Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten | Morning Tubs / Bins

Looking for hands-on, low-prep math activities to kick off the year? These Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten are perfect for reinforcing early number skills while helping children build confidence and independence during the first weeks of school. Each printable activity focuses on foundational math concepts in a playful, purposeful way. They are ideal for morning tubs, independent centers, or small group rotations.

In this post, you’ll get a closer look at what’s included in the Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten packet and you can even download free sample pages to try with your students!

PLEASE NOTE: This blog post contains sample pages from my Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten packet. You can download the free sample pages by clicking on the photos. To purchase the complete Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten packet, click here.

What’s included in the Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten

Back to School Kindergarten Math Centers | 13 Printable Activities | Numbers | Counting Shapes | Addition | Number Sense | Sorting | Patterns | Number Order

Just like my Back to School Literacy packet, this math packet includes:

13 engaging center activities
Visual “I Can” instruction cards for each task
Printable labels for storage
Black and white recording pages to extend learning

Let’s take a closer look at each center!

1. Number Tracing Cards

I’m a firm believer in teaching number formation correctly right from the start. These cards give students the chance to trace numbers again and again using wipeable markers. You can laminate and cut them apart, or keep the sheet whole and slide it into a plastic sleeve — whatever works best for you!

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Number Tracin Cards

2. Count & Clip Cards

These are fantastic for developing fine motor skills and number recognition. Kiddos count the items on each card and clip the matching number. I love using pegs for this — they work those little finger muscles!
💡 Teacher Tip: Add a dot on the back of the correct answer to make it a self-checking activity.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Counting Clip Cards

3. Missing Number Cards

This one is perfect for practicing number order. If some children aren’t ready to write just yet, you can give them small number tiles to place in the correct spot and let them stamp their answers on the recording page.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Missing Number

4. Pattern Building Mats

There are four types of patterns included: AB, AAB, ABB, and AABB. If that feels like too much early in the year, just start with AB and introduce the others later.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Patterns

5. Count & Graph

This activity introduces a new way to display “how many” — by graphing the results. Students count the objects in each category and colour in their bar graph. A great early look at data collection!

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Count and Graph

6. Ten Frame & Number Match

I like to give my students lots of practice with ten frames. This activity helps them visually connect quantities to numbers, so that one day, they’ll instantly recognise what a number like 7 looks like on a ten frame without having to count each dot.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Ten Frame Number Match

7. Number Puzzles

These puzzles help students practise number sequences. Each strip shows several numbers. Students identify the smallest number and put the puzzle together in order. Simple, visual, and a great conversation starter in small group work.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Number Puzzles

8. Ways to Make 10

This is one of my favourites. Students use counters (buttons, pom-poms, whatever you have!) to fill in ten frames and show different combinations that make 10. You can also use two colours of counters to model number bonds.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Ten Fram Addition with buttons.

9. Odd & Even Number Sort

Students sort number cards into odd and even groups. The numbers go up to 24, so you can also sneak in some number order practice while you’re at it!

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Sorting Odd and Even Numbers

10. Sorting by Category

Students sort picture cards into groups: teachers, supplies, children, or food. A gentle, fun way to review vocabulary and introduce sorting.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Sorting Activity.

11. Backpack Color Sort

This is a simple color sorting activity with a back-to-school theme. Kids sort school supplies into the correct coloured backpack. It’s great for reviewing color words, especially if you have ELL students.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Sorting School Items to Backpacks by Color

12. 2D Shapes in Real Life

Students look at real-world objects and clip the shape they see: square, triangle, circle, etc.
💡 Teacher Tip: Add a small sticker dot on the back of the correct answer if you want this to be self-checking too.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. 2D shapes in real life clip cards.

13. Apple Crate Number Sort

Each number is represented in three different ways — ten frames, tally marks, and base ten blocks. Students sort the matching representations to the correct number crate and then record what they found.

Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. Apple Number Sense.

Purchase the Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten

Well, there you have it! My Back to School Math Centers for Kindergarten. If you like the look of these activities and would like to purchase the complete packet, click here or on the picture below.