Overwhelmed on how to launch an exciting math block remotely? This editable PowerPoint slide deck provides everything you need to: check in with your students, provide exciting math puzzles, encourage groups to solve problems together and communicate their ideas, allow individuals and groups to reflect, and a way for you to show them next steps. Every day for a full week is ready for you!

So for the price of $4, I am saving you hours of time gathering and preparing this slideshow. You literally should spend no more than 15-30 minutes, reviewing my tips and adapting it for your use.

How can I use this for Distance Learning?

1. You open this file. Read through all the tips and notes on most of the slides. Make any changes and adaptions you need for this class. Make a copy of it (because students will edit it during the group work, so you will want to keep an original). The slide show is set up for 24 students, but you can copy/delete to match your class size.
2. Create a Shared Link to this file, that allows all recipients to be able to Edit it.
3. Open your Zoom session for your whole class. Share the link to the file with your students.
4. Everyone is able to see and edit the slide show together, so you don’t need to share your screen.
5. Click through each of the first sections of slides: Check In and Mini Lesson. Check In is a quick temperature check to see how students are feeling. They drag their name or a star to the appropriate emoji, chart space, or along a number line. Mini Lesson starts with a quick review. The slides are provided for you to lead a discussion with your whole class. Then you pose the discussion or puzzle for small groups, again the slide/topic is provided.
6. Create Zoom breakout rooms, where students work together on the shared slide show.
7. After the group work, you will lead Group Discussions, a Group Summary, and Reflections, and explain What’s Next (a slide for you to provide links to games, videos, or the schedule, etc.)

I will create 3 more weeks of Math Block Kickoffs, so keep an eye out for a future bundle.

In general, this is the topic for each day:

Day 1 – Patterns

Day 2 – Money (US Money)

Day 3 – Time

Day 4 – Fractions

Day 5 – Game (a good thing to do on a Friday)

Does this really work for grades 3-5?

Yes, the questions work for grades 3-5, as they are more problem solving and creative thinking, though probably the third graders will take a bit longer.

Note: You will need to be familiar with Zoom: breakout rooms, mute all (I wish we had this feature in the physical classroom). You also need to be able to share a slide show so that everyone who has the link can EDIT the slide show together at the same time, using Google or MS Teams.

What is included?

1 editable PowerPoint (.pptx format) with over 110 slides

Is this available in a bundle?

Yes, it will soon be a part of a 5 week bundle. But here is a link to the Math Kickoffs.

How do I connect with Evil Math Wizard?

Be sure to follow my TPT store to receive notifications of new products and upcoming sales. New products are always 50% for the first 24 hours, so it pays to follow my store. To save more money, please leave feedback to earn TPT credits. Also visit my blog for K-5 math tips and freebies you can use tomorrow in your classroom. You can also find me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Other questions or requests?

If you have any requests or questions, please contact me through the "Product Q & A " tab below or email me at Deirdre@evilmathwizard.com.