STEM Bins

4 years ago I tried out morning tubs/STEM bins instead of morning work.  You know when we have to go back to work and we have meetings and lots of work to get ready for the beginning of the year? What do you look forward to a meeting or talking with your coworkers? I’m pretty sure you are the latter, as am I.

Something that kids are lacking in is social skills. How to talk, play and work together with their peers. STEM bins are your answer. Not to mention it builds your classroom community.

How To Implement STEM bins

The first week of school I do not do STEM bins. You know that would be CRAZY if we didn’t teach them our rules and expectations for what it looks like and doesn’t look like. Usually on day 3, I introduce them, and we come up with how we should and shouldn’t use each bin.

The school that I am at the students trickle in from 7:30-7:45. This their time. They know when they come in to put their things away and put their folder in the bin. Then they head on over and pick out what bin they want to play with. They can always draw or read too! They must follow our expectations and our school rules which are to be responsible, be respectful, and be safe. I go into more of what our morning looks like HERE.

If Your Students Come At The Same Time

The last school I was at we all came in at the same time. To be fair I would call a different table up each day so they would get first pick. For example, I would have this chart on my board and I would put a magnet each day on a new table to call first. Each day I would move it down.

Table 1- 1^st choice

Table 2- 2^nd choice

Table 3- 3^rd  choice

Table 4- 4^th choice

The next day would look like this:

Table 1- 4^th choice

Table 2- 1^st choice

Table 3- 2^nd  choice

Table 4- 3^rd choice

I would only have the table numbers up not the choices, that is just for you to visualize how I would call them up. This worked very well, and students agreed it was fair.

I have a bookshelf in my room and I bought dollar tree bins to put everything in. I would recommend not getting any with holes, as the pieces fall out. The more the better! I usually have 8 and if I have more things I will rotate them out each quarter, but you don’t have to the kids LOVE getting to play!

Here are my favorite things to use, but to start off use what you have! HERE is a link to everything here if you would like to make a wish list for your classroom. Also, check TEMU they usually have a lot of these things for DIRT cheap!

Toy Building Blocks

This has been a new favorite! The only draw back is there is only one drill, so they will have to be patient and share!

Pattern Blocks

You probably have these already for your math manipulatives, but my kids love making pictures with them. HERE is a FREE file you can download where they make pictures.

Lincoln Logs

What a blast from the past! Kids love to build with these, if you have bears or little animals, they can build a zoo or farm.

Puzzles

Puzzles are great for building teamwork and patience. What a great lesson for them in perseverance. I have a puzzle table at school with a 500 piece puzzle that is always out. Students can work on it when they have time. THIS is a great poster to put up that explains the benefits.

Playdoh with Tools

I am so surprised what a popular bin this was! The kids were so creative and enjoyed using the tools to make creations!

Engineering Toy Blocks

I love this set because it comes with a book of things they can build with directions!

Colorful Dominos

The amount of concentration they have when they are building these is amazing! When I introduce this tub, I play YouTube videos of domino competitions to get them excited!

Stacking Rocks

Want to build patience and balance? This is the bin for you!

Flower Disks and Snowflakes

Both come with booklets that have ideas and instructions. I am always amazed with the creativity these 2 bring. Most of the time they are building a long snake, but either way!

Legos and Magnatiles

Do I even need to say anything? These 2 ALWAYS have someone at them.

I also have coloring books on a separate table that they can access.

I can’t say enough about STEM bins and the joy it brings to my students in the morning. They are happy and carefree coming in and loving to start the day this way. If you have STEM bins what are your student’s favorites? Share them in the comments below.