Math Center

Why?

If you are anything like me the concept of math on the whole is confusing. If you are not like me could you help me understand math? Perhaps this statement alone helps to highlight the question of why math centers are important.

Math Centers are here to:

• Learn numbers and associated symbols
• Discover how to measure
• Develop reasoning skills
• Expand Vocabulary (shorter, too much, before etc.)
• Explore patterns and pattern development
• Learn categorization
• Learn practical skills like time telling
• Problem solving
• Offer hands on experience not just theoretical math understanding

Materials

As with all centers Math centers should always be changing to keep interest alive. Brown Bag Teacher says that they typically have 5-7 center versions ready to goat any given time (Reed, 2017).

Across the board there are a few things that you should always have on hand for math centers:

• Measurement markers of different types ( not just rulers!)
• Boxes of geometric shapes
• Unifex or other interlocking blocks
• Montessori blocks
• Loose objects that can be counted and sorted ( button, beans, shells etc)
• Divided containers ( ice cube trays and egg cartons are great for keeping small sorted objects together)
• Cards
• Bingo markers
• Dominoes
• Number lines
• Clock props
• Math books
• Calendars
• Pretend money
• Calculators
• Graph paper
• Abacus

Which Dinosaurs Go Together?

This project come from the book STEM Play: Integrating inquiry into learning centers. This can be adapted to meet any interest group and does not have to be dinosaurs. This activity helps with number recognition, attention to detail, sorting and comparison skills.

Materials

• Book about the item you are using
• small toys such as dinosaurs
• Sorting Tray

Procedure

1. In group time read the book you have selected to the class
2. Say the book will be at the center and they can compare the book dinosaurs to the story
3. Have children then match the different dinosaurs based on whatever criteria they see fit.
4. Ask kids to explain to one another how they grouped their dinosaurs
5. Explain how lots of things can be sorted

Refrences

Englehart EdD, Deirdre, Debby Mitchell EdD, Junie Albers-Biddle, EdD, Kelly Jennings-Towle EdD and Marnie Forestieri CDA. (2016) STEM PLAY:Integrating Inquiry into Learning Centers. Gryphon House. Lewisville, NC.

Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning. (2015). Learning through play retrieved from https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/childhood/time_for_joy/chapter6.pdf

Reed, Catherine (2017). Brown Bag Teacher: Managing math centers retrieved from https://brownbagteacher.com/managing-math-centers/