Making the Most of Math Centers and Science Experiments

Trying to figure out how to organize your math centers? Then, this is the post for you. This post will give you tips to easily organize and manage your centers.

Science Blasters

Science is something that is often put on the back burner in kindergarten, right? We are so busy teaching the literacy and math standards it often leaves very little time for science. However, as a country we lag behind in science.  So what is important about science? We need to build excitement, teach the scientific process, and show the connection to reading, writing and math!

This darling little book is about a duck family going to the grandparents for Sunday breakfast. Baby duck is miserable in the rain and the parents don't understand why the baby doesn't like the rain.
BEFORE, reading this book to your kids, you will want to read a nonfiction selection on ducks and their feathers. This will allow your children to understand why baby duck shouldn't worry about the rain.

We follow up with the fun little science experiment! Super simple and easy, BUT it teaches the scientific process and has the children work through each step!

Math Centers

We really don't need to hear ANOTHER math idea! If you are looking for ideas, go to Pinterest, facebook, Instagram or teachers pay teachers! They are loaded with ideas! So, why then, do some teachers struggle with centers?  MANAGEMENT!

One thing I did was to set up just 5 center areas. Each area contains a "have to" activity and then some "can do" activities for early finishers.

Each day they rotate to a different area. This means by Friday, they have been to all 5 areas.

Establish centers that are independent. Ones that the kids know how to play and have mastered the standard. Centers are to maintain learning! New learning occurs in your small group.

Here are some things to think of when pulling small groups. Instead of calling a whole center area to your table, go to each center area and pull the kids with a common need based on your assessments.

Trying to meet with every child every day can be stressful not just for you but also for the kids! Do not call your intervention group to your table first.  Instead start with the kids you are pretty sure will get it! That way you can practice your delivery!

Also, this allows the intervention children to have peer support in the centers.