Christmas Math - Algebra

Christmas Break is Coming! Challenge your students with these HOHOHOLIDAY Puzzles for Algebra / Math

Whether your students need to practice a newly acquired skill or they need to sharpen a skill they previously mastered, this set of handouts will engage your students during this season of reindeer and good cheer.

This resource includes SIX challenges.

Use literal equations with unspecified constants (riddle)

Interpret a graph (riddle)

Solve inequalities (riddle)

Solve inequalities (maze)

Discover the value of the symbols; a precursor to solving systems. (puzzle)

Plot points to create a cARTesian masterpiece (50+ coordinate pairs)

Even your “naughty” students will be “nice” with a diversion from last minute testing or pre-holiday cramming before the Winter break.

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SUGGESTIONS for use:

Challenges for early-finishers. A great activity to keep the faster students engaged (and quiet) while others are working.

A daily puzzle to lead into the break... Use one each day the week preceding the holiday break.

Add the puzzles to a sub-plan if you need to miss school prior to the Holiday break. Be sure to leave the solutions with the sub and an extra copy for them to do.

Use the cARTesian puzzle as a COLLABORATIVE activity. Using large graph paper posted in the room, students work together to create the work of art. Cut out each box of coordinate pairs and distribute the sets of points to individual students. You can differentiate for individual students, as some sets include more points than others. Have them plot the points on the graph. This can be done over multiple days or during one class period. Once complete, students can add detail and color to their creation and display it on a bulletin board or wall.

Throw a party but don’t call it that.

Eat candy canes and do math puzzles. Now, that’s a party!