A tiny classroom tweak that changed my math review routine
Mar 10, 2026 1:54 pm
A few days ago I shared this tip in my Facebook group.
I honestly didn’t expect much.
But the post quickly passed 100,000 views, hundreds of reactions, and comments from teachers.
Reviewing old skills in math class is... messy.
You try to spiral review and suddenly the room turns into a zoo:
• someone pretends they forgot everything
• someone starts complaining
• someone wants you to reteach the entire unit
• someone else is already finished
And before you know it, half the lesson is gone.
For a long time I wanted a system that would let me review older topics without losing control of the class and without losing the entire lesson.
So I tried something new.
Instead of traditional warm-ups, I created Mini Escape Missions.
Each mission has just 5 problems.
Students solve them, take the first digit of each answer, and build a 5-digit code to complete the mission.
✔ Self-checking
✔ No prep
✔ Takes just a few minutes
✔ Feels like a game
The key idea is simple:
One theme per week.
Five short missions.
Skills that spiral throughout the year.
Students get consistent practice, but it never turns into a long chaotic review session.
Right now I’ve completed 5 weeks, and I’m building the full system to reach 36 weeks (a full school year).
So I started a growing bundle.
Teachers who already know my work know one thing about me:
If I start something, I finish it.
At the moment the bundle includes:
• 5 weeks of missions
• 25 problems per week
• digital escape format
• printable worksheet version
• answer keys
Current value: $18
Growing bundle price: $10
When the bundle reaches 36 weeks, the total value will be $108.
If you want to see exactly how the missions work, you can try a free demo mission here:
6th Grade Math Spiral Review Escape Room – Ratios & Unit Rates
And if this looks like something that could make your daily review easier, you can explore the bundle here:
6th Grade Math All Year Spiral Review – Mini Escape Room Growing Bundle
I usually don’t push my resources very hard.
But this one honestly solved a problem I’ve been struggling with for years.
And judging from the reactions to the post… I’m clearly not the only one.
Enrica
P.S. If you know another math teacher who constantly struggles with spiral review, feel free to forward them this email. Sometimes the smallest classroom tweak makes the biggest difference.
PPS: If you’re planning ahead for spring review season, don’t forget about the full Math Review Choice Board Bundles for Grades 5–8. They’ve been a lifesaver this time of year.
And my Guided Notes
📘 6th Grade Math Guided Notes & Activities – Full Year Growing Bundle
Feel free to share this email with any fellow math teachers who might appreciate fun, no-prep resources. 💌
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