Using Morning Tubs in 3rd Grade

Why Morning Tubs/Bins?

So... recently I read/watched this AMAZING post by Bonnie Kathryn Teaching on using Morning Tubs instead of Morning Work...

I thought I might adapt this for my third grade kiddos!  I wanted something easy, mess-free and engaging to replace xtramath.com in the morning.  Usually, students log into xtramath.com to practice math facts (which yes, is beneficial) and then they play math games on their chrome books.  I have been noticing the need for students to interact with each other and get engaged in an activity vs. grab their chrome book and zone out the entire world.

This was SO successful!  Check it out....

Tangoes 

Purchased from: Target

Puzzles that use geometric pieces 

Boggle

*Created by me... but easily duplicated!

Students draw letters and build as many words as they can!

IQ Twist and IQ Fit

Purchased from: Target 

Puzzles using 3D pieces that range in difficulty level

How I use them:

Each morning, students do the "Morning Routine" and then grab a bin with a morning activity.  Students that come in can grab a new bin or join a classmate.

Students work for about 20 minutes in the morning... this has been a SANITY-saver - is that a word?

Watch me go through a few bins (after shouting out to Bonnie Kathryn - because her idea for this was so great!) right here:

Try it out yourself!  I can't tell you how great it is working out!

-Kellie