1. Updated Content: The Common Core requires that I teach some new terminology and concepts such as the associative property of addition, and that students utilize a 120 Grid as opposed to a Hundred Grid, for example. Also, some concepts are now deemed no longer appropriate for the first grade.
2. Less Clutter: My bulletin board in my center-- although colorful and rich in appropriate content-- was very busy. I found that my students rarely used the visuals without me prompting that helpful content was up on the board. Furthermore, the table had hardly any room for the students to write on it or use it for centers.
3. Better Storage: I wanted to be able to house more manipulatives in an organized, uniform way that was easy to identify where each manipulative was located. I wanted a clean look.
4. More Usage: I wished for there to be a way for my students to access the information on the bulletin board other than trying to see it from their desks or getting up and down, and up again, to find what they were seeking.
The results are finished! Check out these two before pics. I loved the center as is but wanted it to be even better. Notice the busy bulletin board and crowded table.
Mathematics Center Before |
Table Before |
New and Improved Mathematics Center |
Each of the posters you see on my bulletin board is now copied and laminated multiple times and stored in our Math Tool Box. This way if someone wants a money or greater than and less than poster, they can just take the visual and bring it to their seats. In the Tool Box are my new colorful 120 Grids, too.
I also updated my Estimation Station which includes a jar, a binder to record past estimates (for students to use for strategy purposes), record sheets for student estimates and a bin in which students place their completed estimates.
I also made a banner for the Math Center and used colorful clothespins and ribbon to hang it.
All the posters, labels, banner, 120 grids, estimation materials and more are featured in my newest item. I cleverly titled it Common Core All in One Math Center. You can click here to get it. Now that my Mathematics Center has had it's makeover, I'm off to tackle the supply cart--the Mathematics Center's neighbor. Wish me luck.
This is such a great post. I love all of your organization. =)
ReplyDeleteI am happy to be your newest follower. I would love for you to hop over and visit when you get the chance. =)
Heather
Heather's Heart
Hi Heather.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit and the compliment. I'm stopping by to visit your blog right now.