Candy Cane Math Thinking Tasks

Looking for a fun, low-prep holiday math activity that still builds deep thinking?

This resource includes Candy Cane–themed math problem-solving slides designed to get students reasoning, discussing, and explaining their thinking.

These open-ended tasks encourage multiple strategies and representations, making them perfect for math talks, centers, small groups, or whole-class discussion during the winter season.

What’s Included

• 8 projectable math thinking task slides ( 5 tasks, 3 with extensions)
  
• Festive candy cane theme
  
• Open-ended problems with multiple solution paths
  
• Ready to use—no prep required
  

Skills Supported

• Reasoning & justification
  
• Patterns & relationships
  
• Equal groups & sharing
  
• Problem solving with numbers
  

Perfect For

• Holiday math lessons
  
• Building Thinking Classrooms–style instruction
  
• Math talks & discussion-based learning
  

Format

• PDF (projectable slides)