Coming back to school in January can feel… a little bumpy.
Students are out of routine, attention spans are rusty, and math review of skills from before winter break often need a gentle (or not-so-gentle) refresh!
That’s where intentional math review comes in.
As teachers, we know review isn’t about reteaching everything—it’s about reconnecting students to what they already know, rebuilding confidence, and setting the tone for a strong second half of the year. And the good news? January math review doesn’t have to be dull or worksheet-heavy. With the right approach, it can be engaging, structured, and even fun.
Here is what I have done to make January math review work easy and fun!
Grades 3–5: Rebuild Skills & Confidence
In upper elementary, January is the perfect time to tighten foundations before new concepts pile on.
3rd Grade Math Review Focus
For third grade, January review is all about solidifying the basics students rely on all year:
- Multiplication and division facts (within 100)
- Introductory fractions
- Geometry concepts like shapes and attributes
Short, engaging review activities help students regain fluency and confidence quickly—without overwhelm.
4th Grade Focus
Fourth graders benefit from revisiting:
- Multiplication and division strategies
- Fractions and early decimals
- Measurement and data concepts
This targeted review helps close gaps that may have widened over the break and prepares students for more complex problem-solving ahead.
5th Grade Math Review Focus
January review in fifth grade should strengthen:
- Fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Algebraic thinking
- Geometry and spatial reasoning
When students feel secure in these core areas, they’re far more ready to tackle upper-elementary math with confidence.
💡 Teacher tip: Use games, partner work, and low-pressure practice to ease students back into math thinking.
Multiplication & Division Review: Make It Interactive
Multiplication and division often need the biggest refresh after a long break. Instead of diving straight into drills, try turning review into something interactive.
Think:
- Math games
- Movement-based activities
- Quick challenges that feel more like play than practice
When students are engaged, they’re more willing to take risks—and that’s when real learning happens.
Math Review for Grades K–2: Gentle, Play-Based Refresh
For younger learners, January is all about routine, repetition, and reassurance.
Kindergarten Math Review
Focus on:
- Counting and number recognition
- Hands-on activities using classroom objects
- Simple math talk woven into daily routines
1st Grade Math Review
Revisit:
- Addition and subtraction within 10
- Hands-on manipulatives like cubes, counters, or number lines
2nd Grade Math Review
Strengthen:
- Addition and subtraction within 20
- Simple word problems
- Explaining math thinking aloud
Games, visuals, and short practice sessions go a long way in helping young learners feel successful again.
Place Value Review: Learn Through Play
January is an ideal time to reinforce place value, especially across multiple grade levels.
Using place value games and visual models helps students:
- See numbers more clearly
- Understand regrouping
- Build number sense without frustration
When learning feels like play, students stay engaged—and skills stick.
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