Themed Daily Math Warmups: Incorporating the Standards of Mathematical Practice Every Class
- Adri Westlake
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 25
The Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMPs) are designed to be fundamental habits of mind that students develop from kindergarten through twelfth grade. However, many educators find it challenging to integrate the SMPs into their daily instruction (Courtney & Caniglia, 2021).
One of the most effective ways to embed these standards into daily instruction is through structured, engaging warm-ups. Establishing predictable classroom routines benefits all students, especially middle schoolers, who thrive on consistency while also craving novelty (Del Giacco et al., 2022). A well-designed warm-up routine satisfies both needs—providing a familiar start to class while incorporating fresh, thought-provoking tasks that spark curiosity.
Over the years, I have implemented themed daily warm-ups across middle school grade levels, including for multilingual learners and special education students. These quick, non-curricular, low-floor, high-ceiling activities immediately engage students, setting a positive tone for the class while reinforcing key mathematical practices.
Well-designed math warmups balance routine and novelty.
Monday Mix: Visual Puzzles for Deeper Thinking
Why it works: Visual representations of equations provide accessible yet challenging entry points into mathematical reasoning. One of my favorites is Emoji Math from Mash-Up Math, which offers engaging, scaffolded puzzles for various grade levels. Another great resource is Solvemoji, featuring daily puzzles with increasing levels of difficulty.
SMPs Addressed: 1, 2, 6, and 7.
Student Perspective: “They’re fun and interactive.” – Y.I.
Estimation Tuesday: Building Number Sense & Statistical Thinking
Why it works: Estimation tasks improve number sense and boost mathematical confidence (Er et al., 2022). Using Andrew Stadel’s Estimation180, students develop a stronger grasp of estimation strategies while consistently interacting with mean, median, mode, and range. Steve Wybourney’s Esti-Mysteries add an element of intrigue, guiding students through estimation tasks followed by progressive mathematical clues.
Classroom Tip: Have students create their own Esti-Mysteries—this deepens understanding and fosters engagement (and is great activity for half-days).
SMPs Addressed: 1 and 4.
Student Perspective: “It’s really fun to compete with my peers.” – L.E.
WODB Wednesday: Cultivating Mathematical Arguments
Why it works: Which One Doesn’t Belong? (WODB) tasks encourage students to analyze, justify, and debate their reasoning. Students evaluate four images—whether graphs, numbers, shapes, or equations—and argue which one doesn’t belong. Using a four corners strategy, students physically move to the corner representing their choice, then defend their reasoning using precise mathematical language.
Classroom Tip: Have students write their reasoning first to avoid “herd mentality.”
SMPs Addressed: 3 and 6.
Student Perspective: “Everyone can participate.” – S.D.
Thoughtful Thursday: Deepening Mathematical Connections
Why it works: Thought-provoking problems encourage students to explore mathematics conceptually. I frequently use Robert Kaplinsky’s Open Middle problems or NCTM’s Problems to Ponder, which challenge students to connect prior knowledge to new concepts. Open-ended discussions often arise, sparking rich mathematical debate.
SMPs Addressed: 1, 2, and 7.
Student Perspective: “These problems help me think outside the box.” – E.B.
Fraction Friday: Enhancing Fraction Fluency
Why it works: Fractions are a well-documented pain point for middle schoolers. Using visuals from FractionTalks.com, students develop multiple methods for determining fractional parts, fostering conceptual understanding and reasoning skills. Students often use rulers and straightedges for precision, reinforcing spatial reasoning.
SMPs Addressed: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8.
Student Perspective: “They’re interesting.” – L.K.
Expanding the Possibilities
These math warmups are just a starting point! Other effective routines include:
Wordy Wednesday (word problems from state assessments)
Throwback Thursday (spiral review of past concepts)
Fix-It Friday (error analysis and correction)
Final Thoughts
By embedding purposeful daily warm-ups, students consistently engage with the Standards of Mathematical Practice in a fun, low-pressure environment. These routines build confidence, deepen understanding, and develop critical mathematical habits—ensuring students start each class engaged, motivated, and ready to think like mathematicians.
Want to bring these strategies into your classroom?
Download my free guide to implementing engaging math warm-ups!
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Resources
References
Courtney, S. A., & Caniglia, J. (2021). Comparing the Mathematical Practices Pre-Service Teachers and Mathematics Teacher Educators Identified as Relevant to Problems and Tasks. International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES), 7(3), 954-971. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.2335.
Del Giacco, A. C., Jones, S. A., Morales, A. M., Kliamovich, D., & Nagel, B. J. (2022). Adolescent Novelty Seeking Is Associated with Greater Ventral Striatal and Prefrontal Brain Response during Evaluation of Risk and Reward. Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience, 22(1), 123–133. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13415-021-00937-2.
Er, Z., Artut, P. D., & Bal, A. P. (2022). Investigation of the Relationship between Estimation Skill, Estimation Skill Self-Efficacy, and Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students. International Journal on Social and Education Sciences, 4(1), 149–163. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonses.292.
Hammond, Z. (2019). Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. Corwin.
Liljedahl, P. (2021). Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning.Corwin.
Weir, K. (2023). How to Help Kids Manage Math Anxiety. American Psychological Association.https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/helping-kids-manage-math-anxiety.
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