Outdoor Nature Study

If you like to take your learning outside, check this out:

Creating a Math Center

What is a Math Center?
A specific area where your child can independently practice Math skills.

How do I fit a Math Center into my child's routine?
The Math center can be a place where your child "warms-up" for his Math lesson/workbook. Or it can be used as an option for when other siblings are finishing up their work.

What does a Math Center look like?
Every Math center will look different. The essentials include a small table, a chair, and some sort of shelving or drawers to provide easy access to the Math materials and activities.

How can I stock my Math Center without spending a lot of money?
Use materials from around the house:
For counters ~ dried kidney beans, buttons
For sorting ~ egg carton
For patterns ~ bingo dabbers, felt pens, stamps, stickers
For measurement ~ sewing tape, string, measuring cups, ruler
For money ~ a little baggie of piggy bank coins
For 3-D shapes ~ a bin of blocks or lego
Other items ~ picture books with counting or shapes concepts, puzzles, flashcards, dice

Free printables and ideas:
A Math Toolbox
Hand Made Manipulatives
Pattern Block
Printables
Math Game Boards - Printables

How do I organize the Math Materials?
~ Use Ziploc bags to keep small materials or specific activities organized. Store the Ziploc bags in a large bin or drawer near to the Math Center.
~ Use bins from the Dollar Store to organize and store larger items like worksheets, Math games and puzzles. Store the bins on shelves or on top of the table if there is room.

As the school year gets closer, keep your eyes open for items around your home that could be used in your Math Center. When you feel like you have a nice collection of materials and activities, set up your Math center one evening after your kids have gone to bed. In the morning they will be soooo excited about doing Math!