Math Center Activity

This idea also comes from my teaching partner Cathy.  She uses paper rolls to write numbers and reinforce skills like counting by fives, tens, twos, backwards, and counting on.  Her dad built wooden holders to set the tape in and the kids keep pulling as they write numbers.  I usually set a 100's chart on the station in case they need a reference.  Here are some of the activities we do with the tape:

Start at 1 and write as many numbers as you can during the rotation.

Work with a partner and take turns writing the next number in different colors.  Count by two's when done.

Start writing numbers where you left off. 

Start at 50 and write numbers back down to 0.

Write by fives, twos, or tens. 

I also learned a safety tip about this activity.  Be careful not to buy thermal receipt paper, it contains some dangerous chemicals.  You can test it by scratching it with your nail and seeing if it leaves a dark line. Luckily we've always used normal paper rolls!