Description

These math strategy tiles help students remember the 8 Mathematical Practices during problem solving. Print on colored paper, laminate, and create a strategy wall students can use all year.

These strategy tiles give students simple reminders they can use while solving math problems. Each tile includes a short phrase that matches one of the eight Mathematical Practices. Print the tiles on colored paper, laminate them, and create a bright strategy wall that helps students choose a tool, look for patterns, explain their steps, and keep going when they get stuck. The tiles fit well in any middle or high school math room.

How It Works

Print the tiles, cut them out, and arrange them as a strategy wall or bulletin board. Group them by SMP or mix them into a problem-solving corner. Students can look at the tiles any time they need a strategy or want to check their work. Laminating helps the tiles last for years.

What’s Included

• Full set of hexagon-shaped strategy tiles for SMP #1–8
• Student-friendly phrases for problem-solving

 

Strategy Phrases by SMP

SMP #1: Make Sense of Problems & Persevere

• Try something first
• What do I already know?
• Sketch the problem

SMP #2: Reason Abstractly & Quantitatively

• Check your units
• Estimate before solving
• Use a variable

SMP #3: Construct Viable Arguments & Critique Reasoning

• Defend your steps
• Compare methods
• Does it always work?

SMP #4: Model with Mathematics

• Make a table
• Create a model
• Connect it to real life

SMP #5: Use Appropriate Tools Strategically

• Try a calculator check
• Would Desmos help?
• Justify it with a tool

SMP #6: Attend to Precision

• Check your steps
• Slow down & show work
• Label everything clearly

SMP #7: Look for & Make Use of Structure

• Look for patterns
• Break it apart
• Can I rewrite it?

SMP #8: Look for & Express Regularity in Repeated Reasoning

• What repeats/changes?
• Break it apart
• What do you notice?

 

These tiles give students quick strategies they can use right away. They build strong math habits and support students who need help getting started or explaining their work.

 

Ways to Use

• Math classroom decor or bulletin board
• Problem-solving wall
• Daily reference during lessons
• Small-group or intervention space
• Warm-up or review station
• Student notebooks (print smaller if needed)

 

Print these tiles, grab some bright paper, and build a strategy wall your students will use every day. A simple way to support strong math thinking all year long.