Math centers with math games, manipulatives, and activities support learner interests and promote the development of more complex math skills and social interactions. Having centers or stations with activities that students can do independently and with peers supports differentiation and allows them to meaningfully practice their math skills. When students are engaged in these centers practicing current math material or moving to more advanced concepts, teachers also have the opportunity to work with a small group who needs an extra lesson.
Watch how this middle school teacher uses math centers in her classroom. The video explains what students are doing in each center. Her class is divided into three stations: a small group lesson with the teacher, students using Chromebooks to work with a math product, and students using I-pod touches to work on various math apps. As an extension, some students work on creating projects that their classmates can learn from.