Math Centers, Round 1

After thinking long and hard about the concept of guided or "balanced" math, and reading a few different resources about the topic, I've put together eight "math centers" which I hope will offer an age-appropriate and engaging learning experience for my Grade 7 and 8 students this year. 

I invite and welcome feedback.

I have almost all the materials I need, and will once again spend way too much money to acquire the rest:

• pencils, math notebooks (or digital alternatives)
• math problem solving folders
• vocabulary charts (can be developed and posted at the beginning of each new math unit)
• illustrated math dictionaries
• a variety of manipulatives, actual or virtual
• a selection of artworks and images (to match various units throughout the year)
• math-related board games: chess, blokus, battleship, mastermind, katamino, etc.
• list of math journal writing prompts

(Donations gratefully accepted here; consider it a fee for these great, ready-made materials, lol!)

My plan is to introduce 2-3 of the centers as whole class activities during the first weeks of school, then have students practise working in small groups at each center, with lots of opportunity for metacognition about learning skills and work habits.  Once things are humming along, I will add new centers each week or so, until all eight are up and running.

Although the topic of the materials at each center will change as we move through the math curriculum this year, the basic concept will remain the same.

Stay tuned for real-life reports on how it unfolds in the weeks ahead!