Teaching the order of operations in 5th grade can be a bit of a challenge. I remember the first time I introduced this concept to my class. The blank stares and furrowed brows were almost comical—until I realized that many of them were genuinely confused. It’s not that they couldn’t do the math; it’s that the rules of the order of operations seemed arbitrary to them. Why should they multiply before they add? Why do parentheses suddenly make things different?
With the right tools and strategies, your students will be solving those tricky math problems using their math skills in no time! Here are eight tips and ideas to make your math lessons engaging, effective, and fun – including several order of operations games!
Order of Operations in 5th Grade: Start with the Basics – Visual Models
Begin your order of operations unit by introducing visual models to your students. Use parentheses, brackets, and braces in numerical expressions to help students visualize how the order of operations works. This is a great way to build their foundational understanding before diving into more complex problems. In my classroom, I use colored sticky notes for this approach. I color code parentheses one color, exponents a 2nd color, multiplication/division a 3rd color, and addition/subtraction a 4th color. This approach helps students see the structure of math expressions and the correct order of operations.
Order of Operations in 5th Grade: Incorporate a Fun Game
Who doesn’t love a good game? Introducing a fun game that reinforces order of operations skills is a great way to engage your students. I made the Order of Operations Game to get my students engaged in a game to learn these skills. Your 5th grade students will LOVE practicing or reviewing PEMDAS and order of operations with this hands-on and engaging math board game. Use this as a math center, practice after a whole group lesson, small group math center, or a teacher table game! This game challenges students to solve math problems correctly by following the order of operations while keeping them entertained with a game board format.
Order of Operations in 5th Grade: Use Leveled Math Stations
Differentiating your instruction is key, especially when dealing with complex topics like the order of operations. Consider setting up leveled math stations that cater to different ability levels in your classroom. The Order of Operations Leveled Problems resource is fantastic for this purpose. It offers different sets of problems, allowing students to work at their own pace and level. This is a great way to ensure that all students can build their order of operations skills, whether they’re just starting out or need a challenge. Your small groups will be so successful with this differentiated resource!
Order of Operations in 5th Grade: Dance It Out!
Most 5th graders love to dance, even when they say it’s cringey and they don’t like it. There is a fun PEMDAS dance I show my kids, and several of them take the time on their own to learn it! I use it as a brain break during the unit, because even if my kids aren’t dancing, they are hearing the excitement and they do pay attention to the moves. The dance is a great way to reinforce the order of operations.
Order of Operations in 5th Grade: Practice with Word Problems
Word problems are a great way to help students apply their knowledge of the order of operations in real-world scenarios. Create or find word problems that require students to write and solve numerical expressions using the correct order of operations. This helps them see the practical application of what they’re learning and prepares them for more complex math problems in middle school.
For example: Emma is planning a party and needs to buy supplies. She wants to buy 3 packs of balloons, each costing $4, and 2 packs of streamers, each costing $3. She also wants to get a cake that costs $20. However, she has a coupon that gives her a $5 discount on the total cost. How much will Emma spend on the party supplies after applying the discount?
Order of Operations in 5th Grade: Introduce Another Order of Operations Game
Games specifically designed to practice order of operations can make math review fun and effective. Check out this PEMDAS Practice Game that’s perfect for both 5th and 6th grade students. It’s an interactive math lesson that reinforces correct operation skills while keeping students engaged. Plus, it’s a great way to prepare them for upcoming tests or assessments.
Order of Operations in 5th Grade: Create a Hands-On Activity
Nothing beats a hands-on activity for solidifying new math concepts. Try having your students build their own math expressions using manipulatives like number tiles, dice, or even playing cards. Once they’ve built their expressions, challenge them to solve them using the correct order of operations. This type of activity not only reinforces the concept but also makes learning tactile and fun.
Order of Operations in 5th Grade: Review and Reinforce with Practice Games
After your students have a good grasp on the order of operations, it’s important to review and reinforce their skills. The PEMDAS Practice Activity offers a fun game format that’s perfect for review sessions or math centers. It’s a great way to ensure that your students are ready for more advanced math problems and have the confidence to tackle numerical expressions with ease.
Teaching order of operations in 5th grade doesn’t have to be daunting. By incorporating games, hands-on activities, and differentiated resources, you can make learning this important math skill engaging and accessible for all your students. Whether you’re using visual models, leveled stations, or fun games, these tips will help your students master the order of operations and build a solid foundation for their future math success!
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