Second Grade Math Center Ideas

Second-grade students are learning addition and subtraction up to 20.

Using math centers is one way that many important math skills can be learned. Second-grade students are able to do many activities independently, so second-grade math center ideas should be tailored toward that independence. Set up centers that include free play with manipulatives and structured activities that include using computers.

Worksheets

Second-grade students are working on adding and subtracting, reading a clock, counting money and beginning multiplication. Use worksheets that students can easily complete, such as those that accompany the textbook, or download worksheets from sites such as Super Teacher Worksheets. Also consider giving worksheets that allow coloring, cutting and pasting for second-grade students.

Games

Games are always a good center idea. Kids can play Sudoku puzzles or math hangman. Dominoes are another favorite math game. You could also incorporate some made-up games such as the 1 to 9 game, in which students are given numbered tiles or cards with the numbers 1 to 9. Kids take turns drawing cards from the center of the table. The first child to come up with three numbers that equal the number 15 wins the game. Other ideas include memory games and flashcards.

Math Tubs

Math tubs are plastic or metal tubs filled with various manipulatives. Manipulatives can consist of almost anything that kids can move around. Fill the tubs with wooden or plastic blocks, coins, marbles and dice that can be sorted and counted, mixed and matched. Manipulatives help students develop number recognition as well as recognize sorting patterns. Manipulatives offer kids a chance to interact while reinforcing important math skills.

Computer Station

If you can have a computer station, then math games played on the computer will be one of the student's favorite stations. Sites like Kaboose and Fun School offer a variety of second-grade math games and activities to choose from.

Work With Teacher

Working with the teacher as a center may not seem like the most exciting center, but it might be one of the most necessary and productive. You could use small group time with the teacher to introduce a new math lesson or to practice pieces of the lesson that was learned as a class.

References

• Super Teacher Worksheets: Free Printable Worksheets
• Hubbards Cupboard: Math Tubs
• Teaching Heart: Learning Centers Page
• Funschool: We Make Learning Fun
• Time4Learning: Scope and Sequence