Thanksgiving Math Activities for Upper Grades

Thanksgiving is coming up, and what better way to celebrate than by integrating the idea of thankfulness into every subject? We’ve put together a fun set of Thanksgiving-themed division word problems to help fourth and fifth-graders practice dividing three and four-digit numbers by single digits. These problems work with whole numbers only and do not require remainders.

Students read through the division word problem worksheet and determine a strategy to solve each problem presented. They will then use scratch paper to solve the problem and record their answers on the included recording sheet. 

An answer sheet is included with your download for students to self-check their answers. 

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Support struggling students by showing them how to use manipulatives or draw pictures to help with problem-solving. Alternatively, provide students with our Problem Solving Mat to help them organize their ideas. 

Challenge fast finishers who already understand the concept to write additional word problems to add to the set.

Are you looking for alternate difficulty levels of this resource? This resource can be easily modified for more accessible or challenging math by editing the Google Slides file!

More Ways to Put Their Division Skills to the Test!

A dedicated, experienced educator team created this resource for students to work on independently in your Thanksgiving math center. However, check out our suggestions for using this activity to reinforce your small group and full-class lessons, too: 

🏫 Whole Class Instruction

Project the task cards on a whiteboard and work through each together, discussing different ways of approaching and completing the problems.

🧮 Small Group 

Teach concepts in a small group setting. Students can use mini whiteboards to “show and share” their work for each problem.

✏️ Individual Practice

For an independent task, students can use their math notebooks or a mini whiteboard to solve the problems on the task cards. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between PDF, or Google Slides versions of this resource. An answer key is included with your download. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Punch a hole in each corner to keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks to place them on a binder ring. 

Follow this activity with The Bar Model Method | Teaching Mathematical Problem Solving.

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter collaborator.

Check out more fantastic division activities to support this resource: 

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Math Mazes (Multiplication and Division)

Solve these mazes by manipulating numbers using multiplication and division skills.

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Multiplication and Division Word Problem Task Cards (Facts 1-12)

Use a range of strategies ​​to solve multiplication and division problems for times tables facts 1-12.