Always, Sometimes, or Never: Critical Thinking Activities for Pre-Algebra
This set of activities offers a variety of challenging statements on topics in Pre-Algebra. Students have to determine whether each statement is "always true," "sometimes true," or "never true," which requires a deep understanding of the material.
Sets (topics) included:
- Integers
- Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
- Expressions and Equations
Two versions are included in each set -
Version 1 (Worksheet) - Students determine whether each statement is "always true," "sometimes true," or "never true." They color each one accordingly and end up with a design that can be checked quickly for accuracy (but cannot be easily predicted by students).
Version 2 (Sorting Activity) - Students can work alone or in pairs or small groups. Students sort the statement cards into the correct category on the sorting mat ("always true," "sometimes true," or "never true"). This works great as a learning station. You can print the cards on colored cardstock and laminate them to re-use each year.
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Reviews from other teachers:
- This was a fun way to think through and identify characteristics of expressions and equations. It created some great discussion in my class which is always good :) Thanks!
- Loved the discussions that the students had when they completed this. Thank you!
- Great for review of concepts -- students love the color, makes it so much easier to retain!
- Good resource. Was a nice assignment to leave for review on a sub day.
- For my SPED students, we did a few each day that I had selected, based on the skills I had already instructed. I love how easy it is to self-check!
- I have purchased several of these activities because I love how easy they are for me to check and for other students to check and compare with each other. Great activity!
- This made my students really think about the statements and they enjoyed the activity.
- Fun activity to review skills in a unique manner. Makes them really think!
- a great way to spark discussion and pay attention to wording
- Love the challenge Always, Sometimes, Never activities provide students!
- These make a great activity for stations.
- Great critical thinking activity and wonderful discussions emerged as we reviewed. Great insight into my students thinking!
- Such a wonderful resource for students to think critically! This was challenging, even for my Accelerated students! Thank you.
- I find this concept very engaging for my students. It helps them think (and me to assess their thinking) at a much deeper level of math. Thanks for making these!!
- I love these! They really make the students think about the concepts and impose those higher order thinking skills. They are a very productive challenge!
- LOVE LOVE LOVE these activities! Great for critical thinking and conceptual understanding!
- Sometimes, always, never activities really get my students thinking and discussing, thank you, I love it!
- I LOVE these activities and so do my students! These are wonderful resources that involve critical thinking skills as well!