5 Easy Math Centers for Numbers 1–20

Math centers are a fun and effective way to help young learners build number sense and confidence. When kids get hands-on practice with numbers 1–20, they’re not just memorizing—they’re truly understanding what numbers mean and how they work. The best part? Centers can be simple, engaging, and low-prep!

Here are five easy math centers you can try with your students.

math centers

1. Number Sorting and Classifying

Sorting activities are a fantastic way for kids to explore numbers in different ways, by color, shape, size, or quantity. This helps them recognize patterns and make connections. If you’re looking for a ready-to-go option, the Kindergarten Sorting and Classifying Activities resource includes hands-on centers that make practicing these skills fun and interactive.

math centers

2. Number Match Puzzles

Create simple puzzles where one side shows a number (like 7) and the other side shows a group of objects that match. Students can work independently or in pairs to match the correct pieces together. You can also make it more challenging by mixing in teen numbers or having multiple representations of the same number.

3. Build It with Manipulatives

Give students a stack of counting cubes, buttons, or pom-poms, and a set of number cards. Their job is to “build” each number by counting out the correct amount. This activity is simple to set up, but it reinforces one-to-one correspondence and helps kids connect the numeral to the actual quantity.

4. Number Line Hop

Tape a number line (1–20) on the floor using painter’s tape. Students roll a die and hop to the correct number on the line. For extra fun, you can have them solve simple addition or subtraction problems, then hop to the answer. This gets kids moving while they practice number recognition and sequencing.

5. Spin and Count Game

Use a spinner with numbers 1–20 or dice. Students spin (or roll), then use counters to show the number on their mat or ten frame. This is a great way to reinforce counting, number recognition, and even subitizing skills.

Math centers don’t have to be complicated to be effective. With sorting, puzzles, manipulatives, number lines, and games, your students will get the practice they need with numbers 1–20 in a way that feels like play.

👉 Ready to make it even easier? Check out the Sorting and Classifying Math Centers for engaging, hands-on activities that are perfect for kindergarten.

math centers

For more math centers, check out my post here!

5 Ways to Create a Calm Classroom Environment

A calm classroom can make a huge difference in how your students feel and how smoothly your day runs. When kids feel safe, focused, and settled, learning just happens more naturally. 

Here are five simple ways to create a calm, supportive classroom, plus a few resources to make it even easier.

calm classroom environment

1. Have a Predictable Daily Routine

Kids love knowing what’s coming next. A clear daily routine helps them feel secure and makes transitions much smoother. A visual schedule is a lifesaver, especially for younger learners who aren’t reading fluently yet. With an editable daily visual schedule, you can customize it to fit your class, use fun icons, and let students see exactly what’s coming up during the day. No more guessing or mid-morning meltdowns!

Check out this visual schedule resource! 

calm classroom visual schedule

2. Keep Your Decor Calm and Simple

Your classroom environment sets the tone for the whole day. Soft colors, nature-inspired visuals, and organized spaces help kids feel relaxed. Even little touches, like a small plant or color-coded centers, can make a big difference. Calm decor isn’t just pretty, it actually helps students focus and feel ready to learn.

3. Add Mindfulness Moments

Mindfulness isn’t just for adults! Short deep-breathing exercises, guided visualizations, or even a quick quiet moment between activities can help students reset. Consider creating a “calm corner” with soft seating, sensory tools, or calming visuals. It’s a cozy spot where students can pause, take a breath, and come back ready to engage.

4. Give Students Classroom Jobs

When students have roles in the classroom, they feel important and responsible, and the class runs more smoothly too! Using an editable classroom jobs chart (with or without pictures) makes it easy to assign and rotate roles. Students can help line up, pass out supplies, or tidy up. It’s a simple way to build ownership and keep your classroom organized.

Check out this classroom jobs resource! 

calm classroom jobs

5. Display Positive Affirmations

We all need reminders that we’re capable and valued, especially kids! Positive affirmation mirror cards are perfect for daily encouragement. They help students start the day with a positive mindset, reinforce confidence, and create a classroom culture where everyone feels supported.

Check out this positive affirmation station resource! 

positive affirmation station for a calm classroom

Creating a calm classroom doesn’t happen overnight, but little changes can have a big impact. With predictable routines, thoughtful decor, mindfulness moments, classroom jobs, and positive affirmations, you’ll notice calmer, happier students, and a more enjoyable day for yourself too!

Looking for more classroom management tips? Check out this post where I share 10 classroom management tips that actually work in k-2.

TpT BONUS Back to School Sale

TpT Sale

You read that right! Another SALE!

TpT is having a BONUS Site-Wide Sale on the 26th and 27th! Get your wish lists ready and leave feedback on purchases to get credits for future purchases. Check out how to win a $10 gift card at the bottom of this email! Remember, BUNDLES save you MORE because they are already discounted.

SHOP Teacher Favorites:

BEST SELLERS:
Open House All About Me – Mini Me People
Beginning, Middle, and End Graphic Organizers
Escape the Room Sight Words – Editable (BEST SELLER) Have Some Back-to-School Fun!

Alphabet Writing Practice Pages, Worksheets, and CRAFTS BUNDLE – Looking for something fresh and new for your center area? This A-Z alphabet letter practice bundle provides hands-on options for busy mornings, whole groups, small groups, or homework practice! It is at the lowest price it’s ever been!

Enjoy the sale!

Follow my TpT Store HERE.

5 Fun Apple Activities for September (That You Can Do with What You Have!)

Fall is one of my favorite times to bring fresh themes into the classroom, and apples are always a hit with young learners. They’re simple, familiar, and so versatile for cross-curricular learning. The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies to make apple activities fun and meaningful. Here are five ideas you can try right away, plus two resources that take your apple theme even further.

apple activities

🍎 1. Apple Graphing

Bring in a few red, green, and yellow apples (or show pictures if that’s easier). Have students vote for their favorite color and create a simple graph together on chart paper. You can extend this by counting, comparing, and even writing sentences: “More students like red apples than green apples.”

🍏 2. Five Senses Apple Exploration

Slice apples and let students describe what they see, smell, taste, touch, and hear (the crunch!). Record their observations on an anchor chart to build science vocabulary. This activity doubles as a writing prompt: “My apple tastes…”

🍎 3. Apple Art with Paper Shapes

Cut construction paper into red, green, and yellow circles, plus brown rectangles for stems and green ovals for leaves. Students can assemble their own apples and then write a sentence underneath: “My apple is red.” Simple, no prep, and perfect for a bulletin board!

🍏 4. Counting Apple Seeds

Use black beans or small counters as pretend “apple seeds.” Students can practice counting, addition, and subtraction by “adding” seeds to an apple outline or “taking some away.” It’s a quick math center that can be done with laminated templates and dry erase markers.

🍎 5. Apple Stories and Writing

Read a favorite apple book (Ten Apples Up on Top, Apple Trouble!, or Johnny Appleseed). Then invite students to write or draw about apples: “If I had ten apples, I would…” or “Johnny Appleseed planted…” This ties literacy and creativity right into your apple theme.

🍏 Go Even Further with These Ready-to-Use Resources

If you want to extend your apple fun without extra prep, I have two resources that pair perfectly with the activities above:

apple activities
apple activities

With just a few apples (or some basic supplies), you can create hands-on, engaging activities that your students will love. And with ready-to-use apple resources, you’ll have everything you need to make September both fun and educational! 🍎

For more apple activities, check out my post here all about fun activities to do on Johnny Appleseed Day!