Description

Get ready for Valentine’s Day with this 1st Grade Valentines Day Math Mystery! ‘The Case of the Valentine Villain’ is a high-engagement February math activity that turns a 1st-grade review into an exciting case-solving mission.

It’s the perfect no-prep math activity! This resource is loaded with options, including an optional video hook and a NEW ending video (with voiceovers!) to wrap up the case!

Easy Prep for Print or Digital

This resource is designed to be low-prep for you and high-engagement for your students.

• Printable PDF Version: Just print the worksheets, staple, and go.
• Google Slides Digital Version: 100% paperless! Simply assign in Google Classroom. (Students must be in ‘edit mode’ to type).

1st Grade Valentines Day Math Mystery

To find the Valentine Villain, students must unlock five clues by correctly solving:

• Clue 1: Adding three 1-Digit Numbers
• Clue 2: Subtracting 1-Digit (1-5 only) from 2-Digit (Less than 50) Numbers (No Regrouping)
• Clue 3: Greater than or Less than 50
• Clue 4: Place Value – Value of the Underlined Digit (Tens & Ones)
• Clue 5: Subtracting 10 from 2-Digit Numbers

Flexible for Any 1st Grade Classroom

Use this versatile Valentines Day math activity for:

• A fun spiral review
• Math centers or stations
• Homework or enrichment
• Your “early finisher” tub
• A lifesaver for your sub-tub!

Pacing & Timing

This is a comprehensive review that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2+ hours, depending on your students’ skill level. We recommend pacing it by one clue at a time.

Common Questions for this 1st Grade Math Review

Q: Is this just a Valentines Day math activity for 1st grade?
A: This mystery has a fun “Valentine Villain” theme, making it the perfect February math activity. However, it’s a powerful 1st grade math review printable that you can use any time of year!

Q: What skills does this mystery cover?
A: This is a comprehensive review. Students will practice adding three 1-digit numbers, 1st grade place value (tens and ones), and subtracting 10 from 2-digit numbers.

Q: What exactly is a Math Mystery?
A: It’s our high-engagement, multimedia math activity! Students solve 5 clues to crack a case, all while watching fun video hooks. You can learn more about math mysteries here.

Q: How does differentiation work with these?
A: That’s our secret weapon! Many of our stories are available for other grades, so you can “clue swap” with the 2-6 grade packs. We even have a blog post explaining how: learn how to differentiate here. (Please note: The Grade 1 version cannot be ‘clue swapped’ as it’s simplified.)

Your 1st Grade Valentine’s Activity Hub

This is one of our 1st Grade Valentine’s Day activities! Be sure to check out the other options (each with different math skills!):

• Case of the Vanishing Valentines
• Case of the  Heartbroken Heroes
• Browse more 1st Grade Math Mysteries Here

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A complete answer key and printable awards are included!

Mrs. J.
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