Calendar Cards Math Center

Do you need a quick, low-prep center or guided math activity?  Here is one that my students love using calendar cards.

What You’ll Need

• Mini pocket charts (I got mine at the Target Dollar Spot a few years ago) for each student
• Calendar cards or other number cards for each student
• A pointer for each student (pencils also work)

How To Do It

Students each receive their own set of calendar cards and a mini-pocket chart.  The cards should be mixed up/out of order prior to starting.  Students who are working on numbers to 10 or numbers to 20 should only be given those cards.  All other students can be given numbers through 31.

When the center begins, students will hunt and find the number “1” and put it in the top left of their chart.  The students will continue finding and placing their numbers in order.  After a student has placed all of his/her numbers, he/she should use a finger, pencil, or pointer to count the numbers aloud, in order.  They can check each other’s work before showing it to the teacher or take a picture of their completed chart to “turn it in.”

Why It Works

Students love this center because they get to use the “teacher’s supplies” to practice counting and number order.  It is easy to see a student’s speed increase over time as they become more proficient with their early number skills.  You can use this as a “starter-center” before students move on to free choice activities.  This is also a great center to do with big buddies or parent volunteers!

How to Differentiate

• Students who do not yet know their numbers in order should be given a model to copy or work with a buddy. As their buddy finds a certain number, they can find the matching number to put on their own chart.  They can also be given a completed chart and “match” their number cards on top of the other number cards.
• Once students have mastered their basic numbers, you can repeat the same activity with even/odd numbers or reverse order (counting backwards). You can also move on to the big hundreds chart.