MASTERING MATH: SELF-CHECKING ACTIVITIES FOR EFFECTIVE REVIEW

Hey there, mathtastic educators! I'm always on the lookout for fresh ways to support you all, and guess what? Your input has sparked some fantastic ideas that I'm super excited to share. I ran a giveaway over at the Algebra and Beyond Community  where I threw in a survey to pick your brains. Turns out, there is a need for review activities that your students can work on independently, giving the ability to check answers quickly.

​Now, here's the interesting part: while the digital world is overflowing with self-check options, I noticed a gap in the PRINTABLE department. So, I put on my thinking cap, did a bit of brainstorming, and voila! I've come up with a resource that not only serves as a rock-solid review but is also self-checking. The best part? You're getting not one, not two, but THREE resources in one! Yup, handouts for individual, partner, or groups of three, each with different problems but those golden matching answers! Ready to dive in and make review a breeze? Let's do this!

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Above are the results from the teacher survey. I've included the Top 5 requested resources by teachers. Other resources needed, but not listed above, include graphic organizers, assessments, guided notes, lessons, homework, and instructional videos.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THESE ACTIVITIES?

These user-friendly, printable resources are designed to promote independent learning and reinforce essential math skills. They are the perfect addition to your math toolkit, ensuring that your classroom remains dynamic and adaptable to individual learning needs.
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THREE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:

1. Self-Check: Students work independently and self-check by confirming both answers in each row are the same.
2. Partner Check: Students pair up and partner check by confirming their answers for each problem number are the same.
3. Triple Check: Students work in groups of three and triple check by confirming their answers for each problem number are the same.

Included with each activity are the corresponding answers. Each activity features different math problems, guaranteeing you can make the most out of each one.

​Let's explore the versatility of these review activities and how you can seamlessly incorporate them into your classroom:

• Self-Check: in-class assignment, homework, assessment, or part of a review packet
• Partner & Triple Check: in-class practice, a way to group students, a formative assessment, or for early finishers

Suitable for both in-class and homework assignments, these self-check activities can be used in various ways. They’re perfect for reinforcing lessons, test preparation, or extra practice.

WHY ARE THESE ACTIVITIES HELPFUL?

Instant Feedback: Each activity includes self-check mechanisms, allowing students to instantly assess their understanding and correct mistakes. This promotes a growth mindset by encouraging active learning and independent problem-solving.

Print-and-Go Convenience: With printable PDF format, you can easily print as many copies as needed. Simply download, print, and distribute.

Promotes Independence: These activities encourage students to take charge of their learning process. By checking their own work, students become more independent learners, encouraging a sense of responsibility.

Encourages Critical Thinking & Reflection: Self-checking activities often involve problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and reflective learning. Students are not just calculating answers but also evaluating the correctness of their solutions, promoting a deeper understanding of mathematical principles.

Flexible Learning Pace: Students can progress at their own pace with self-checking activities. Those who grasp concepts quickly can move ahead, while others may take more time to review and reinforce their understanding without feeling rushed.

Reduces Teacher Workload: With self-checking activities, teachers can focus more on guiding students and addressing individual needs rather than spending excessive time on grading. This can be especially beneficial in classrooms with limited time and resources.

​Long-Term Retention: The combination of immediate feedback, independence, and engagement contributes to better retention of mathematical concepts. Students are more likely to remember and apply what they've learned when they actively participate in the self-checking process.

DO STUDENTS ENJOY THESE ACTIVITIES?

Here are some reviews I've received about these activities: 

Wow! My students were so engaged. Each wanted to be the first to get them all right. I love the way they excitedly continued to the end, celebrating each success with fist pumps and "I rocked this!" Thanks for a great resource.- Jeana H.
 
I used this to keep students focused while I pulled some for small group instruction. The fact that they could check themselves without interrupting my small group made everything run smoothly. Thanks for a great resource! – Anissa F.
 
This was a great resource for my students to practice their skills of systems of equations. Students loved how they could work at their own pace and self-check!
– Ms. Novak in the Middle
 
This was a great way to provide some review of what my students learned in 5th grade. They loved working together to get the correct answers. It's much more engaging than working on their own. – Christine N.

I really enjoyed using this activity with my students. I like for them to work in partners to practice the skills we learn, but I find that sometimes one person does all the work while the other just copies/listens to the other. This activity was a great way for both people to be actively engaged in the process of practicing skills. I also like the option for having three people in a group or the option of having students work independently with the same setup! I will definitely be looking into other skills with this same Self-Checking Options. – Danielle O.

Can’t wait to get your hands on the Self-Check Activities?! No problem, I have one waiting for you for FREE!!!

If you are NEW to Algebra and Beyond, CLICK on the image below to sign up and receive the activity. If you are already part of the Algebra and Beyond Community, click HERE and use the member password to access the free resource library that includes this activity.

Are you already convinced that your students will LOVE this activity?! Awesome!!! I've created these activities for Grades 6, 7, 8, and Algebra 1. You can find ALL the Self-Check Activities HERE.