How to Make Middle School Math Review Meaningful and Effective

Let’s be real—reviewing in middle school math can feel like a never-ending loop.

You’ve taught the concept, your students got it, and then a few weeks later... it’s like they’ve never seen it before. 😅

Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: math review isn’t just a few warm-up problems or a handful of spiral questions at the end of the week. It’s so much more than that. When done right, review can solidify understanding, strengthen connections, and boost student confidence.

So what makes math review actually work?

✅ It’s intentional.
Review shouldn’t be random or rushed. It should be built into your routine with purpose—targeting the concepts that need reinforcement the most.

✅ It spirals back to key concepts.
Instead of teaching a topic once and moving on, spiral review brings those core ideas back again and again in different contexts, helping students retain what they’ve learned.

✅ It’s interactive.
Partner games, hands-on activities, and low-stakes practice can turn review into something students look forward to (yes, really!).

✅ It builds math talk.
Review is a chance for students to explain their thinking and hear different strategies, which strengthens both their understanding and communication skills.

If you're looking for ready-to-use resources that make review meaningful and fun, I’ve got you covered. Browse and click on the resources that fit your classroom needs.

6th Grade Math End of Year Review Activities

7th Grade Math End of Year Review Activities

8th Grade Math End of Year Review Activities

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Michelle Sigaran

Encouraging Math Talk in Middle School Math

When we think about teaching math, our minds often jump straight to solving problems, equations, or reviewing content. But one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) tools we can use in the classroom is math talk—giving students consistent opportunities to discuss, explain, and reflect on mathematical ideas out loud.

In middle school, students are developing deeper reasoning skills. They're beginning to connect concepts, question processes, and justify their thinking. Math talk gives them the space to do just that.

Why Math Talk Matters

Math talk encourages students to:

• Make sense of math by verbalizing their thinking

• Listen to and build on the ideas of others

• Ask meaningful questions and learn to justify their reasoning

• Deepen understanding instead of just memorizing steps

It shifts the focus from getting the right answer to understanding the why behind it.

What Math Talk Looks Like

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Math talk can be as simple as:

• “Explain how you solved this problem.”

• “Is there another way to approach it?”

• “Do you agree or disagree with that answer? Why?”

• “What do you notice? What do you wonder?”

These small, intentional prompts lead to powerful conversations.

You don’t need to have a full-blown class discussion every day. In fact, even just 5 minutes of math talk during warm-ups or exit tickets can make a big difference over time.

Getting Started with Math Talk

If you’re not sure where to begin, I’ve created a helpful resource:
👉 Download 20 Math Talk Prompts to Use in Middle School Math

This free set includes ready-to-use prompts questions that promote meaningful conversation, build student confidence, and create a culture of math thinking in your classroom.

Whether you use them during a warm-up, small group, or whole-class discussion, these prompts are designed to be simple, effective, and adaptable.

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Michelle Sigaran

7th Grade Math Curriculum & 
8th Grade Math Curriculum

Middle School Math Curriculum by Make Sense of Math

Let’s make math planning easy—send me the curriculum and activities!

What Makes Make Sense of Math different?

1. Built by a Middle School Math Teacher, for Middle School Math Teachers
2. Focus on Conceptual Understanding & Procedural Fluency
3. Engaging, Student-Friendly Activities
4. Standards-Aligned with Flexibility
5. Supports differentiation.
6. Time-Saving for Teachers
7. Qualtiy
8. Activities that use higher-order tihnking skills
9. Approachable for all levels
10. Guides students to make their own connections

Highlights

• Aligned with Common Core State Standards
• Includes assessments, guided notes, and activities.
• Each unit includes a pacing guide.
• Ready-to-use format for teachers.
• Material that encourages higher-order thinking and fosters a deeper understanding of math.

What’s Packed Into Each Unit

• Guided Notes for each Topic
• Practice/Activities
• Mini - Assessments (Editable)
• Pretest & Posttest (Editable)
• Pacing Guide
• Answer Keys
• Quality Resources

DOWNLOAD THE FREE MAKE SENSE OF MATH CURRICULUM & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

★ 7TH GRADE MATH CURRICULUM AND ACTIVITIES GUIDE

★ 8TH GRADE MATH CURRICULUM AND ACTIVITIES GUIDE

I'm ready to plan my Math Year with EASE.

Give me this curriculum and activities—I’m ready to dive in!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the curriculum aligned to my state's standards?

The curriculum is aligned to the common core state standards. MOST states use the common core state stadards within a 15% variation.  If the state has adopted the standards they are encouraged to not deviate more than 15% from the curriculum to provide a cohesive approach to math education across the states.  It is up to you to check the guide to see if the curriculum works for you.  I am happy to answer any questions that you may have.

I don't need the whole curriuclum. Can I purchase the units that I need separately?

Absolutely! Here is a link to the 7th Grade Math Units and the 8th Grade Math Units. 

What if more products are addecd to the curriculum after I have already purchased the curriculum...do I have to purchase those seperately?

No way. Once purchased, you will receive all products added to the curriculum for FREE.  You will also receive any and all updates to any exisiting products at no cost to you.

Is the content editable?

Currently the mini-assessments and pre-tests & post-tests are editable and a few activities. 

Why don't you make all the content editable?

Many of the fonts and clipart that I use are copyrighted and I must protect the creator's content.

I love this curriculum, can I share it with my co-worker?

Each purchase comes with ONE license for ONE teacher/family. You may purchase additional licenses at a discount on TPT. Please contact me if you need more than 10 licenses for an additional discount.

Do you have a question?

I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact Me HERE

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Michelle Sigaran

Using Guided Notes for Review and Mastery in Math

Guided notes aren’t just for introducing new concepts—they can be a powerful review tool after students have already learned a topic. When used strategically, guided notes help students organize their thinking, identify gaps in understanding, and solidify key concepts before assessments or cumulative activities.

Here’s how you can use guided notes after students have been introduced to a topic to reinforce learning and promote long-term retention.

Why Use Guided Notes for Review?

✔️Organizes Key Information – Students can compile everything they’ve learned in a structured way, making it easier to study.

✔️ Strengthens Retention – Rewriting and summarizing information helps move concepts from short-term to long-term memory.

✔️ Identifies Misconceptions – Students can revisit tricky concepts and clarify misunderstandings before a test.

✔️ Encourages Independent Learning – Instead of relying on re-teaching, guided notes allow students to self-check and fill in knowledge gaps.

Ways to Use Guided Notes for Review

1. Fill in the Gaps with a Second Look

Have students return to their original guided notes and reflect:

• What still feels confusing?
• Are there any missing steps or concepts?
• Can they explain each section in their own words?

You can provide a completed version of the notes so students can compare and correct their work.

2. Partner or Group Study Sessions

Pair students up and have them use their guided notes to:

•  Quiz each other on definitions, formulas, and strategies
•  Explain steps for solving problems in their own words
•  Compare notes and discuss different problem-solving methods

This helps reinforce understanding and fills in knowledge gaps.

3. Create a ‘Cheat Sheet’ from Guided Notes

Ask students to condense their guided notes into a one-page reference sheet. This helps them prioritize key information and practice summarizing.

💡 Bonus: Allow them to use the sheet for a small portion of their test—this encourages thoughtful note-taking rather than memorization.

4. Use Notes for Self-Reflection

At the end of a unit, have students revisit their guided notes and answer:

• What are the three most important takeaways from this unit?
• What strategies helped me understand this topic best?
• What do I still need to work on before the test?

This metacognitive practice strengthens problem-solving skills and builds independent learners.

Guided Notes: More Than Just a Learning Tool

Using guided notes after learning a topic turns them into a valuable review resource. They help students organize, reflect, and prepare—without feeling overwhelmed. Whether for test prep, group discussions, or interactive review games, guided notes can help students reinforce their understanding and master challenging math concepts.

Want to try this in your classroom? 

Check out my Guided Notes for Middle School Math!

⭐⭐ These links below are for the grade bundles.  You can also get the individual topics, if needed. Look at the individual links in the bundle description.  ⭐⭐

• 6th Grade Math Notes
• 7th Grade Math Notes
• 8th Grade Math Notes

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Michelle Sigaran