I am a firm believer that play should be a part of each child’s day. Math is a perfect time to slip in play with learning!
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning”
– Mr. Rogers
Every single day in my classroom, we play math games. Yep! Every single day.
We accomplish that by setting up math centers in the classroom with plenty of games and activities!
Years ago, I set up my class so that when my “fast finishers” were done with the math lesson of the day, they could select from a bunch of games to play.
I quickly realized, however, that only fast finishers were getting to play games. And quite honestly, the kids that were a little slower at math needed the skills practice of games just as much, if not more than the early finishers!
I also discovered that kids ended up playing the same games over and over and with the same partner pairings over and over! Hence, the need to find math center activities that work for all types of students.
The Power of Math Centers – For Teachers AND Students
In an elementary classroom, guided math centers and math stations are like the heart and soul of the learning experience. They’re not just a part of the daily routine; they’re a place where effective learning happens.
These lively learning hubs offer young students engaging adventures and turn math practice into a fantastic journey. It’s a world where learning and fun go hand in hand.
So, let’s look at why these math centers are so awesome for our young learners to hone their math skills! ⏬
1- Engaging Experiences for Students
Math centers are like magical playgrounds where young students can explore the wonders of math with excitement and curiosity. These centers offer hands-on activities, games, and all sorts of fun tools that turn math into an adventure.
It’s not just about learning; it’s about having a blast while learning!
Kids get to work at their own pace, and this helps them become confident with their math skills. A math center activity makes math feel like a fantastic journey, not a boring chore, and that’s why they’re so important for our young learners.
2- Practice Made Fun
Imagine math practice that feels like a big, fun party instead of a boring routine! That’s what math centers do for our students.
Instead of dull worksheets and drills, they get to play exciting games, solve puzzles, and even team up with friends to conquer math challenges with an activity.
It’s not just about getting better at math; it’s about making math the highlight of their day.
By turning practice into play, math centers make elementary students not just math superstars, but also experts in having a great time while learning. That’s why these centers are essential for young students!
Let me tell you about my experience with introducing more math games into my classroom. 👇
Why I Started Using Math Games in My Classroom
So, a couple of years after introducing math games into my class, I changed up my math block to make it better for everyone! Now, 1) I teach a lesson each day, 2) the students do their independent work, and 3) then everyone plays games! I set aside about 15-20 minutes per day for the students to play a game.
I also wanted my students to vary the games they were playing, so I gathered a bunch of standards-based math games ranging in skills and plopped them into different baskets. I also created a simple system to manage the games to give each student the chance to play every game on a rotation.
Let me tell you – these games have been a HIT for years in my own classroom. If you ask the students in my class what their favorite part of the day is, I guarantee the majority will say “Math Games!”
Plus, it’s made my classroom management much easier! 👇
The Teacher’s Challenge – Managing Math Centers
Whenever I tell other teachers about my math centers, though, I’m always met with the same reaction. “Yes,” they say, “games are always a hit, but…”:
“That sounds like so much work!”
“We don’t have color printers at our school.”
“I don’t have time to run around and find all those pieces”
“I can’t come up with enough games every month for my class!”
I get it! I do! While teachers can have boundless energy and unwavering commitment to our students, we have limited resources and even more limited time.
There are only so many hours in the day! And trying to come up with your own math center ideas can feel daunting…
But, when you see just how much fun kids are having {and need I say…learning and progressing!} you soon realize it’s necessary to have engaging games and activities in your math block!
These Math Centers Come 100% Ready to Use!
Since I want EVERYONE to use Math Games in their primary classrooms, I have made it easy! Managing math centers in the classroom can be challenging, but not anymore!
I’ve created Centers in a Snap – an all-in-one box that gives your elementary students a chance to play games while practicing important math skills! The box is sent to your doorstep with ALL you need to get going – from gameboards to math manipulatives to video directions for students!
Each month you’ll simply need to 1) open up the box, 2) cut some pieces out and 3) get playing! It’s really that easy!
My goal was to make math stations for primary grades that take no more than one prep period to get going! And after months of putting all the math stations and math games that I’ve been using together in one resource, I am so excited to announce Centers in a Snap!
With this resource, you’ll have an entire month’s worth of engaging math games ready to go in less than an hour!
What’s Included with Math Centers in a Snap?
Each month of Centers in a Snap includes a box with 12 standards-based math games and all the necessary game pieces. You will never need to search for dice, timers, spinners, counters, etc. because you get it all in one box!
There is also a digital math centers version for each of the games and a QR code that links to ad-free, secure videos that show the students how to play each one.
I created these math games for Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade. Most of the games are similar across the grade levels and just vary in difficulty. So, if you teach a split grade {or have the need for both simpler and more challenging games}, you could always add the digital version of a different grade level to your monthly box subscription and have games for all levels in your classroom.
A Peek at the Math Center Games
Here’s a peek at Apple Picking Time, a game from September’s Centers in a Snap box perfect for elementary math centers.
Apple Picking Time works across the three grade levels. In the Kindergarten game, students roll a custom-made shape die to recognize shapes. They then use the included two-color counters to cover shapes on the apple tree.
In the first grade game, students roll two dice and add the numbers together. They then use the included two-color counters to cover the sum on the apple tree.
In the second grade game, students roll two dice, add the numbers together, and then add one more. They then use the included two-color counters to cover the sum on the apple tree.
Playing the Games in Your Classroom
Are you ready for the best part of these games? You never even need to teach your students how to play the games! I’ve got that covered too! I’ve truly thought of everything to make your center time as seamless as possible.
Each game includes a simple set of directions, which also lists all the materials you’ll need. For the easiest way to organize, I have found it best to add all the materials into a plastic basket so the kids can grab and go.
On the directions page, I’ve also included a QR code. When scanned, this will lead your students to an ad-free video site where I walk them through just how to play the game!
Here’s a peek at the 1st-grade directions for Apple Picking Time!
I start each video by saying, “Hi Friends” in case you need to swap out games across grade levels. This way, if a 1st-grade intervention group is playing the Kindergarten version, they won’t even know!
What’s Included in Centers in a Snap?
There are 144 different standards-based math games ranging in skills. Each month {except for July and August} will be themed for the month it is sent. The games created for July and August will be generic so you can add them to your math stations throughout the year.
What’s Included in Centers in a Snap?
Each month of Centers in a Snap includes:
• 12 engaging math games printed in color on heavy-duty cardstock for durability
• ALL of the materials you need to play the games
• Vimeo videos that clearly instruct students on how to play the game
• Lifetime Digital Access to the games
• Management Ideas {included in digital download}
• Monthly Box Labels to organize all games {included in digital download}
• Free shipping!
Are you ready to make your math block a breeze and fun?! No more searching, buying, printing, and finding materials for your math games!
Go sign up for Math Centers in a Snap!
Curious how to manage these games? Read more about managing math centers here.
Want to take a peek at one of the September games? Sign up below and I’ll send you the K, 1st, and 2nd Grade versions of Apple Picking Time!
If you’re using the digital version of Centers in a Snap, you can find the September materials included in the box here.
Recap of Ready-Made Math Centers for the Classroom – Centers in a Snap
Math games aren’t just fun, they help young students truly understand and apply important math concepts, skills, and principles. To implement effective math centers, I’ve created Centers in a Snap to do all the hard work for you!
So many teachers want to implement fun math centers but just can’t seem to find the time to make it happen!
If you’re ready to simplify how you set up math centers in your K, 1st, or 2nd grade classroom, get started with Centers in a Snap! Head here!
One Response
How many materials are included? How many children can use the center/materials at one time?