5th and 6th graders have been learning about all kinds of angles—acute, obtuse, supplementary, vertical, etc.
But before we begin our work in geometry, we start each day with a couple of puzzles. We have a daily Word Puzzle, such as: NEFRIENDED = DEFRIENDED (A friend in need is a friend in deed.)
Then we often have a word problem that introduces or uses different problem solving techniques. Sometimes we read a “30 Second Mystery” and discuss possible solutions. All of these games/puzzles help students begin to think “outside the box” and develop problem solving strategies. And, perhaps most importantly, it wakes them up and gets them excited and makes them think.