If you’re anything like me, you love math stations. There’s something so satisfying about setting up a little corner of the room with all the materials your students need to work on a specific skill or concept. And while math stations are definitely a staple in my classroom, I’ll admit that sometimes they can start to feel a little… dull. That’s why I’ve put together this list of five fresh ideas for math stations that are sure to liven things up!
The Fact Fluency Station:
This station is all about those pesky math facts that kids need to memorize. To make it more fun, try using some creative tools like color-by-code pages, dice games, or even online apps and websites. There are tons of resources out there to make fact fluency practice more engaging for kids. To stock your fluency station you can download these free color-by-code multiplication fact worksheets or these free multiplication flashcards and quizzes–or both!
The Problem-Solving Station:
At this station, students can work on those higher-level thinking skills by tackling some challenging word problems. You can create your own problems, or find some great ones online or in books. You could even create a “problem of the day” board where students have to solve a different problem each day they visit the station! I like to tie in technology with these digital problem-solving task cards.
The Writing About Math Station:
This station gives kids a chance to express their understanding of math concepts in a different way – through writing! Students can write stories, create comics, or even just jot down some quick notes about what they’re learning. The sky’s the limit here, so let their creativity shine.
The Technology Station:
Kids love working with technology, so why not incorporate it into your math instruction? This could involve iPads loaded with apps or math games, laptops with access to online resources, or even just some good ol’ fashioned graphing calculators. Whatever you choose, your students are sure to be excited about getting to use technology in class! There are tons of great apps and websites out there that make learning math more interactive and fun. Plus, many of them are free! So give this station a try and see how your students respond.
One of my students’ favorite tech station games is digital multiplication BUMP.
The Puzzle Station:
Puzzle math stations way to sneak in some extra practice with key concepts while also giving kids a chance to have some fun! There are all kinds of puzzles you can use – from Sudoku to mazes to logic puzzles – so find ones that fit with what you’re teaching and watch your students’ faces light up as they work together to solve them.
There you have it – five ideas for math stations that will keep things fresh and engaging for your students! However you choose to use them, I hope they help make your life a little easier (and maybe even more fun)!
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