Are you thinking about using math centers in your classroom, but not sure where to start? Have you tried using math centers, but feel like you don’t have enough time, student behavior is discouraging, or you don’t want to prep materials? I have been there and I feel you! I am so excited to share tons of tips, ideas, freebies, and resources that are going to make your math center time super successful!
Why should I use math centers?
Are math centers completely new to you? Do you still wonder if they are still a good use of time and effort?
Math centers and guided math groups were the heart and soul of my math instruction! I can’t imagine teaching without them! I often hear teachers say that they don’t have time for math centers. I completely understand that feeling, if you are doing math centers correctly, you don’t have the time NOT to do math centers.
Centers are NOT just fun and games. They are not just a way to keep your students busy while you meet with small groups. They should be a meaningful use of their time!
I see so many teachers make math centers activities complicated and time-consuming to prepare.
You don’t need to have six different activities! Those are just six different things that you have to make/buy, print, prep, and keep track of. You don’t need all of that craziness! I have four different centers and only two require any prep at all.
You don’t need to change the center activities every week. Again, that is a ton of work for you. It also takes up valuable class time because you are having to explain the new activities every Monday. Use activities that can stay the same all year!
How did you make time to meet with all of your groups?
This is another fantastic question!
First of all, math centers are so important that I MADE TIME for them. That means that I didn’t have lots of time for brain breaks, transitions, morning work, class meetings, etc. It’s not that those things aren’t good, it’s just that math center time is so much more important. I had to prioritize my limited class time.
By stealing minutes from all of the “extras” during the day, I was able to come up with a 90-minute math block. I know that everyone can’t do this – but I encourage you to try!
If there is absolutely no way that you can get more than 60 minutes, just make the most of it!
You probably noticed that I only have two center rotations each day. I found this to be the best use of my limited time. It kept us from wasting time with extra transitions, clean-up, etc.
How do you start math centers at the beginning of the year?
The most important tip that I have for you is DON’T RUSH! Take your time teaching and practicing these routines. I broke it down into eight days of teaching routines, but your class might need 10 or 12 days. Spend the time now, so that math centers run like a well-oiled machine for the rest of the year. I promise that it will be worth the time!
What do you do when your students struggle with math centers?
Do you have students who don’t complete any of the center work? Or students who talk and waste their time? Do you have students who don’t take care of the materials?
We have all been there! Don’t quit! A little more training and you can get the center time back on track.
How do you organize your math materials?
Keeping your centers organized is important! Students can’t be successful if they can’t easily access the materials that they need.
I have tried lots of different systems for organizing my math centers.