learning, and they will also get a dose of financial literacy along the way.
Ready to buy? You can see the Real Life Math Activities HERE.
How can these downloads be used? I’m so glad you asked!
- As a real life math activity
- As part of a unit on financial literacy
- For project based learning (PBL)
- After state testing when a break from traditional academics is needed
- During short weeks or the week before or after a break (because – let’s be real – the kids are often excited or off, so why not make the most of it?)
- As enrichment for gifted and talented students (GATE) – but know that with the editable versions you can also use these for your students in Title I or Special Education too!
You’ll choose the math your students are working on. Most of the downloads can adapt addition and subtraction in the basic format, into the 100s or 1000s, or even multiplication and division. YOU put the parameters on the students to help decide what types of math they are doing. You push them to be at their level. It’s truly a teacher guided experience, and I love that because kiddos will get what THEY need.
Ready to buy? You can see the Real Life Math Activities HERE.
Here are the Real Life Math Activities available –
- Bowling
- Planning a Trip
- Starting a Business
- Building a Structure (doghouse, birdhouse, or structure of their choice!)
- Planning a Birthday Party
- Getting a New Pet
- Making a Budget
- Random Acts of Kindness (this one is a freebie so you can see how much you love these!)
Save 50% when you buy the Real Life Math Activities BUNDLE here.
These downloads are a great way to introduce real life math activites while also exploring project-based learning and even tying in financial literacy. They’re great for second, third, fourth, and fifth grade upper elementary students.
You can differentiate for ALL learners with the open-ended worksheets. I suggest meeting with students as they work through their worksheets. This way you can help check their math, extend the learning, challenge them, fix any misconceptions, and make sure they are on the right track.
These are also great for potential home or community extension. If you know a dad who is a carpenter, ask him to come in and show how to build that birdhouse. Have a mom who volunteers at the local animal shelter? Ask her to bring an animal in and talk about the responsibilities and costs associated with a pet. Ask the local bank to come in and help the kids set up a budget. Or take a field trip to go bowling and have the students score their games withOUT the computers. There are so many options!
LAST CHANCE TO BUY! You can see the Real Life Math Activities HERE.
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