Engaging Activities for Your Upper Elementary Math and Reading Classes with SEL Components

I’m thrilled to share some creative and engaging activities you can use in your math and reading classes. As a teacher coach, I understand the challenges of keeping students motivated and excited about learning. Here are five fun project-based learning activities that will not only enhance your students' understanding but also keep them actively engaged. Each activity also includes a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) component to help develop your students' emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

1. Math Mystery: The Case of the Missing Numbers

Transform your classroom into a detective agency! Create a mystery that students need to solve using their math skills. For example, present a scenario where someone has stolen a set of numbers and the students must use clues (math problems) to find them. Each clue leads to another math problem, incorporating addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This activity encourages critical thinking and teamwork.

SEL Component: After solving the mystery, have a class discussion on the importance of teamwork and communication. Ask students to share how they contributed to solving the mystery and what they learned about working together.

2. Reading Café

Set up a “Reading Café” where students can “order” books from a menu. Each book on the menu is paired with a fun activity, such as creating a comic strip of a chapter, writing a diary entry from a character’s perspective, or acting out a scene. This transforms reading time into an interactive and immersive experience. Encourage students to share their “orders” with the class to promote discussion and a love for reading.

SEL Component: Incorporate a “book talk” session where students discuss how the characters in their books handle different emotions and challenges. This helps students develop empathy and perspective-taking skills.

3. Math Market

Create a classroom market where students use play money to buy and sell items. Assign different roles such as shopkeeper, cashier, and customer. This real-world simulation helps students practice counting money, making change, and understanding the value of goods. It’s a practical way to teach financial literacy and basic arithmetic in a fun and engaging way.

SEL Component: Include a reflection session where students discuss the feelings involved in handling money, making decisions, and negotiating prices. This can help students develop self-awareness and responsible decision-making skills.

4. Book Trailers

Encourage your students to create book trailers for their favorite books. They can work in groups to write scripts, design storyboards, and film short trailers using tablets or smartphones. This activity combines reading comprehension with technology and creativity. Afterward, hold a “Book Trailer Premiere” where students can present their trailers to the class. This not only boosts their excitement for reading but also enhances their presentation skills.

SEL Component: Focus on collaboration and communication skills by having students reflect on their group work experience. Ask them to share what went well, what challenges they faced, and how they resolved conflicts during the project.

5. Math Art Gallery

Integrate art with math by having students create art pieces based on geometric shapes, patterns, and symmetry. Students can create tessellations, fractals, or even 3D models. Host a Math Art Gallery walk where students display their artwork and explain the math concepts behind their creations. This cross-curricular activity fosters creativity and a deeper understanding of geometric principles.

SEL Component: Encourage students to give positive feedback to their peers during the gallery walk. Discuss the importance of appreciating others' work and how constructive feedback can help us grow. This promotes a positive classroom environment and builds self-esteem.

I hope these activities inspire you to bring creativity, engagement, and social-emotional learning into your math and reading classes. Remember, the goal is to make learning fun and meaningful for your students. Happy teaching!

Warm regards,

Tiffany Reed

Impactful EDvantage Consulting Firm, Senior Consultant