How to have Student Accountability in Math Centers

I love using games in my math centers. I have to admit it wasn’t always successful. In the early days of teaching, I didn’t consider things like how to set up successful centers, or even the best way to use games during center time.

Now, with nearly thirty years of teaching experience behind me, those things are second nature.

I’ve learned that if I want students to get the most from a game, not only should I teach them how to play it but I should also hold students accountable. And I’ve found the best way to hold them accountable is to include a recording sheet with the game.

The Benefits of using Recording Sheets in Math Centers

Using a recording sheet has three main benefits.

1.  I can work with a small group of students and know my other students are involved in constructive learning.

When I’m working with a small group of students I need to know my other students are also learning. I don’t want them to be using this time to play. When a recording sheet is part of a game, they know they’ll have to show me what they’ve done at the end of the rotation.

2. I get some informal assessments and work samples.

While using a recording sheet makes students accountable, it also provides me with an informal assessment. At the end of the rotation, students turn work in. Later in the day I quickly scan the accountability sheets and make note of who struggled with the concepts the game presented.

This doesn’t mean hours of grading. I scan the sheets and form 2 piles – who needs more work on the concept and who understands it. I can use this information to help me with student groupings for guided math sessions.

And those recording sheets? Unless I want them for work samples, they’re discretely placed in the recycling bin.

3. Students get the opportunity to strengthen their learning.

Many studies show the benefits of writing down information. When children are writing by hand, their brains receive feedback from their motor actions. This, in turn, strengthens the learning process.

First Grade Math Centers

I’ve had many people ask me after using my second grade math centers if I would design a range for first grade.

Just like the second grade centers, my first grade centers have a consistent game design. This makes explaining how to play the game easy and also encourages independence. I wanted to be able to put the game in a math center and know that when it comes to playing, the kids knew what to do and didn’t need to ask me.

I like to have options for how much ink I want to use so each game comes with the option to print in full color, limited color or black ink only. If I’m printing from home I use the limited ink option. And if I want to send the game home, I print in black ink.

Differentiate Games for your Students

You can differentiate for your first grade learners by giving them different games for a particular concept. Or for some games, more than one recording sheet is available. This means you can play the game over again with the different recording sheets or you can have students all working on the same game but focusing on different skills.

Step by Step Rules Page

I love using an illustrated rules page. Even though I’ve explained the game, an illustrated rules page is a visual reminder of how to play it. I’ve also included the rules on the bottom of every game and on the recording sheet.

Easy Prep

I hate cutting up cards. It’s time consuming and cards get lost.

I want my centers to be easy to prepare. With these first grade math centers all you need to do is print the game you want and either laminate it. Or if you really want no prep, put it in a page protector. I get the thicker ones and they really protect the game. Print your rules and the recording sheets and you’re done!

Where possible, an answer guide for the game is provided. Many of the games are Common Core aligned as well as being appropriate for the Australian Curriculum.

Grab a Pack

Would you love to try easy prep first grade math centers in your classroom. You can grab the first grade center bundle from our store. If you would prefer to purchase from our store on Teachers Pay Teachers, please click here.