The final tabletop center basket is the Monkey Basket. This basket will have a simple dot to dot sheet or a color by shapes sheet in them. For this center it is very important that you have a laminated example in the basket for the students to look at. Remember, kindergarten just started and they only have fifteen minutes to complete this project, so it is important that they don’t feel defeated by not knowing how to complete the work. The teachable method handouts that are available for purchase on the website take this all into consideration, but if you want to make your own, you need to remember that children can’t read yet, and will need a lot of help and direction from both you and the handouts in the beginning.

The Monkey tabletop not only incorporates fine motor skills, but basic math skills as well. By using this tabletop center, you are helping your students develop beginner geometry. Always let the children color their paper if time permits. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and a feeling that their work is valid. When they are done with this center, it should go into their take home folders.

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