Math center overview


Girl with calculator
Math girl from Openclipart.orgGirl with calculator

girl with calculator and pencil in front of floating math symbols and numbers


Description

The math center is an area for students to explore hands-on with materials and manipulatives to think aloud, collaborate and problem solve independently or with peers. Mathematical language is developed and utilized as students talk through their investigations and exploration of math manipulatives.

Purpose

  • develop eye-hand coordination
  • expand and apply new vocabulary
  • sort, classify and sequence manipulatives 
  • count, create and compare sets of items
  • develop problem-solving skills and persistence 
  • collaborate with peers to solve math problems

Suggested Materials

  • counters (variety of commercial and natural items - buttons, shells, beads, keys, etc)
  • sorting trays/bowls
  • shapes (2 dimensional and 3 dimensional)
  • dominoes
  • subitizing cards
  • tangrams
  • connecting cubes
  • colored tiles
  • geoboards with bands
  • links
  • tools for measuring
  • pattern blocks
  • dice and spinners
  • variety of scales
  • decks of playing cards
  • five and ten frames

Questioning Examples

These guiding questions can be used to assist the teacher, instructional assistant, or parent volunteers in supporting children's development and learning during play.

  • Describe these different shapes. How do you know that is a ________?
  • How many _______ do you see? What happens when you rearrange them?
  • How can you sort these? Why did you choose to sort them in that way?
  • How do you know which is more? Less?
  • How do you know it is shorter? Taller? Longer? Heavier?
  • How is it alike? Different?

Considerations

Please note materials should be rotated as subjects and student interests change.  At the beginning of the school year it is important to start with minimal materials to teach proper use and cleanup.  Too many manipulatives can be overwhelming for students so be cautious with what is chosen to initially go into the center.  This center works best with a table area and sufficient space for students to explore and interact with materials. 

Photo Examples



Literature

Many literature connections exist for this topic and can be read to students before introduction of the center.  These books can also be placed in the math center for independent exploration by the children. The following are a few suggestions:

"Ten Black Dots" by Donald Crew

"Chicka, Chicka 1, 2,3" by Bill Martin, Jr and John Archambault

"How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten?" by Jane Yolen

"How Many Bugs in a Box?" by David A. Carter

"The Doorbell Rang" by Pat Hutchins

"Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes" by Roseanne Thong

"The Shape of Things" by Dayle Ann Dodds

"Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons" by Eric Litwin

"Counting Crocodiles" by Judy Sierra

"Monster Math" by Anne Miranda


Clip art from openclipart.org

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