Our math centers are in full swing! The students are doing so well with adjusting to rotations. Over the past few years, I have found many math center ideas that are game-based and hands-on, so that students have a fun way of practicing what they learn after our lessons. I chose to start B.U.I.L.D. Centers a few years ago. I have had time to "tweak" them and make them better, year after year. These centers have come a long way, and I know that I will continue to add/adjust them as I see the need.
Here is a little bit about B.U.I.L.D. Centers:
*B: Buddy Games - Students engage in games that directly relate to the lessons we are learning in class. They play a game that goes with our daily lesson and then they are free to choose from a variety of games that address many different skills.
*U: Using Manipulatives - Students use pattern blocks, colored counters, money, Base 10 blocks, and snap cubes to solve problems.
*I: Independent Work - Students practice the skill that has been taught during the lesson at their desks independently. They visit this station after working with me during small group instruction. Eventually as we learn about other topics, the students will have task cards to complete independently as well. These will include use of QR codes and the iPads.
*L: Learning About Numbers - The students work on computation, concepts, missing numbers in a pattern, number facts, and quantity discrimination. Those skills are all timed and they are practiced once a week, every week. If there is time, students practice flashcards with their partners.
*D: Doing Math - This station takes place at the computers and one of the iPads. The students work at their own levels and pace on IXL.
I personally LOVE our B.U.I.L.D. Centers because they give me the opportunity to meet with every child, every day after our math lesson. This helps me to see who truly "gets it" and those that need some more practice. I also love seeing the kids learn to work together and grow both socially and academically through centers.
Here is a little bit about B.U.I.L.D. Centers:
*B: Buddy Games - Students engage in games that directly relate to the lessons we are learning in class. They play a game that goes with our daily lesson and then they are free to choose from a variety of games that address many different skills.
*U: Using Manipulatives - Students use pattern blocks, colored counters, money, Base 10 blocks, and snap cubes to solve problems.
*I: Independent Work - Students practice the skill that has been taught during the lesson at their desks independently. They visit this station after working with me during small group instruction. Eventually as we learn about other topics, the students will have task cards to complete independently as well. These will include use of QR codes and the iPads.
*L: Learning About Numbers - The students work on computation, concepts, missing numbers in a pattern, number facts, and quantity discrimination. Those skills are all timed and they are practiced once a week, every week. If there is time, students practice flashcards with their partners.
*D: Doing Math - This station takes place at the computers and one of the iPads. The students work at their own levels and pace on IXL.
I personally LOVE our B.U.I.L.D. Centers because they give me the opportunity to meet with every child, every day after our math lesson. This helps me to see who truly "gets it" and those that need some more practice. I also love seeing the kids learn to work together and grow both socially and academically through centers.