Home » Misc » Math centers for kindergarteners

Math centers for kindergarteners


15 Kindergarten Math Centers that will Engage Your Class All Year (Free File)

Kindergarten Math Centers and Activities. Plus a free file! Ideas to engage your students all year long. Printable activities to practice number sense, addition, subtraction, shapes, and more!

Why do we even do math centers?  First of all… they are fun!  The bonus is the learning and practice that takes place.  We, as teachers, also need moments in the day when students work independently so we can work with small groups.

I used math stations as a way to reinforce skills and give my students a way to over-learn math concepts in a fun and engaging way.  YES!  It is academic, but the students don’t know they are learning. If we had to skip math stations for the day, my students complained.  It was a highly motivating time of the day. 

I had 10 “new” math centers each week.  Students worked with a partner at their math station.  Now… there is NO WAY I could have 10 new math stations a week that were TOTALLY different.  I would have had the life sucked out of me and I would have had to spend the entire time explaining the stations.  Therefore, a few years ago I created some highly predictable math center activities.   I kept many of the activities the same but switched out the clip art to match our themes.

Let me show you 15 kindergarten math center activities that will engage your class all year.   By keeping these tasks the same (but switching up the materials they are working with) you can truly help your students work independently.  You won’t need to explain these activities over and over, because they will already know them!  Easy!

Kindergarten Math Centers #1: Roll and Color

We start this math center early in the year by using a simple die.  Then as the year progresses we add an addition or subtraction twist to it!  Because the theme is always changing, my class always gets excited when they see this activity in the math center tub. 

Kindergarten Math Centers #2: BUMP Games

This is a class favorite.   Once they learn how to play (in early September) we are ready to rock those math skills!  I like to introduce these BUMP games as a whole group activity.  I divide the class into teams and we have a quick game of BUMP.  After a few days of playing this math center, my students are eager to see it in a math center tub.  We use it for practicing SO MANY math skills… subitizing, addition, and composing/decomposing teen numbers, and even colors!

Bump Games Color Set

Kindergarten Math Centers #3: Roll and Trace Games

Again… we start with a single die, then move up to adding 3 dice together!  TIP: Print and laminate the pages and add a dry erase marker to the center tub! You can save paper and kids loves using dry-erase markers!

Kindergarten Math Centers #4: Sorting Cards

Students put these cards in numerical order.  At the beginning of the year, we start with numbers within 6, then move up to 20! TIP:  Using frosting tubs help keep the cards together and students do not have to spend time getting the cards ready to play.

Kindergarten Math Centers #5: Comparing Numbers

The set of cards you use for sorting can also be used for comparing numbers! A great way to easily differentiate for your students.

Kindergarten Math Centers #6: Measurement

In this math center activity, students practice measuring, counting, and recording the lengths of thematic images.

Kindergarten Math Centers #7: Data

Students spin the spinner and record the data in this math center!  Simple… FUN!

Kindergarten Math Centers #8: Skip Counting

This activity is called coin collector.  We start working with pennies, then work our way up to nickels and dimes!

Kindergarten Math Centers #9: Dough Center

Lots of different skills are practiced at this center!  You can start these kindergarten dough math center activities very early in the year with working with shapes and  numbers 1 to 5. Then we build upon that! You can read more about this center and find a few dough recipes in my blog post:  Playdough Recipe Roundup.

Kindergarten Math Center #10: Puzzles

Puzzles are so easy to add to stations or centers because students already know how to work with puzzles. I organize the puzzles into binders which helps to keep things from becoming a nightmare fast.  These kindergarten math center activities are well-loved and they are easy to differentiate!  You can read more about how I have them organized in this blog post:  Centers Organizing Classroom Puzzles

Kindergarten Math Centers #11: Math Fluency Games

Again, once students know how to play this math fluency game, they beg to play it again and again.  We start with simple subitizing type cards and move up to addition and subtraction as the year continues.  This is a game where students of different ability levels can play at the same time together.  You simply offer two different stacks of cards.

Kindergarten Math Centers #12: Roll, Say, Keep!

My students play this game for letters and sounds… why not add a math version! These Roll, Say, Keep games are a hit!

Kindergarten Math Centers #13: Domino Games

Students practice various math skills with these domino games! Shapes, number identification, addition, subtraction… the list goes on! 

Kindergarten Math Centers #14: Math Stamping

Students have fun practicing beginning number operations, addition and subtraction, and making 10! Plus, this math stamping center is editable. When the your sweeties are ready, you can make your own addition, subtraction, and mixed operation pages. Score! 

Kindergarten Math Centers #15: Hidden Picture Boom Decks

All of the above centers are printable, but I had to throw in one digital option! You know kindergarteners loves using devices… so add some technology to your kindergarten math centers. These Hidden Picture Boom Cards are super predicable and tons of fun!

There you have it! 15 kindergarten math center activities that will keep your kiddos happy (and you sane)!

Free File!

Super simple… just add your email to the box below.   The file will be sent to your email inbox!  

Kindergarten Math Centers — From the Pond

Packs 1-9 Bundle

Math Pack 1 - Numbers 1 to 3

Math Pack 1 - Numbers 1 to 3

  1. Bears on the Bus

    count and match a group of plastic bears to a numeral, number word, dot pattern or finger-counting picture

  2. Gum Fun

    count with one to one correspondence to 3 and identify numerals 1-3.

  3. Find It

    identify numerals, number pictures and dot patterns 1-3

  4. Clip It Birds

    count objects (clothes-pins) to match numerals, number pictures, dot patterns and number words 1-3

  5. Monkey

    match number pictures to numerals 1-3 and order numbers 1-3 in counting order.

Math Pack 2 - Numbers 0 to 6

Math Pack 2 - Numbers 0 to 6

  1. Bear School
    use small plastic bears to represent the number on each school house, and record it on their worksheet

  2. Caterpillar Crawl
    spin a number count-out the number to move their way around the game board. They identify the dot patterns and match to a numeral (subtilizing)

  3. School Race
    roll a standard die and match to a numeral

  4. Clip It Kids
    count and clip clothespins to the kids to show their understanding of each number - numeral and dot patterns

  5. Super Six
    roll the die, identify the dot pattern, match to a numeral. They need to order numbers in counting order also

Math Pack 3 - 2D Shapes


Math Pack 3 - 2D Shapes

  1. Clip the Sides
    use clothes-pins to identify the number of sides on each shape

    record the name of each shape on the recording page

  2. Shape Search
    identify features of the shape on the game board to cover when the correct call card is chosen

  3. Shape Bingo
    name and identify 2D shapes in different orientations and try to be the first to cover all on their game board

  4. Shape Count
    count the number of different shapes occurring on their game card and the total of each is recorded on their worksheet

  5. Shape Spin
    take a turn to spin and try to get 4 shapes in a row on the game board. Played in pairs this can be completed on a worksheet game board as an alternative

Math Pack 4 - Five Frames


Math Pack 4 - Five Frames

  1. 5 Frame Caterpillar
    match a 5 frame to a matching numeral

  2. Gator Match
    locate 2 five frames that are different arrangements but have the same value, and match them

  3. 5 on the Bus
    find 2 five frame buses that have identical pattern arrangements and match them

  4. Five Street
    see an arrangement card, and then re-create it with counters/chips on the house/street five frame card

  5. Happy Frame
    identify five frame patterns shown to them by a caller, and locate them on their game board

    cover the dots with counters/chips to practice building the five frame patterns

Math Pack 5 - Numbers 6 to 9

Math Pack 5 - Numbers Six to Nine

  1. Count and Build
    build mini constructions with a number of blocks to match each card

  2. Snail Trail
    spin a number and lay a snail trail to match their spin

  3. Bug Catch
    place bugs into each jar to match the number on the lids

  4. Number Match
    play 3 different common classroom card games to review numerals and patterns 0-9

  5. Numeral Formation Cards
    trace, roll play dough, place pom poms or counters and drive mini cars over the game mats to practice current numeral formation for numbers 0-9

Math Pack 6 - Numbers 0 to 10

Math Pack 6 - Numbers 0 to 10

  1. Finger Count
    recognize pictures of the counting-fingers for numbers 0-10, practice them and order them

  2. Number Street
    trace and write numerals 1-10 in counting order

  3. House Numbers
    match dot pattern pictures and numerals 0-10 in counting order

  4. Number Words
    play 3 different common classroom card games to review numerals and number names (words)

  5. Number Train
    find a numeral, number word, dot pattern, picture and finger-count picture match for each number 1-10

Math Pack 7 - Order and Position of Numbers 0 to 10

Math Pack 7 - Order and Position of Numbers 0 to 10

  1. Before & After
    locate and identify pictures that happen before/after an event

  2. Number Zoom
    order numerals 1-6 in horizontal counting order

  3. Next & Before
    identify numbers immediately before or immediately after a featured number within 0-10

  4. Super Numbers

    locate and position numbers before AND after a given number, randomly in the range 0-10

  5. Numberpillar
    sequence and write 3 number sequences from various starting points in the range 0-10

Math Pack 8 - Comparing Quantities

Math Pack 8 - Comparing Quantities

  1. Let's Compare
    label picture collections with greater than/less than/equal to words and symbol cards

  2. Collecting Shells
    determine more/less with pictures of collections as they collect shells in their bucket

  3. How Many More?
    determine 'how many more' by direct comparison of picture cards (arranged in rows of 2 - good intro to odd/even)

  4. Train Tracks
    order numbers in a linear arrangement to determine more/less

  5. Peas Please
    draw 'more peas' to make a group that is 'more than' the picture collection

Math Pack 9 - The Addition Concept

Math Pack 9 - The Addition Concept

  1. Car Ride
    spin a number twice and draw picture dots in the front and back of the car to find the total and model addition

  2. Add the Apples
    determine the total by counting the apples in 2 colors

  3. Happy Add Up
    draw happy faces or use counters to fill more squares on the frames to complete the total shown

  4. Bus Roll
    roll and add cube 'passengers' to the blank number track buses

  5. Addition Hop
    hop along the numbered number track to solve the addition story

Packs 10-18 Bundle

Math Pack 10 - Length

Math Pack 10 - Length

  1. Caterpillar Compare
    compare 2 caterpillars and label with a card to make a statement of comparison

  2. My Peeps
    use direct comparison to compare the length of two people cards - shorter, taller

  3. Piece of String
    place two pictures together to directly compare length

  4. Snake Measure

    use blocks to measure informally

  5. Worm Match
    count units to find the distance between the worm head and end

Math Pack 11 - Addition Strategies

Math Pack 11 - Addition Strategies

  1. Gingerbread Buttons
    explore part-part-total for addition

  2. Piggy Bank
    use the count-on 1 and 2 strategies

  3. Think Big Bots
    use the 'think big, count small' strategy and learn that it does not matter which position the 'big number' is in to add

  4. Turtle Turn
    say and write turnaround facts

  5. Take and Turn
    say and write turnaround facts

Math Pack 12 - 3D Shapes

Math Pack 12 - 3D Shapes

This pack helps students learn to sort, describe, name and make 3D shapes and connect real world objects with 3D shapes.

  1. Make It 3D
    make 3D shapes and connect real-world pictures to 3D objects (provide play dough)

  2. Sort It 3D
    sort and match real-world pictures and 3D objects

  3. 3D Shape Bingo
    match words, real-world pictures and 3D object pictures

  4. 3D Shape Spin
    identify and locate 3D shape pictures

  5. 3D Shape Count
    identify and count 3D shapes

Math Pack 13 - Pattern Awareness

This pack will help students with building, describing, creating and continuing repeating patterns. They will also learn to identify missing elements in a pattern.

Math Pack 13 - Pattern Awareness

  1. Build a Pattern
    build a simple repeating pattern

  2. Describe the Pattern
    describe and identify a repeating pattern

  3. Continue the Pattern
    describe and identify and continue a repeating pattern

  4. Continue the Sticks
    describe and identify and continue a repeating pattern

  5. Flower Patterns
    identify the missing element from a repeating pattern

Math Pack 14 - Ordinal Numbers

Math Pack 14 - Ordinal Numbers

  1. Lining Up
    match ordinal names to a sequence of events (pictures 'spun')

  2. Race Time
    match ordinal number names to their ordinal symbols

  3. On the Bus
    match ordinal number names to their ordinal symbols and words

  4. Kids Bingo
    match ordinal number names to their ordinal symbols and words

  5. Order-pillar

    order ordinal symbols without visual reference

Math Pack 15 - Equality

Math Pack 15 - Equality

  1. Balance It
    make groups of equal quantity by adding blocks or drawing them
    explore ‘balance’ to show equal groups

  2. Gum Sum
    make groups of equal quantity by drawing a picture to show the combination of 2 groups
    use the language ‘is the same as’ to describe groups

  3. Tooth Total
    use the language ‘is equal to’ to describe groups of teeth

  4. Equal
    use the language ‘is equal to’ to describe groups in part/part whole cards

  5. Equal House
    create groups to show equality by drawing more dots on the 'upstairs' of each house

Math Pack 16 - Time to the Hour

Math Pack 16 - Time to the Hour

  1. Week Walk
    identify yesterday/today/tomorrow and order the days of the week

  2. How long?
    identify yesterday/today/tomorrow and order the days of the week

  3. Monster o’clock
    identify time on the hour

  4. Timebot
    match clocks with number and word times

  5. Flower-o-Clock
    arrange clock hands to match times on the hour

Math Pack 17 - Numbers 10 to 15

Math Pack 17 - Numbers 10 to 15

  1. Math Them
    recognize numerals and number words 10 to 15
    recognize numbers 10 to 15 from finger/hand pictures
    recognize pictorial representation of numbers from 10 to 15

  2. Animal House
    make groups to match numerals

  3. Cactus Match
    match quantities to numerals
    make numbers using ten frames

  4. Teen Street
    write numerals in correct stroke formation
    write numbers 10-15 in counting order

  5. Spin It
    identify numerals, number pictures and ten frame patterns 10-15

Math Pack 18 - The Subtraction Concept

Math Pack 18 - Subtraction

  1. Spot Drop

    take groups of objects away to model subtraction

  2. Chomp!

    take groups of objects away to model subtraction

  3. Apple Snack

    cross off pictures to model subtraction

  4. Cover Up 2

    cover up pictures to model subtraction

  5. Robot Take

    solve subtraction problems

Packs 19-27 Bundle

Math Pack 19 - Order & Position of Numbers 0-15

Math Pack 19 - Order & Position of Numbers 0-15

  1. Make a Group

    make a group of counters/chips that is one more or less than a given group

  2. Make a Train
    make a cube 'train' that shows one more of less than a picture and record the numerals

  3. Jump
    make forward and backward jumps on a number track of 1, 2 and 3 and determine the new landing position

  4. Next and Before to 15
    locate and position numbers immediately before AND immediately after a given number, randomly in the range 0-15

  5. Numberpillar to 15

  6. sequence and write 3 number sequences from various starting points in the range 0-15

Math Pack 20 - Equal Groups

Math Pack 20 - Equal Groups

  1. Big Pig
    make equal groups and describe them

  2. Fish Catch
    identify equal groups and describe the groups

  3. Groups Match
    match pictures and descriptions of equal groups

  4. Rows Of
    use arrays to represent equal groups

  5. Farmer
    act out a sharing story to show equal groups

Math Pack 21 - Numbers 11 to 20

Math Pack 21 - Numbers 11-20

  1. Build a Number House
    recognize numerals 11 to 20
    recognize pictorial representation of numbers from 11 to 20 and match them to numeral

  2. Number Robot
    match ten frame pictures to numerals

  3. Ice Cream Teens
    match numerals, tally marks, number names and quantities for numbers 11-20

  4. Teen Street
    write numerals in correct stroke formation
    write numbers 15-20 in counting order

  5. Train to 20
    identify and order numerals 11-20

Math Pack 22 - More Addition Strategies

Math Pack 22 - More Addition Strategies

  1. Tiger Turn
    identify and write turnaround number facts for addition with numbers to 20

  2. Shoes in Twos
    explore skip counting and adding on two more

  3. Jump 2
    explore skip counting and adding on two more from both odd and even starting positions

  4. Count on 2
    learn to count on ‘2 more’ from the larger number

  5. Bunny Jumps 2
    learn to count on ‘2 more’ on a number line

Math Pack 23 - Introducing Halves (Fractions)

Math Pack 23 - Introducing Halves

  1. Part and Whole
    identify parts of and whole shapes

  2. Fruit Halves
    visualize one half of a whole. Students will place two halves together to make a whole

  3. Find Half
    draw a line on a picture object to divide in half

  4. Whole and Half
    identify pictures that show half and whole and match to written descriptions

  5. Butterfly Halves
    match two halves by looking at dot pattern numbers

Math Pack 24 - Growing (Additive) Patterns

Math Pack 24 - Growing (Additive) Patterns

  1. Make a Pattern
    use pattern blocks from the classroom to make a pattern and trace it

  2. Pop a Pattern
    use popsicle sticks to copy and continue the growing patterns shown on each card

  3. Missing Patterns
    identify and place missing pictures in a sequence to complete a growing pattern

  4. Match It

    match a number sequence that corresponds with a growing pattern picture

  5. Growing Snake
    make a growing pattern snake design using colored squares or math cubes. They can copy this pattern onto a paper craft using the template provided

Math Pack 25 - 2 Digit Place Value

Math Pack 25 - 2 Digit Place Value

  1. On the Bus

    use pictures of numbers 11-20 (finger counting pictures) to order numbers 11 to 20

  2. Place Value Houses

    make 2 digit numbers with number tiles (included) and build the number using place value blocks

  3. Place Value Bots

    roll 2 dice and use these to create a 2 digit number on their robot. They will then make the number using place value blocks

  4. Hair Roll

    roll a dice and add hair to their game board, trade ten ones for a ten and identify a 2 digit number total at the end of play

  5. Race to 100

    roll and add 'ones' to their board - trading every time they get to ten

Math Pack 26 - Numbers 21 to 30

Math Pack 26 - Numbers 21 to 30

  1. Match Them

    recognize numerals and number words 21 to 30

    recognize numbers 21 to 30 from hand pictures

    recognize pictorial representation of numbers from 21 to 30

  2. Windows

    match numerals and place value pictures

  3. Frog Match

    match quantities to numerals

    make numbers using ten frames

  4. Number Street

    write numerals in correct stroke formation

    write numbers 21 to 30 in counting order

  5. Spin It

    identify numerals, number pictures and ten frame patterns 21 to 30

Math Pack 27 - Even More Addition Strategies

Math Pack 27 - Even More Addition Strategies

  1. Altogether

    combine 2 groups to model addition from stories

  2. Choo Choo 2 More

    learn to quickly recognize 2 more than a number (within 1-30)

  3. Bug Turnaround

    model and create turnaround facts

  4. Croc Bumps

    count-on 1, 2 and 3 (within 1-20)

  5. Fast Facts

    memorize fast facts (within 1-10) by adding 1, 2 or 3

Math Pack Information

First Grade Math Packs

Presentation "Center for Entertaining Mathematics for Children 3-4 years old in the context of the implementation of the Federal State Educational Standard for Preschool Education" | Presentation for the lesson in mathematics (junior group):

Slide 1

Center for entertaining mathematics for children 3-4 years old in the context of the implementation of the Federal State Educational Standard for Education Educator: Korotkova Elena Vitalievna Belasovka Year 2021

Slide 2

Purpose mathematics, cognitive activity, the development of logical and associative thinking, memory, attention, education of perseverance, independence, respect for game material The purpose of the mathematical corner: To promote children's interest in mathematics, cognitive activity, the development of logical and associative thinking, memory, attention, education perseverance, independence, careful attitude to game material

Slide 3

The Mathematical Center is a specially designated place, thematically equipped with games, manuals, and materials. We placed the Mathematical Center on the central wall near the blackboard, in the illuminated area of ​​the group space. By creating the center, we provided children with free access to materials and games, thereby providing an opportunity in their free time to independently choose a game or manual, play individually or with other children.

Slide 4

The development center presents games for the formation of elementary mathematical concepts: color

Slide 5

form

Slide 6

one - many; logical thinking

Slide 7

Along with traditional games, we use innovative manuals. One of them is the Gigo children's development board, which is designed for the early development of the child's creative abilities, helps memorize colors and shapes, develop coordination, fine motor skills, spatial thinking, perseverance

Slide 8

-Baby "as a result of which not only logical thinking and the ability to think systematically develop, but also speech, imagination, memory and other higher mental functions in the complex

Slide 9

Carpet maker “Larchik. The world of wild animals" promotes sensory development, the development of mental processes (memory, attention, thinking, imagination). It also develops mathematical, speech, environmental prerequisites in children from two years old

Slide 10

The use of a geoboard develops a child's cognitive abilities: spatial and associative thinking, attention, memory, development of the child's motor skills, develops the imagination and creativity of children. Allows the child to understand the initial concepts of geometry on their own sensory experience: figure, perimeter, area

Slide 11

The use of the Podvorie lapbook arouses interest, increases curiosity, attracts children to individual activities iron

Mathematics for children in the Center "ONE-TWO-THREE!"

Satisfied students

Olympiad and School mathematics

We teach preschoolers and students in grades 1-7

Purpose: to teach solving complex problems easily and with pleasure; develop logic, ingenuity, analytical thinking; prepare for participation in the Olympics

We have mathematics