The first week of school for Algebra 1 sets the stage for the entire academic year, laying the groundwork for success and engagement. It’s crucial to plan activities that not only review essential skills but also foster a positive and collaborative learning environment. Keep reading to get 9 low prep lesson ideas for the first week of Algebra 1!
Looking for a no-prep multi step equations digital activity for your Algebra 1 class? This self-checking mystery picture puzzle is sure to keep your students engaged during the first week of school!
Your students will solve 16 questions including multi step equations, combining like terms, distributive property, and variables on both sides. When a student solves each problem correctly, pieces of the mystery picture will appear!
Order of Operations Review Maze
I love reviewing the order of operations on the first day of Algebra 1! It builds confidence with my students and gives me so much insight into each student’s math skills.
This digital or printable maze for order of operations is a great alternative to a standard worksheet and easy to assess once completed. Your students will simplify expressions with grouping symbols, exponents, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The digital version of this activity is completely self-checking making it different from a typical maze activity. There are not multiple choice options listed for students to choose from and follow. Instead, if the students answer the problem correctly, the path will light up green to show what question they need to answer next. If they are incorrect, the maze will stay blank.
One Step Equations Review Worksheet
Looking for a first week of school lesson plan for reviewing one step equations? This set of print and go notes and worksheets (with answer keys) will take the guesswork out of planning!
The notes are complete with vocabulary review and guided practice problems and the practice worksheet has 16 problems for students to complete independently or with a classmate.
Your students will solve one step equations addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Problems with negatives and fractions are also included.
One and Two Step Equations Color by Number
Ease your students back into the school year with a fun summer themed one and two step equations worksheet! Your students will solve 10 questions that include solving one and two step equations with combining like terms and the distributive property. Once they solve a problem, they will match their solution with the color in the answer box to complete the color by number worksheet!
Combining Like Terms Whiteboard Activity
Increase student engagement with this combining like terms and distributive property activity using individual whiteboards! This no-prep activity includes teacher directions, 12 questions, lesson slides, and a printable worksheet. The printable version can be used with the slides if you don’t have a classroom set of individual whiteboards.
*Note: You can make a ‘whiteboard’ using any piece of paper and sheet protectors!*
How this lesson plan works:
- Review like terms (if necessary).
- Present each question on the board. Your students will solve the problem, then lift their whiteboard for immediate feedback.
- Float around the room to check in with students and quickly see what they do and don’t understand.
- Animated slides reveal each answer before moving on to the next question
One Step Equations Maze
This digital or printable maze helps students review one-step equations with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. This activity includes 13 questions, a printable worksheet, a self-checking Google Sheet, and an answer key.
Students start this activity by solving the first problem. Once the problem is complete, they will shade in the correct answer on the maze and move to the next problem based on their previous answer. Students should follow the maze until they make it to the finish line.
This activity is perfect for reviewing equations during the first week of school!
Equations Exit Tickets
This set of 20 ready-to-go math writing prompts are great for encouraging your students to think critically and explain their thinking. Your students will solve multi step equations and equations with variables on both sides.
You can use these exit tickets for gallery walks, group discussions, problem solving stations, or math journals. There are a variety of questions that include real world applications, error analysis, compare and contrast, which doesn’t belong, reflective journal prompts, and so much more!
Equations Word Problems Task Cards
These fall themed word problem task cards for solving equations are a perfect way to start out the year! Get your students thinking outside the box with these realistic and relatable real world applications. This set includes a mix of multi-step equations and equations with variables on both sides.
Equations with Variables on Both Sides Notes
Are you looking for a different way for your students to take notes in your classroom? This set of solving equations with variables on both sides notes and practice worksheets create the perfect no-prep Algebra 1 lesson plan!
The guided notes offer critical thinking questions for whole class discussions. The example problems introduce equations with variables on both sides and types of solutions of one variable equations. You can use these notes for one full class period or split them up to practice the different types of problems on separate days.
The practice worksheets include 16 problems of varying difficulty and an answer key to make assessing your students a breeze!
Equations Real World Application
Forget the stress of finding ways to differentiate in your math classroom! This real world math activity will challenge and engage your students in solving multi step equations word problems. There are two differentiated versions of this word problems worksheet.
Level 1 has scaffolded verbal models to prompt your students through writing equations from word problems. Once the students have written the equations, they are asked to make predictions and defend their solutions. Level 2 requires your students to think critically and problem solve independently.
What is the scenario?
Jenny has recently decided to join a gym to get in share for the upcoming sports season. Like most young adults, she is short on time and money. The table below shows the prices of the two gyms that she is considering.
From this scenario, the students will write and solve various equations based on the cost and time constraints she has given.
Final Thoughts on These Algebra 1 Activities for the First Week of School:
I’ve found that at the high school level, it’s important to have a combination of get to know you activities and math related activities to ease into the new school year. This list of math activities gives you a lot of variety to choose from when planning your first week of Algebra 1!