Help students master factoring expressions and applying the distributive property with this structured, movement-based matching activity paired with focused written practice.

Students strengthen their understanding of how expressions are built and simplified while working with positive and negative numbers, multiple operations, and exponents.

Perfect for stations, small groups, RTI, whole-class review, or sub plans.

⭐ Save 20% when you grab the full Match the Math Algebra Skills Bundle here.

What’s Included

Matching Card Activity

• 5 pages of activity cards
  
• 20 complete matching sets
  
• Students match:
  • Factored form
    
  • Expanded form

• Includes expressions with:
  • Positive and negative numbers
    
  • Multiple operations
    
  • Exponents
    

Students can:

• Work in partner pair-ups
  
• Complete as a small-group card sort
  
• Rotate through stations
  
• Use independently for review
  

The hands-on format promotes discussion about structure, equivalence, and simplification.

Practice Worksheets

• 5 worksheets focused on:
  • Factoring expressions
    
  • Applying the distributive property
    
  • Simplifying expressions

• Includes multi-step practice using operations and exponents
  

Great for:

• Independent work
  
• Homework
  
• Review and test prep
  
• Reteach sessions
  
• Classroom observations
  

Why Teachers Love It

✔ Low prep — print and use
✔ Reinforces conceptual and procedural understanding
✔ Encourages student reasoning and math talk
✔ Flexible for whole group, small group, or independent practice
✔ Ideal for Grades 6–8 and pre-algebra

If you’re building a structured algebra toolkit, this activity fits seamlessly into units on expressions and equivalence.

Be sure to explore the full Match the Math series for additional middle school skill-based matching activities designed with the same consistent format.

🚀Teach. Assess. Intervene. Track

Everything you need to support student growth in a standards-aligned system.

Teach.

enVision Resources for Grade 6

Assess: Quick CFAs aligned to Essential Standards

Grades 3-6 CFA Mini Assessments tied to Essential Standards

Intervene: Targeted Math Intervention Lab RTI Packs for small group instruction

The Growing RTI Bundle

Track Growth and Proficiency:

Math K-8 Essential Standards Data Tracker

About the Author

Created by a career mathematics educator with over 20 years of classroom experience, including roles as a Grade 6 math teacher, math coach, interventionist, and university adjunct professor. All materials are classroom-tested and designed to support clear instructional decisions and effective student learning.