If your students sigh when you announce a review day, you're not alone. Worksheets, or "review packets" as I've called them, can feel endless, and even Kahoot loses its sparkle after awhile. But when you turn review into a movement based maze, suddenly students are collaborating and asking for more math time.
Stations mazes have become one of my absolute favorite ways to review before a test or quiz, and once you try them, you'll see why!
Why They Work So Well
The magic of stations mazes lies in how they combine problem-solving with built in movement and self checking. Instead of sitting at their desks flipping through a packet, students are up, moving from one station to the next, following a "path" determined by their answers.
Each correct answer leads to the next problem - kind of like a math escape room! This immediate feedback keeps them motivated, and the physical movement boosts focus, especially for those kinesthetic learners who can't sit still for long.
How to Use Them in the Classroom
Here's a step by step of how I've used them in my Algebra and Geometry classes:
- Print and post each station around the room.
- Split students into groups or two or three.
- Each group starts at a different station, solving and checking their progress by following the maze's path.
- Time it like a challenge. "Can your group make it through the whole maze before the timer?"
- Review tricky questions as a class at the end.
Teachers tell me their students ask to do another maze after trying it once. That's a win in my book!
Adaptations for All Learners
Every classroom has unique needs, and the good news is that stations mazes are super flexible.
- Absent Students: Send them the printable or digital version. They can still go through the problems at home.
- Students with Learning Differences: Offer simplified versions, reduce answer choices, or let them work with a peer tutor.
- Enrichment: Have early finishers design their own maze questions for classmates to solve!
Read also: Boom - A Fun Review Game
Why Multiple Choice Practice Matters
Stations mazes use a multiple-choice format, which helps students strengthen test-taking strategies in a low-stress way. It's perfect for building confidence before standardized tests or unit exams. They learn to identify distractors, estimate before solving, and eliminate incorrect answers.
Benefits in a Nutshell
- Students get immediate feedback
- Promotes collaboration and discussion
- Works for any math topic
- Saves teacher grading time
- Encourages movement and engagement
Read also: Review Game: Let the Cards Decide
Want to make your next review day a hit? Explore my stations maze resources. They're low-prep, engaging, and cover everything from decimals to derivatives!
Want to see it FREE? Download my Multi-Step Equations Stations Maze!
