Engage your 1st–4th grade students in this fun and meaningful Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit where they get to design their dream backyard! This two-hour activity integrates math, writing, and creative thinking while meeting key standards in addition and persuasive writing.

Students will explore real-world budgeting skills by visiting a pretend “Backyard Store,” choosing items, and calculating costs using single- and double-digit addition up to 100. Then, they’ll bring their vision to life through drawing and persuasive writing as they explain why their design is the best!

Perfect for math centers, early finisher work, enrichment, or end-of-year fun!

✅ What’s Included:

• Brainstorming Page – Organize ideas for nature, fun, and comfort features
  
• Backyard Store – Visual price list for designing within a $100 budget
  
• Budget Sheet – Practice adding multiple single and double-digit numbers up to 100
  
• Final Design Space – Draw and label a creative backyard blueprint
  
• Persuasive Writing Worksheet – Encourage opinion writing with sentence stems and structure
  

Standards Addressed:

• Math: Adding multiple single- and double-digit numbers within 100
  
• ELA: Opinion writing with reasons and supporting details
  
• 21st Century Skills: Critical thinking, creativity, and financial literacy
  

Why Teachers Love It:

• Cross-curricular connection between math and writing
  
• High engagement with real-world application
  
• Easy prep and print-and-go format
  
• Supports differentiation and student voice