Are you implementing a thinking mathematics classroom, as described in the “Building Thinking Classrooms” book? This packet has all you need to get your students thinking deeply about one-step equations, including thin-sliced problems on task cards, a two-page Check Your Understanding (CYU) worksheet with mild, medium, spicy and en fuego problems to ensure a low-floor/high-ceiling where there’s an entry point for every learner, plus notes and a Find the Mistake/Fix the Mistake worksheet.

Start off with the fun, interactive PowerPoint slideshow “Guess My Number,” inspired by the Building Thinking Classrooms book. Students will pick up quickly on what single-variable equations are and why using inverse operations is an easy, intuitive and accurate way of solving them.

Then, put students in random groups and have them work on the thin-sliced task cards at VNPSes. The problems start out “mild” and gradually get more difficult, so every student can experience some level of success, and your advanced learners will be challenged when they reach the “en fuego” cards, which integrate other standards such as rational numbers and integers.

When consolidating your lesson, there’s an included notes page with a fill in the blank section, an example and space for students to make notes to their future forgetful selves. To go along with it, there’s a Find the Mistake/Fix the Mistake worksheet including instructions and a worked example students need to correct.

Lastly, let them check their understanding with the two-page CYU worksheet (made to be printed on one page front and back). It includes problems at all four levels (mild, medium, spicy and en fuego) to challenge all learners.

Answer keys are included for all materials.