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Tag: math

5 Easy Math Centers for Numbers 1–20

Math

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!

Unlock Learning with These Fun Escape Room Activities for First Grade

education, Teaching Tips

If you’re looking for a way to get your first graders excited about learning while also sneaking in essential ELA and math skills, look no further, this Escape Room ELA and Math Bundle for First Grade is a total game-changer!

These printable escape room activities are packed with mystery, teamwork, and skill-building fun. Whether you’re trying to spice up your weekly centers, celebrate a holiday, or need something engaging for a sub day, these ready-to-use challenges are a hit with both students and teachers.

escape room

What’s Included in the Bundle?

This bundle includes nine themed escape room activities that cover everything from sight words and reading comprehension to math, word building, and even a back-to-school icebreaker. Each escape room features printable clues, puzzle pieces, “locks,” and even a fun YouTube hook video to grab your students’ attention right from the start.

All you need to do is print, prep the envelopes, and you’re ready to go. Most teachers report needing just 40–45 minutes of prep time—totally doable even during a busy week!

escape room

Why Teachers Love It

🧩 Cross-Curricular Fun – You’ll reinforce important ELA and math skills while your students feel like they’re playing a game.

🎉 High Engagement – Students work together to solve clues, building not just academic skills but also collaboration and critical thinking.

📚 Versatile Use – These activities are perfect for holidays, review days, or just when your class needs something a little extra fun.

And the best part? Students feel so accomplished when they “escape” and earn their certificates!

escape room ideas

A Little Teacher Tip…

Try splitting your class into small teams and giving each one a set of clues. Set a timer, play some suspenseful music, and let the problem-solving begin! This setup works beautifully for observations or fun Fridays.

Whether you’re a fan of escape rooms yourself or just want to bring something fresh into your classroom, this bundle is an engaging way to reinforce key skills and create memorable learning moments.

👉 Click here to grab the Escape Room ELA and Math BUNDLE for First Grade!

Let the learning (and escaping) begin!

Looking for more escape room fun? Check out my post here! 

How to Prevent the Summer Slide in Elementary Students

Teaching Tips

The countdown to summer is on! While students (and let’s be honest—teachers!) are excited for a break, we also know how important it is to keep young minds active during the summer months.

Without regular practice, students can lose some of the valuable skills they gained during the school year. This learning loss, often called the “summer slide”, can make the transition into the next grade level more difficult for both students and teachers.

The good news? With just a little review each week, students can retain what they’ve learned and stay on track for success.

summer slide

Here are a few simple ways to help prevent the summer slide:

1. Encourage Real-Life Learning

Summer is the perfect time for hands-on learning! Encourage families to involve their children in everyday activities like cooking, gardening, or grocery shopping. Measuring ingredients, counting items, and reading labels all build real-world math and literacy skills.

2. Promote Daily Reading

A little reading goes a long way. Help families set up a simple routine because just 10–15 minutes of reading each day makes a big difference. Suggest fun options like library trips, reading challenges, or themed book lists to keep things fresh.

3. Send Home Engaging Practice Packs

One of the easiest ways to help students stay sharp is to send home an end-of-year review packet. These Summer Review Packets  for elementary students are filled with quick, engaging activities that reinforce key math and literacy skills.

Each packet is:
✅ Grade-level specific
✅ Easy to print and send home
✅ Designed for independent work- perfect for families!

summer packets to prevent the summer slide

They also include a variety of fun formats like cut-and-paste pages, reading passages, number sense review, and writing prompts to keep students interested while they review.

4. Make It a Challenge

Turn summer review into a game! Encourage students to complete a certain number of pages per week or create a summer learning bingo board. You could even offer a small prize if they bring their completed packet back in the fall.

Summer doesn’t have to mean sliding backward. With the right tools and a little encouragement, your students can hold onto everything they’ve learned and come back ready to learn more.

🎉 Want to make it easy? Grab the Summer Review Packet Bundle here 

For more summer activities, check out my post here! 

The Top 3 Benefits of STEM Activities in Elementary

Science, STEM, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips

Wondering about the benefits of STEM activities in elementary? You’re in the right place! If you know me, you know I love STEM activities and it’s so fun to see our young students light up when they are wrapped up and fully engaged in STEM learning. 

stem activities

What is STEM and why is it important? 

STEM is essentially an integrated approach to learning that incorporates four key disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These subjects are at the heart of many of the world’s most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities, so it’s important that we get our kiddos comfortable with it from an early age. 

Here are some of the top benefits of STEM activities: 

STEM Activities Foster Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

STEM challenges are like brain-boosting exercises for our young learners. They help our students flex their thinking muscles by encouraging them to ask questions, explore solutions, and adapt their strategies when faced with hurdles. It’s all about honing those essential problem-solving skills that will serve them well in school and beyond.

Tip: To make this even more exciting, encourage your students to team up and work together. When they brainstorm and chat about their ideas, it can take their critical thinking skills to a whole new level!

Promotes a Love for Learning

Let’s make learning an adventure! STEM challenges turn the classroom into a place where students can have a blast while they learn. Children are naturally curious, and these activities tap into that curiosity. When kids are having fun, they’re more likely to remember what they’ve learned and develop a deep love for STEM subjects.

Tip: Choose challenges that match your students’ interests. Whether it’s building, experimenting, or exploring, let their passions lead the way. And don’t forget to weave in some fun stories and real-world examples to keep them engaged.

Builds Confidence and Resilience

Completing STEM challenges is a wonderful confidence booster! When students conquer obstacles and see their ideas come to life, they walk a little taller and believe in themselves, and what teacher wouldn’t love that?! Plus, they learn that mistakes are just stepping stones to success. That kind of resilience is a life skill that will stay with them long after they leave your classroom.


Tip: Celebrate every little success with your students. Emphasize the value of hard work and not giving up, even when things get tough. Encourage them to look back on their mistakes as opportunities to grow and do even better in the next challenge.

Looking for the perfect STEM challenge? Here are some super fun and engaging STEM challenges to try with your students: 

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie STEM Challenge | Build a Mouse House

STEM activities for kids

Be the teacher they remember with these engaging STEM Activities! Kids will have a blast learning about blueprints, floor plans, area, design, and writing while doing these activities! Use the book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff as a HOOK with this STEM activity! Check it out! 

Apollo Lunar Module STEM Challenge

lunar lander stem activity

Are you looking for an engaging STEM Challenge to enhance your space unit or to teach how the first man landed on the moon? This is a great challenge for students to use materials to create a Lunar Lander module to test for a soft landing with their “shock absorbers.” 

Building 2D & 3D Shapes Toothpick Cards, Activities and Challenges

toothpick stem activities

Are you looking for some fun STEM ideas to incorporate into building math geometry skills with 2D and 3D Shapes? I have you covered with these Build A Shape Mats! Print and laminate. Students build it with toothpicks and molding dough (you can use marshmallows or gumdrops instead), count the toothpicks, sides, vertices, and trace the words!

I hope you love these activities and that your students have lots of fun with them! Looking for more tips for STEM learning? Check out my post here!