First Grade Math and Literacy Center Rotation Ideas

As you know, I was never a fan of centers or rotations. The thought of planning for them and setting up my room was sheer overwhelm. But then, I tried it and have never looked back!

I’ve actually gone one step further these days and often set up mixed math and literacy center rotations for several reasons.

Firstly, the kids don’t get bored because of the variety of math and literacy games on offer…so it’s a win win for engagement and active learning.

Secondly, as a classroom teacher, I’m always mindful of limited classroom time and how on earth am I supposed to get through daily math review and sight word drills or practice. These mixed math and literacy centers work a treat in this instance and are particularly beneficial on those days when my kids go off to sport or music.

You can never have enough center or rotation activities and variation because as educators, we know well that our students learn best with engaging activities and rotations that provide variety.

Would you like to add a free literacy activity to your rotations?

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So how to set up math and literacy rotations the easy way:

At the beginning of the year, I set up my classroom with centers or rotations in mind!

My classroom seating plan is 6 groups of tables that seat 4 students.

Each quarter, I move students – sometimes according to their learning abilities, sometimes mixed abilities for peer support learning purposes and sometimes (not often!), I get my students to pull out popsicle stick names.

That’s it…These are my centers and rotations…plain and simple and works an absolute treat!

Oh, I forgot to mention that we rotate in a clockwise direction (integrate time whenever I can because we all know what a tricky concept that is 🙂

This bundle consists of math and literacy centers that provides variety and is great for daily math reviews for addition and subtraction and sight word practice. This is a versatile resource that you can also use for morning work, partner, small group or early finisher activities.