[sbda]

Hi, I need some Math Center Ideas for my Kinder class. I am attempting centers for the first time and need some ideas. I teach at a private school, we go over kinder math the first 6 weeks and then go into 1st grade Math this year. Thanks!!Sunny

[ecsmom]

I bought a poster at the Dollar Tree. It has numbers from one to 10 and you can by sets of reusable stickers to use with it. The kids match the number of stickers with the number on the poster. I also have a couple of electronic math games, matching cards, math puzzles and even some ancient abacuses (sp). I used linking blocks to teach patterns, addition and subtraction. The first grade teachers were impressed with their ability when the got them.

[treetoad]

give them index cards with numbers on them and using their manipulative to place that many on the card. Or build towers with the number on the card using unifix cubes
Give them fish bowl pictures with numbers they add the "goldfish" crackers to match the number - when finished they can eat their goldfish but not before.

[ecsmom]

I'm going to use that goldfish idea, thanks!

[sbda]

Thanks!! I also found an idea that takes a little time, but good to take home and show off what they learned. it is a star crown, with #'s on each star. The students put the # of star stickers on each star, staple each star to the crown and they can wear it home.

I like all of the ideas, and will use them all!!

[URMySunshine]

this week is a fishing game - Fish with numbers written on them with a paper clip attached. My 'pole' has a magnet. I put dots on the fish's tail so the students can count and self check if they are not sure. It's an old tried but true game. My students last week loved it.

[rocky5]

patterning:

String froot loops (or pony beads) in an ABAB or an ABC pattern to create an edible necklace. (Put masking tape over the stringing end of the yarn for easier poking!)

Children begin their own pattern with counters or pattern blocks and then switch with a partner who continues their pattern

Stamp a pattern or cut and glue a shape-template-inspired pattern around a sentence strip and then wear it as a crown

Number concepts:

Child rolls a die and then traces over the dotted number on his game sheet that corresponds to the number rolled. He continues until all numbers on his record sheet have been traced over.

High/Low: With a partner, split a card deck into 2. Each child places one playing card on the playing area. Hign card (or low card for variation) wins the hand. Continue until one player wins all cards.

Place value: Same as above, but 2 cards are played by each player, who then must arrange the cards to produce the number of highest, or lowest, value. Winner takes all cards and game continues until one player wins all cards.

I could go on, but I'm not sure what level of activities you are looking for...

Write numbers on index cards: child then punches that many holes in the card. Good for fine motor development.

Laminate die-cuts of the numerals glued on cards (so that the numerals are at least 4 inches tall and fairly thick). Child makes play-dough snakes and forms the numeral on top of the template.

I'd also recommend taking a good look at Mary Barrata-Lorton's Math Their Way.

[sbda]

This will hold me off for a couple of weeks, We get pretty advanced in math, so I will be asking for more help as time passes.