Experimenting with their environment through hands-on play and interaction is how preschoolers learn best. Setting up specific learning centers within the classroom gives toddlers a way to maximize their educational opportunities as each area focuses on a different subject matter. From reading areas to art centers, creating a fun and effective space for learning makes children interested and keeps them engaged. Focusing on math in the preschool classroom, there are ten must-haves for every math learning center.
Must Haves for a Preschool Math Center
1. Furniture
Each separate learning center within a preschool needs appropriate furniture and décor for what the area is focusing on. For math, a few good tables and chairs to work on is a must. They should be comfortable and sturdy to optimize learning and creativity. Throw down a soft area rug for toddlers to sit on as they experiment with different math manipulatives and games. Dress up the walls as well, with a dry erase board, storage unit, bulletin board, and other useful tools.
2. Storage Containers
Storage containers are lifesavers for a math learning center. Organize math manipulatives, counters, blocks and more. Keeping them appropriately labeled with names and photos of what belongs in each box will help toddlers to know where to find specific items, as well as, where to put them back when they are done.
3. Numbers and Counters
Having numbers available to see and play with assists children in familiarizing themselves with the individual numbers, number placement, and counting. Counters, abacuses, and block dice are all wonderful tools to aid toddlers in number recognition.
4. Measurement Tools
Measuring tapes, rulers, and balance scales are all important to have in the math center as it introduces children to the different concepts of measurements. Length and weight are just a couple of the ideas that children will learn with hands-on play of these materials.
5. Operation Cards
Operations cards allow preschoolers to become more knowledgeable about numbers and math calculations. Flash cards, puzzles, and games are wonderful learning tools to incorporate in the math learning center.
6. Manipulative Kits
Math manipulatives are any objects that facilitate hands-on education. Through play, children will expand their comprehension of math. Some manipulatives to have available include items such as pegboard games or pattern blocks.
7. Money
Having pretend paper money (no coins!) offered for play is essential. As children grow older they will begin to use it on a daily basis. Set up a cash register or bank teller operation game to facilitate learning about money and its values.
8. Problem Solving Aids
Tracing and sequencing sets are useful in helping preschoolers understand the concept of problem solving. Allowing children free play with these items will encourage individual ideas of how to problem solve.
9. Sorting Sets
Sorting items supports pattern recognition for children. Different colors, sizes and other attributes can be organized and patterned to suit the creativity of toddlers while introducing them to early math concepts.
10. Clocks and Calendars
Getting preschoolers familiar with clocks and calendars helps in the education of telling time and planning future events. Simply making these items available to view will assist toddlers in learning ideas such as number recognition and number order.