If you've been around my classroom (or my TpT store!) for more than five minutes, you already know I'm a HUGE fan of sum 'em activities. These little gems are perfect for those days when you want your students working, thinking, and talking...without you having to run around the room like a caffeinated hummingbird.
Sum 'em activities are for the days you want to sit and help students individually, while knowing the rest of your students are on task. It's not impossible, I promise.
Today I'm breaking down what sum 'em activities are, how to assemble them, and why they are basically a secret weapon for math review, peer tutoring, and building confidence.
What are Sum 'Em Activities?
Sum 'em activities are collaborative math review tasks where students solve problems on individual cards, then combine answers with their teammates. If everyone calculated correctly, their answers will come together to create a final "sum".
It's basically math + teamwork + error-checking = teacher magic.
They're perfect for:
- Teat prep
- Skill refreshers after breaks
- Stations
- Sub plans
How to Assemble Sum 'Em Activities
One of my favorite parts? They're super easy to prep. It takes about 5 minutes. Once you've made one set, you'll be obsessed with how smooth the whole process is.
Here's how to assemble them:
- Print the cards on colored paper or cardstock.
- Cut the cards apart.
- Group the cards with the same symbol.
- Optional: Store them in small photo cases, sipper pouches, envelopes, or baggies.
- Keep the answer key. Students will check their group sums with you.
How Sum 'Em Works with Students
Here's how a round goes:
- Give each group of 4 students a full set of 4 cards (grouped by symbol).
- Each student solves their card independently.
- Students share their answers with the group.
- They add their answers together.
- If their group sum matches the sum on the answer key, they know they solved their four problems correctly!
- If their sum is incorrect, the detective work begins. (It's most efficient if they all trade problems and see if they come up with the same answer for that card a second time.)
This built in error checking is THE BEST! Students naturally start discussing steps, comparing methods, and troubleshooting without you having to hover.
THEY love it because:
- It feels like a puzzle.
- Everyone's answer matters
- They get instant feedback
- It's low pressure and collaborative
YOU will love it because:
- They're actually working
- They're reasoning out loud
- You can circulate, support, or run a small group
- The activity basically runs itself
Why Sum 'Em Activities are AMAZING for Peer Tutoring
If you use peer tutoring or mixed-ability grouping, sum 'ems are a dream. Here's why:
- Stronger students naturally explain concepts
- Struggling students get supported without feeling singled out
- Everyone has a role - every answer counts
- Discussion naturally
- Students build confidence as they "catch" their own mistakes
Honestly, this is one of the BEST ways to get students talking about math without forcing it.
Why Sum 'Em Activities Make Such Great Review
If you want to review a concept (like fractions, systems of equations, exponents, surface area, whatever!), sum 'em is one of the easiest ways to mix independence and collaboration.
They reinforce:
- Accuracy
- Reasoning
- Communication
- Checking work
- Applying skills in real problems
Students don't even realize how much math they're doing because it feels like a challenge or a race. You will never se kids so eager to redo a problem as when their group total doesn't match.
Want Pre-Made Sum 'Em Activities?
If you're curious about using these in your classroom, I have a whole category of sum 'em sets in my TpT store. They're ready to print and totally classroom tested.
