Math centers are essential in the primary grades. They give children the chance to practice skills and strategies previously taught; simultaneously giving teachers insight into who or what needs further teaching. Moreover, once students are trained to work independently in centers, the teacher is available for small group instruction and/or individual intervention and evaluation.
Math centers expectations should be explained and demonstrated prior to starting your learners in the activities. Teachers should model and monitor center behavior for a minimum of one week before launching independent center work.
I'm a strong advocate for open-ended center activities. They permit students to learn in their zone of proximal development (ZPD). Children should begin with tasks that can be completed independently. Then challenge them to work with a skilled partner to achieve more. Thus, math centers should included individual endeavors, as well as partner or small group pursuits.
The possibilities for math center activities is seemingly endless. Obviously, the centers should reflect and extend the topic(s) currently under study.
Early in the academic year, you are likely to focus on number sense. Following are some centers I've created for my students to practice numeracy. You may find them interesting.
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