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Winter Math Crafts: Combining Creativity and Math Understanding

 We all want our classrooms to be a welcoming space, and crafts are the perfect way to help with that! Many young students love getting to express their creativity through arts and crats. But creating crafts in the classroom doesn’t just have to be a cute activity. Crafts also a unique way for students to show what they have learned in math in a hands-on way. Plus, students get to feel pride in their work by having it displayed in the classroom. Finally, crafts can make abstract math concepts, such as fractions feel more accessible for all learners.

Winter crafts are perfect to use during the winter months, bringing warmth and cheer to the chilly season. Incorporating winter crafts in the classroom can be a wonderful way to engage students during the colder months. As the weather turns chilly, bringing creative activities into the learning environment not only brightens the atmosphere but also fosters a sense of community and excitement among students.

Below are three winter themed math crafts that encourage creativity while practicing important math concepts.

Subtraction Snowman (2-Digit and 3-Digit) 

Whether you live in snowy Colorado or sunny Florida, chances are most of your students would probably love to build a snowman! This snowman craft allows your students to build their own snowmen while practicing the essential math skill of subtraction. This subtraction craft focuses on building students’ conceptual understanding of subtraction as well as their problem-solving skills. For this craft, you have the option to give your students one of the already written subtraction problems, or you can have your students write their own problems. These problems can range from those that do not require regrouping to more challenging regrouping problems for those ready for a bit more complexity. Your students will then solve their subtraction problem using their own chosen strategy, then draw a subtraction model before decorating their snowman with the provided hat options. Once completed, these charming snowmen can be displayed around the classroom, adding a festive touch and showcasing the students' hard work and mathematical thinking. It's a delightful way to bring winter joy into learning while providing a sense of accomplishment and pride in their mathematical achievements. Check out the 2-Digit version here and the 3-Digit version here!

Standards:

CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.5
Fluently add and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction.

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.2
Fluently add and subtract within 1000 using strategies and algorithms based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction.

Hot Chocolate Fractions 

January is here, and you know what that means—many 3rd graders are jumping into the fun world of fractions! Understanding fractions is crucial for students as they lay the groundwork for more advanced math concepts in the upcoming grades, such as adding fractions, multiplying fractions, decimals, and ratios. This creative hot chocolate craft is a great way for your students to enjoy themselves while practicing essential fraction basics such as identifying fractions and drawing fraction models. First, they'll choose from five super cute mug designs to decorate. Then, it’s time for your students to add some sweetness and decide how many of each of the three fun marshmallow shapes to add to their hot chocolate. Once their marshmallow creations are ready, they’ll use those deliciously fluffy treats to solve fraction problems! It’s like a cozy winter wonderland chocolatey cup of fraction learning right in your classroom! Check out this fun craft on TPT!

Standards Practiced: CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.1
Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.

Place Value Penguin 

Understanding place value is a crucial skill that helps students grasp various math concepts, such as adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers, adding and subtracting decimals, and rounding. The Place Value Penguin craft offers a fun and interactive way for students to practice these concepts. In this activity, students can choose from a selection of penguin templates to decorate. They will receive a scarf that features a number, which can range from two-digit numbers to those in the ten-thousands, or they can pick a blank scarf to write their own number. Next, students will represent their chosen number in three different ways: word form, expanded form, and picture form. After assembling their penguins, they can select from various hats to complete their creations. This hands-on craft not only reinforces students' understanding of how numbers are formed but also helps them visualize the significance of each digit's place in a number. With the Place Value Penguin craft, students will enjoy learning about numbers in a fun and meaningful way. Check out this enjoyable craft on TPT!

Standards Practiced:

CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.3
Read and write numbers to 1000 using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form.

CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.2
Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form. Compare two multi-digit numbers based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.

How to Use These Crafts

The awesome thing about these crafts is there is a wide variety of ways these crafts could be used. Below is just a small list of the many ways you could incorporate the crafts into your classroom.

  • as a follow-up activity following a lesson
  • as a center activity
  • for individual practice
  • as a winter-themed assessment
  • for a classroom display

As a teacher, you know that every minute in your classroom is valuable. That’s why these crafts are such a great choice for busy teachers who want fun, ready-to-use activities that meet the needs of all their students. Just picture the excitement in your classroom as students jump into hands-on math crafts that spark their creativity and make learning even more enjoyable. These crafts aren’t just time-savers; they fit right into your math curriculum while giving students a chance to express themselves and build critical thinking skills. They help you create a classroom where every student feels included and empowered, where their unique talents shine, and where learning is a fun adventure. By adding these crafts to your teaching toolkit, you’re not only enhancing your students' educational journey but also showing your dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. So, let’s embrace the joy of crafting and turn our math classrooms into lively hubs of creativity and learning!

Thanks so much for checking out this blog post and diving into the amazing world of math, creativity and winter crafts! As you help your students create and explore, I’d love for you to share their fantastic projects and experiences with the crafts shared today. Sharing not only celebrates their hard work but also inspires others to jump into this fun journey of discovery and expression. Please leave a comment below or send me an email at teachingmathwithmrs.t@gmail.com! I can’t wait to see the wonderful creations that emerge from your classrooms!

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