Practice Writing Numerical Expressions

A numerical expression is a combination of letters and numbers used with one or more of the four operations. As students enter 5th and 6th grade, they learn to numerically represent written descriptions with variables. Teach Starter has created a set of interactive slides that will keep your students learning and engaged at the same time.

Students follow the directions on the slides and use the seek and find on the final slide to complete tasks. Tasks include completing a table, coloring a mystery image, completing a mystery phrase, error analysis, and more.

This activity aims to practice writing numerical expressions from descriptions using a letter for the unknown quantity, paying close attention to detail, and solving numerical expressions.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this activity to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, we have a few suggestions for keeping students on track with these concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

For students who need additional support, provide the use of a calculator or multiplication chart to help with basic math facts. Additionally, this activity can be completed in a small group or in a 1-on-1 setting.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Ask students to create their own matching activity to trade with a partner. Adjust the numbers in the slides to make the calculations more challenging.

Plan lessons for all ability levels with our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the Download button to access this resource’s interactive Google Slides version. An answer key is also provided.

Assign this interactive activity in Google Classroom. Please be sure to open in Edit mode, not presentation mode. Students will drag and drop, draw lines, color, and type in text responses to complete the activities.

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a teacher in Texas and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

While you’re here, check out more activities and teaching resources that fill your lesson plans and students’ brains:

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