Learning centers give students a much needed break from their seat, paper pencil practice, and computer based learning. It gives them the opportunity to interact and learn from and with each other.
During our math block, students have a dedicated 20 minutes of learning center time. Some are teacher created or purchased, while others are included in the math curriculum. The math centers are differentiated for interest and ability and cover a range of content or skills. Some of the centers will reinforce the current content being covered, some are extensions or challenges, and others focus on review. I usually change them about once every two weeks. It depends on sustained interest and new material I would like them to focus on.
Math Video: This is a fun way for students to show mastery of a concept. It is also an exciting thing to teach and have it posted on our class blog! The students have full ownership. They write a script, practice, video, and edit it completely on their own. You can view one here.
Book Order: Scholastic book orders can be used to show students how math can relate in real-world situations. This opportunity gave students a chance to practice multiplying. The plan was to purchase sets of books for their Book Clubs in Ms. Brokaw’s class with a budget of $500.
Calculate Your Weight on Other Worlds: This was an opportunity to practice multiplying a decimal by a decimal. I found the worksheet on Super Teacher. What made this more interesting was last quarter we studied the solar system. Plus, using a scale is fun when you’re 10.
Real World Problem Solving: Leveled readers are included in our math curriculum and focus on math and another subject (social studies or science). After reading, students use math to solve problems presented in the books.
Games: I use games to reinforce the current learning and also reteach or review. There are also a variety that have been included in the math curriculum. Some are simple and based more on specific skill, while others are more complex and real-world. For example, the photo on the top-right is a budget game. It uses a spinner, dice, and a $100,000 budget.
Logic Posters/Puzzles/Challenge Problems: These are a favorite for students who enjoy a challenge! I like to make sure these opportunities are hands-on or have other visual aids.
Task Cards: These are another favorite. Students work independently or in pairs to solve a variety of tasks. I always put the answers on the back so they can check their work.
Math Fact Fluency: Poke-a-Fact has been helpful for students who are still struggling with multiplication fluency. I also have multiplication dominoes.
Reading and Writing Activities with Math: These types of activities are generally more of a challenge, but students really like the change during math.
Discovery Education: Board Builder: This is another way for students to show what they have learned as well as have the opportunity to teach others. An account with Discovery Education is necessary to use this tool.
Learning centers should be a part of every students day. When expectations are in place and centers are well explained or have precise instructions, these will run almost seamlessly.
Resources:
I’ve found these resources to be helpful with challenge problems, low floor/high ceiling problems, and learning center options.
Hard Math for Elementary School
YouCubed Great resource for helping with growth mindset in math.