Math Stations/Centers - Classroom Organization & Management Tip


Classroom organization and management are HUGE for me.  Everything has a place {yes, I'm slightly OCD}.  This structure helps with classroom management as well.

Take a look at my Math stations/centers rotation board:


Do you see the colorful post-its on the right?  They have 
a special meaning.  Each color correlates to a group of desks 
in the room.  When my kiddos start their Math stations/
centers, they know to go to their specific groups.

Here's how they know where to go...

My room is set up in four groups of desks:


Above each group (taped to the ceiling) is a colorful 
piece of paper naming that group:


Side note:  I tried hanging them, but it didn't look right.  You could read the signs from the front of the room, but not from the sides or back.  With them being taped to the ceiling, you can read the signs from anywhere in the room!

Here's a closer look at what the papers say:


Each group of kids knows to take their Math basket and manipulatives/tools to their specific group.  

"M" group sits at the yellow group of desks
"A" group sits at the orange group of desks
"T" group sits at the green group of desks
"H" group sits at the blue group of desks
"★" group completes calendar, then works on laptops

That color-coded piece of OCD heaven makes a 
world of difference with my kids!   It helps with 
management, keeps them from wandering around 
the room, and gives them more structure.

I wasn't sure if other teachers color-code stations/centers.  
If you do something different, feel free to share below!  
Make me feel a little less crazy/OCD!  :)

5 comments

  1. I love how more and more teachers are doing Math Groups! Love your idea. We would always incorporate games to spiral our math skills. :)

    ♥ Stephanie
    Fishing for Education Blog

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love your ideas. I, too, have to color code everything (including our math bins). Glad to know I'm not alone! :)

    Mallory
    Sprinkles for the Teacher

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi there!

    I was hoping you could answer a few questions for me and tell me a little bit more about the logistics of your stations.


    When do you do your math stations, and how long do they take? Do you have the students complete each station daily? I also complete calendar with my students each day, which takes up a big portion of the math block. I like that you have the Star station especially used for calendar completion. We use interactive calendar notebooks and I think this would be very helpful in moving things along quicker.


    Thank you for getting back to me. I'm looking forward to implementing this, but need a little more guidance. Thanks!

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