Children will have opportunities to count, sort, make patterns, measure, explore shapes, make comparisons, and join and separate sets in the math center. Small motor skills, problem-solving, and social skills will also be developed.
Create a special area in your classroom where children can “discover” and reinforce math concepts. You will need a table, shelf, and baskets, shoe boxes, and plastic tubs to store materials. Label each container with the name and a picture of the item. Model how to use the materials and clean up. Begin by putting out one activity at a time. When children have learned how to use one activity and clean up, then add another. Children should have several choices, but don’t overwhelm them with too many materials at once.
Materials
Counters: shells, rocks, buttons, toothpicks, keys, bottle caps, peanuts, pasta, paint chips, erasers, small toys, craft sticks, birthday candles, hair bows, small cars, crayons, party favors, leaves
Sorting: sorting box, divided serving dishes, flannel board and felt pieces
One-to-One: muffin pan, ice cube tray
Numbers: dice, deck of cards, number puzzles, tactile numerals, dominoes, board games, dot cards, ten frame
Patterns: pattern blocks, sewing beads, peg board, unifix cubes
Writing: chalkboard, wipe off board, paper, pencils
Counting: dice, number line, hundreds chart, counting cubes, rekenrek
Geometry: geoboard, felt shapes, attribute blocks, 3 dimensional shapes
Time: toy clock, stop watch, minute timer
Money: play money, US coins, foreign coins, coupons
Measurement: ruler, tape measure, balance scale, measuring cups and spoons
Addition: unifix cubes, calculator, games
What else? computer, play telephone, counting books, number poster, board games
Hint! Relate counters and math manipulatives to seasons or themes. For example, if you are doing an ocean unit, have shells to count and sort. In the fall, you might want to have nuts or leaves in the math center.
JUST FOR FUN!
Cut basic geometric shapes (square, triangle, rectangle, oval, rhombus, circle) out of cardboard or fun foam. Let the children take the shapes and match them to something in the classroom with a similar shape.
