Math Center Set Up for Elementary Classrooms

Why are math centers so important in elementary math classrooms?! This is the first thing to know before trying to figure out how to set them up. Math centers are a powerful way to differentiate instruction, engage students in meaningful practice, and promote independent thinking and learning. This blog post will walk you through why math centers are important and how to set up math centers in your elementary classroom. 

What are the goals of math centers?  Knowing what we want to accomplish is the first step to setting up math centers. 

• Reviewing previously taught content

• Reinforcing key skills

• Build conceptual understanding

• Enrich or remediate the content

• Encourage student collaboration and communication

• Allow ample time for teacher led small groups

How can we structure our math centers? There are several options when it comes to structure. I would choose one to try and if it does not work, try another.

• Pick 3-5 center themes: My stations include  - review of a previous building standard, multiplication practice, current task cards, technology, and previous week task cards.

• Determine number of centers per day: Some people rotate centers each day, while others do one center per day. Personally I love only one center a day so there is consistency and not a bunch of switching.

• Grouping types: You can do homogeneous level groups, heterogeneous level groups, or fluid groups. Check out my blog all about fluid groups here!

What can we use to organize our centers? It is important you have a routine in place that is consistent so students know what to do at each center and where to find their materials. I keep all of my task cards and game type centers stored in photo storage boxes for easy organization.

• Color coded storage: I have a center bin for each center that is labeled 1-4 with a color on the basket. Inside each basket is a pencil box that has materials students need for their center, colored the same as their label.

• Materials: Centers will use different materials (tiles, markers, base ten blocks, etc.), therefore, it is important students know where to find these things without interrupting the teacher’s small group. Like mentioned above, I always have what students will need in the bin with the center. However, if they need more, I have a math manipulative shelf where they can find additional resources. 

• Early Finishers: Always have something in place for students when they finish their center because at least one student will finish early.  I have two options - an early finisher’s  binder with code breakers, number searches, brain teasers, etc. or students can get on their computer and work on assigned digital practice tasks.

How can we make sure our students are prepared for centers? Students feeling confident in the routine and the expectations in their math centers help them run smoothly each day.

• Consistency:  I have the same type of stations each week, and each station includes similar rules for following directions. I teach students what to do in each center at the start of the year. That way when they start their station, they are confident in following through. For the computer, I show them where they go online to find our center work. Our task cards are usually matching puzzles and sorts. We discuss the rules for these and how to use them effectively. With having consistent centers, I do not have to go over the rules every week. 

• Student Notebooks: Each day we start our class with a mini-lesson. During this mini lesson, I give my students anchor charts that are sized to fit into their notebooks. This way they have them glued in to follow along and parents can see what we do each day, as well as use them for homework reference and studying. Students bring their notebooks to their centers each day so they can reference current and old notes, as well as using the notebook pages when needed (students do most of their work on whiteboards). 

As you focus on setting up math centers in your elementary classroom, take the time to find a routine you like and are comfortable with. If you get started and you need to change something, do it. It is okay to change things up until you find what works for you and your students. The biggest time saver for me was changing to fluid groups. This is what truly makes my math center time stress-free. If you are looking for more advice on how to set up math centers in early elementary, you can check out my two other blogs; How to Organize Math Centers in Upper Elementary and Tips for Math Centers in Upper Elementary.