Shop Subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Tips and trending topics for the teacher who's always learning

schoolyard-logo
  • Education Essentials
  • Inspiration & Planning
  • Learning Spaces
  • Podcasts
  • Topics
  • Search
  • < Previous post
    Next post >
    young student and teacher using math manipulatives in classroom

    Math

    Must-Have Tools and Manipulatives for a Classroom Math Center

    Creating a classroom math center that students look forward to visiting can be a challenge. Arts and crafts and the library often seem much more entertaining to them. It might take a little creativity and some new tools and supplies, but creating a fun and engaging math center for your students is possible.

    Creating a Math Center Students Like to Use

    Some students are naturally drawn towards math concepts, while others find them frustrating. However, a math center with the right mix of activities and tools can be a way to engage less interested students. Once students have the routines and procedures of centers down, it’s important to make sure that the activities and tasks chosen for their time at the math center are both engaging and meaningful.

    Flexibility, variations, and customization all make a math center more user-friendly. This is true for both students who love math and those who need a little coaxing. Combining games with activities and self-guided challenges give students of all skill and interest levels something to get them started.  

    There are several different ways to run a classroom math center and the accompanying activities. A positive focus can be on flexibility and customizing the work and surrounding discussion to keep as many students as possible feeling challenged and engaged by the tasks and activities.

    Top Tools for an Engaging Classroom Math Center

    These teacher-favorite tools make excellent additions to the classroom math center. Using these tools for a hands-on and visual connection to math concepts can make a positive difference in student attitudes and interactions during math center time.

    Creativity Street Dominoes Set, Regular Size, 168 Pieces
    Didax Base Ten Blocks Small Group Set
    set of colorful linking cubes
    Childcraft Linking Cubes
    Learning Resources Pizza Fraction Fun Game
    Didax Magnetic Demonstration Clock
    SI Manufacturing Gallon/Fraction Measurement Container Set
    Learning Resources My Family & Me Counters, Assorted Colors, Set of 72
    Learning Resources Dinosaur Counters, Assorted Colors/Shapes, 72 Pieces
    Learning Resources Mini Motors Counters, Set of 72

    Math Center Activity Ideas from Pinterest

    Check out some of these tips and ideas from other teachers who are making math centers a part of their learning space.

    Classroom Math Center Teaching Arrays
    How to Teach Arrays from Miss Giraffe’s Class
    Geometry Activities for Little Learners
    Activities for Teaching Geometry from Lucky Little Learners
    create a word problem activity
    Create a Word Problem from Teaching with Jennifer Findley
    Fine Motor Skip Counting Math Center Activity
    Fine Motor Skip Counting from Creative Family Fun

    More Classroom Organization & Inspiration

    Looking to get your room in shape and organized for the school year? Check out our other blog posts on organization, storage, and a cleaned-up classroom. We have the inspiration and ideas you need to keep things on track.

    Read More: Storage & Organization

    Tagged With: Manipulatives, math

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Recommended

    100 Learning Spaces Transformed: CFP Foundation and School Specialty Celebrate a Major Milestone

    Learning Spaces

    100 Learning Spaces Transformed: CFP Foundation and School Specialty Celebrate a Major Milestone

    Enhancing School Safety and Efficiency

    Learning Spaces

    Enhancing School Safety and Efficiency

    Snoezelen Multisensory Environments Fill a Key Need in Schools

    Learning Spaces

    Snoezelen Multisensory Environments Fill a Key Need in Schools

    Designing Spaces that Inspire: How Fullerton School District and School Specialty Created Reggio Emilia-Inspired Classrooms

    Learning Spaces

    Designing Spaces that Inspire: How Fullerton School District and School Specialty Created Reggio Emilia-Inspired Classrooms

    Explore The Schoolyard

    Education Essentials

    Inspiration & Planning

    Learning Spaces

     

    TopicsShop Subscribe

    Copyright © 2025 School Specialty, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement · Social Media Statement · Do Not Sell My Personal Information - CA Resident Only

  • CATEGORIES

    • Education Essentials
    • Inspiration & Planning
    • Learning Spaces
  • TOPICS

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Early Childhood
    • Special Needs
    • Physical Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Student Resources
    • Organization & Storage
    • Classroom Management
    • STEAM & STEM
    • 21st Century Learning
    • Reading & Literacy
    • Healthy Students
    • Teacher Life
    • Back to School
    • Celebrations & Seasons
    • Out of School
    • News
    • Math
    • Science
    • Podcasts
    • Topics
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube