Back to School Math & Literacy Centers

We created these monster themed back to school centers to help you get the year started.

We have included a large variety of math and literacy back to school centers at different levels so you can find activities to meet the needs of a wide range of students.

Print these back to school centers in color and laminate over the summer and your first set of centers will be ready to go when your year starts!

Scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the bold, purple text to download the free set as described below.

The following math & literacy centers are included:

Roll & Cover – This can be an independent activity or a partner game. Students roll a die and then use a chip to cover the correct number on the board. For partners, the first one to cover all the numbers is the winner. We have included a second version where students are asked to roll two dice instead of one.

Ten Frames Cards – These cards contain ten frames representing the numbers 1 – 20. Students can use them as flashcards or with the number matching cards described below. We have also included matching cards with the numbers 1 – 20 so students can match the ten frame with the number. They can also use the + and – symbols to make their own math problems.

Number Matching – These matching cards contain numerals, number words, tally marks and pictures. They can be used for a simple matching game center or even a one-on-one assessment. Includes the numbers 1 – 10.

Fill in the Missing Number – Students use their counting skills to fill in the numbers between two others.

Complete the 100s Chart – There are four different versions for students to practice completing a 100s chart.

Skip Counting – Three sets of cards for students to practice counting by 2s, 5s and 10s. We have made sorting the cards easy by using a different background for each set. (We have included a wide range of numbers so that you can easily modify this center to fit your students.)

Bus BUMP – Students need a partner and each needs 10 markers.  Provide the pair with 2 dice and chips to play.

Roll & Add 10 – Students will practice adding 10 to numbers.

Mental Math – Two versions, the first has 1 more/less and 10 more/less along with a board for 10 more/less and 100 more/less.

Follow the ABC Path – Students color in the letters in the alphabet to find the end of the path.

Fill in the Missing Letters – Students fill in the missing letters to complete the alphabet.

ABC Cards – This set has lowercase letters, uppercase letters and pictures that begin with each letter of the alphabet. There are also picture cards that begin with each letter. You can have students match uppercase and lowercase letters or match one letter for with the correct picture.

ABC Match – Put one set of the ABC cards in a basket. Students pull a card from the basket and color in the matching letter on the board.

Fry Word Practice Cards – If your students are ready, you could use these cards for reading practice. Print two sets for a simple matching game, or use the present cards for a partner game. Shuffle all the cards and place them in a basket. Students pick a word, and if they can read it aloud then they get to keep the card. If they get a Pick another card! then they get to take another turn.

Roll & Read – Use the Fry cards for this game. Place three cards on the board. Students roll a die and read the word under the corresponding number. Once they have read the word they can replace it with another Fry card.

Roll & Write – This is the done the same way as Roll & Read except students use the recording sheet to practice reading AND writing the word that goes with the number they roll.

Write the Missing Letter – Students write in the beginning letter sound for each picture.

Fluency Sentences You can choose to laminate and cut the cards apart to put on a ring for fluency practice. Or, place in a stack and have students select a sentence.  They then use the recording page to copy and then illustrate the sentence they choose.

Write the Room Activity – Use the cards of the first page to write six words you want the students to practice.  (We suggest you use a dry-erase or Vis-a-vis marker so that you can use the cards more than once if you like.)  The second page is a recording sheet for students.  They find the corresponding number in the room and move to that spot to copy and read whatever word is on the card. (You might think about clip boards for your students to use for this activity.)  This is a great way to incorporate movement into your daily Word Work.

You can download this free set of back to school centers here:

Back to School Math & Literacy Centers

If you are looking for additional materials to help you get your year started, take a look at our Getting Ready to Read Unit of Study. This is the perfect reading workshop unit of study to help you launch reading workshop.

Thank you to PrettyGrafik Design on etsy for the cute school monster clip art and background papers.