It takes time for math skills to develop, but giving our students opportunities to play, explore, and visualize numbers and mathematical concepts in multiple ways will help them grow to become better thinkers and problem solvers. In first grade, I like to have a range of centers that will provide my group of diverse learners with opportunities for fun, meaningful, and hands-on practice of math skills. Here are ten independent math centers that we use in our math centers!
As soon as I saw this Addition Magnetic Activity Set, I knew my kids would love it! Isn't it adorable?! Even better, it is such a great way for students to practice their addition facts! The farm background goes onto a cookie tray, then students pick a card and place the correct number of animals on the scene to find what the two parts equal. I love that the answer to the addition fact is on the back of the card so that students can check their own work!
SHOP IT
I love the versatility of these Fish Bowl Counting Math Mats. They are a great way for students to practice their numbers by adding the correct number of little fish counters to the fish bowl. Students can also use a dry erase marker to practice writing the number or number word at the bottom of the bowl since the mats are laminated. For students that need extra practice with one-to-one correspondence, they can use the side of the mat that has pictures of the correct number of fish, or students can use the printed side for self-checking.
SHOP IT
These Peg Number Boards are perfect for students to practice their numbers and fine motor skills! For students that need extra practice with number correspondence, they can fill the boards and practice counting. We always have first graders that need practice with their numbers! Since we do so much with part-part-whole, I like having my first graders use two different color pegs to show different ways to make the number. For example, they could do four yellow and six blue to make ten and then write addition and subtraction sentences to go with their board.
SHOP IT
Play dough is always a hit in our classroom! Students have so much fun using play dough to build each number to complete the scene on these Counting Mats. I always encourage students to count forwards and backwards. Our students are so good with counting for addition, but often struggle with subtraction and counting back. So, I like them to always practice counting both ways. These mats also can work with two different colors of play dough to have students show a different way to make the number with the part-part-whole.
SHOP IT
Subitizing is the ability to look at a number pattern and recognize it without needing to individually count. It is a foundational skill for our growing mathematicians that helps their understanding that numbers can be formed in many ways. This skill will allow them to be able to do higher level math thinking and problems with more ease. This Subitizing Ladybug Set is a fun way for students to practice individually, in partners, or in small groups. The answer for each pattern is on the back of the ladybug.
SHOP IT
Every year I have first graders that need to practice how to form their numbers, but cannot remember which way the numbers face. I love giving my students hands-on experiences to practice their numbers and this Learning Resources® Number Construction set is perfect! Each card tells the students the number and color of pieces that they need to build the number. Then they use the bolts to show the number's worth. Learning that is meaningful and fun—yes, please!
SHOP IT
These Jumbo Tangrams are a fun way to build your students' visual spatial and critical thinking skills. Students pick a card and need to use the large foam pieces to compose the shape on the card.
SHOP IT
I love this Dive into Shapes™ Sea & Build Geometry Set! It can be difficult for students to truly understand shapes, especially 3D shapes, but this set brings them to life in meaningful play! The cards explain what is needed to build each shape, which allows this to be done independently. There are also questions on the bottom of each card that can extend learning and provide a challenge for students that need it. Students have fun constructing with this set as their understanding of shapes continues to grow!
SHOP IT
Students love puzzles! These Sequencing Number Puzzles come with five fun scenes! It is great practice for students in first grade as we are learning the number line and to practice counting on and counting back. When students are ready for double digit addition they can pick two pieces of a puzzle and add the numbers together!
SHOP IT
Students learn best through play! These Learning Magnets® Pattern Blocks are a great way for students to practice shapes, patterns, and to understand that when shapes are put together they create new shapes. Students can use the Learning Magnets® Reproducible Pattern Block Activities with the magnets on a cookie tray or they can create their own shapes without using the pattern mats. My students love building with pattern blocks!
SHOP IT