12 Ways to Practice Writing Expressions in Math

If you’re a teacher you’ve probably had a student raise their hand and ask you, “When are we ever going to use this in real life?” I’m not going to lie, I’ve had this question asked before in math where I didn’t have a strong, concrete answer. But let me tell you, if a student asks you this question when they’re learning about writing expressions, you’re going to be ready to answer!

Writing expressions with variables is when you write an equation with a letter to represent an unknown number (CCSS 6.EE.B.6). The tricky part, and the real life application, is having to write the equation from words. I’ve come across problems before where I had to really think to make sure my answer was correct.

This skill connects to everyday life because lots of ACTUAL problems are solved by writing expressions with variables. Students have to understand math vocabulary to be successful, as well as understand how specific words affect the relationships between numbers.

The most important thing you can provide your students with is practice, and I’m here to give you a list to use. You’re a strong teacher and you know how to use your curriculum to teach your students. These different videos and activities are for you to use so every student in your class can become an expert expression writer!!

Activities:

• Writing Expressions Escape Room
• Writing Expressions from Verbal Descriptions Knockout Game
• Writing Expressions Maze
• Math Aids Worksheets: Easy, Medium, Hard
• Using Variables to Represent Numbers Maze
• Menu Math
• Writing Algebraic Expression Task Cards
• Mashup Math Video
• Math Vocabulary Words: Addition and Subtraction and Multiplication and Division
• Writing Algebraic Expressions Puzzle

Writing Expressions Escape Room

When I find a great resource, I try to keep it stored in a safe place so I can use it for more years, and this is one you’re going to want to save! The Writing Expressions Escape Room is designed for students to practice the skills you’ve taught them in a fun and creative way.

One of the reasons I love this escape room so much is because as you solve each puzzle, the problems become slightly more difficult. For example, if I have 15 out of 20 students raising their hands for help on the first decoder, I know I need to give my class more direct instruction. 

On the other hand, if there are three students struggling, I can pull them in a group and work with them. I’ve found that this activity gives me accurate data if I have students work on it independently. The three passcodes show me who needs more practice and who is ready for a challenge.

Writing Expressions from Verbal Descriptions Knockout Game

It takes a lot of concentration to understand what someone means from a verbal description, especially when it comes to math. The Writing Expressions from Verbal Descriptions Knockout Game is an engaging way for students to show you what they understand.

I’ve met very few 6th graders who don’t enjoy playing games in class. I like to mix things up when I play whole class games, like knockout games, with my students. Sometimes I’ll explain the prizes for the top three winners before we start, other times I’ll keep it a mystery. I keep my prizes simple: sticker, pencil, prize bin, extra points on assessment, homework pass, etc. The goal is to motivate your students without putting any extra work on your plate.

Writing Expressions Maze

Because these standards can be difficult, I try to provide my students with as many opportunities for math talk. This Writing Expressions Maze is a great way to incorporate math conversations into my classroom.

I usually like using mazes for an independent assignment, but I like using this one for partner work. Since the maze gives you a problem and then two options, I want my students to discuss which option is correct and why.

You can set the boundaries however you want, but here are two ideas. Give each pair a worksheet and white boards. Starting on the first square, each student will have to justify which answer they think is correct and why. I like having students write their explanations down because I can physically see what they’re thinking and no one’s response can be “I agree with you.”

Another option is to have students work through the maze together but alternate who picks an answer. This lets students really use math talk to justify their choice and it won’t take as much time as writing down their thoughts. If you can think of another way to use the maze with partners, try it out and let us know!

Math Aids Worksheets: Easy, Medium, Hard

Math-aids.com is often my saving grace in a last minute pinch because you can customize what’s on the worksheet AND it gives you an answer key. The only thing that could make it better was if it was free, oh wait, it is! I created three different worksheets that you can print off for your students.

The easy option has 10 problems with simple verbal descriptions of expressions. This would be a great resource to use for a pre-test or for students who need differentiation. The medium worksheet has 10 problems that become slightly more complex. The description has two operation words, so students really have to understand the vocabulary. The hard worksheet has 10 challenging problems for students who need to be pushed.

Using Variables to Represent Numbers Maze

While writing mathematical expressions from descriptions may seem straightforward, students need lots of chances to practice this skill. The Writing Expressions Mazes above focus on helping students translate math speak into mathematical expressions. But when students need more practice translating real-world situations into expressions, these 3 mazes give them the practice they need.

These mazes are simple to use in class- just print and go. Or, if you’re looking for a digital option there’s also the interactive mazes built in Google Slides where students just drag arrows to mark their path. My favorite way to use these mazes is as a bell-ringer warm-ups, but they’re great for partner practice and math stations too.

Menu Math

This four-part Menu Math worksheet is free available on Teachers Pay Teachers from Snippets from Sixth. Students write an expression with variables based on statements about people ordering fast food. The next page has the same instructions, but students also have to simplify the expression. The third page adds an additional step: find the grand total of the order. On the last page students are given an expression and they come up with their own description.

You could use these pages in a variety of ways and throughout your unit. I like the idea of using these pages for a Target Game review. If you’ve never played before, check out a previous post about how simple it is to use in your classroom. Simply use a few of the questions you like from this activity and you have a fun and new game for your students!

Writing Algebraic Expression Task Cards

I found another FREE resource on Teachers Pay Teachers that could easily be combined with the Menu Math. This set of Writing Algebraic Expression Task Cards from Raise the Rigor has 12 real life situations. There are a variety of ways to use task cards in the classroom so I’ll just give you a couple of ideas!

These task cards are another fantastic resource to use for a Target Game review. Display the cards on your for everyone to see and add another round to the competition. Or you could use these cards for a game of Pick a Card. This game can be used for a review without taking lots of class time and you have very little to prep. 

If you’re fortunate enough to have an aide or another teacher in your room, you can split your class in half and play both games. I’ve found that when students work individually in smaller groups, I can help them catch and fix their mistakes they keep making. However you choose to use these task cards, I know your students will become more confident in their own abilities.

Mashup Math Video

Mashup Math has a 3-minute video that walks students through a writing algebraic expression problem. As always, having questions to answer with a video is going to help your students pay attention and get what they need from the clip.

• What is this question asking us to do?
• What is the first part of the expression he wrote? What told him to write that?
• What did he do to answer the second part of the question?

After watching the video and discussing the questions, I like to write steps on the board for my students to refer to while they practice. Here are some questions you can use to guide that conversation:

• What was the first thing he did in the video?
• How did he know what to write in the first part of the equation?
• How did he know what to write in the second part of the equation?
• What did you notice about how he approached this problem?

Math Vocabulary Words: Addition and Subtraction and Multiplication and Division

Mashup Math also has two more videos that I’m keeping in my toolkit, so of course I wanted to share them with you! The Addition and Subtraction clip is 3 minutes long and starts by explaining how these operations are related. Then it goes over words and phrases that are associated with addition and subtraction. Here are some questions for your students:

• Describe the relationship between addition and subtraction.
• What are some words or phrases that mean “add”?
• Can you think of 3 more?
• What are some words or phrases that mean “subtract”?
• Can you think of 3 more?

When it comes to word problems, I try to give my students as many resources to help them be successful. I love that there’s a video that specifically talks about words and phrases related to addition and subtraction. After watching this clip, I recommend making an anchor chart for words and phrases for each operation. Leave those up in your classroom for the next few weeks as your students continue practicing.

The Multiplication and Division video is very similar, but I have some different questions for you to use:

• Describe the relationship between multiplication and division without using the word opposite.
• What are some words or phrases that mean “multiplication”?
• Can you think of 3 more?
• What are some words or phrases that mean “division”?
• Can you think of 3 more?

After you’ve discussed this set of questions, repeat the same process to make two more anchor charts for words and phrases. If you don’t have the wall space, make a version that can be copied and passed out to each student.

Writing Algebraic Expressions Puzzle

My final activity for you is a Writing Algebraic Expressions Puzzle from Teachers Pay Teachers. Lisa Davenport has this FREE resource in her store, and it was a great find. This 21-piece puzzle gives students a chance to think differently as they match algebraic expressions to phrases. The activity comes with two pages to print and cut, a recording sheet, and answer key.

Once the triangles are cut out, students have to match the expression to the written description. The expression should be written on the answer sheet with the corresponding question number. This helps keep students organized and accountable, and helps you easily check their work. The final puzzle creates a large diamond.

I think this would be a fun puzzle for stations or students who finish their assignments early. To limit cutting time and printed papers, this game can also be used in a relay. Split the class into a few groups, two to five, and give each team all the needed materials. One student from each team goes up to solve any problem, writes it on the answer sheet, and then places the two pieces together. Then the next student goes up and the same steps are repeated. You can’t go wrong with a relay game with 6th graders!

We Write in Math?!

I hope you’ve thought of some great ideas to implement in your class the next time you teach writing expressions with variables. It takes a village to help kids learn and grow, and you’re a big part of that team. Our goal is to support you as you continue teaching and sharing your love of learning with your students. We’d love to hear which resources inspired you and how they were used in your classroom!