Are you a early education teacher looking for answers to why you need math bins or tubs for your little learners? How do you get them up and running? How many should you have? And what do you put in these math bin/tubs? If you missed out on my free webinar–here are some of the answers to your questions about these purposeful and essential Math Bins For Little Learners.
Why You Need Math Bins
Math bins are a great tool to help little learners develop their mathematical skills. These bins are filled with a variety of math manipulatives, games, and activities that can be used to engage students in fun, hands-on learning experiences. Math bins should always include activities for previously taught concepts. Here are some reasons why you should consider using math bins in your kindergarten classroom:
Math bins provide students with opportunities to explore mathematical concepts and develop problem-solving skills in a hands-on way. Therefore, this can help to build their confidence and motivation when it comes to math.
Using math bins allows for small group instruction in order to remediate and extend, thus meeting the needs of diverse learners.
Little learners can work at their own pace and choose activities that match their interests and abilities.
By using math bins, you can create a more engaging and interactive learning environment that encourages student collaboration and communication. This can help to build a stronger sense of community in your classroom.
Math bins are easy to set up and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as independent practice, small group work, or whole class instruction.
Overall, math bins are a valuable tool for any kindergarten teacher looking to create a more engaging, hands-on and effective learning environment for their little learners.
Getting Started
Begin by deciding on the location for your bins. Whether your bins are mobile or stationary, make sure they are easy for little hands to carry or manipulate. (Rainbow Drawers In The Classroom)
Be explicit in teaching your little learners about the math bins. Show them how to use them, when to use them, and how to put them away. Reinforce this process regularly, so they get into the habit of using the math bins. The gradual release model worked best for my classroom. (I do, We do, You do.)
Provide 2-4 activities per bin. Little learners are more apt to stay on task and complete the activity when they have the opportunity to choose an activity. You have chosen which purposeful practice activity goes into the bin, but they get to choose which one the want to complete.
Determine how much time you have allotted for math tub time. Example: For a 70 min math time block– 5 to 7 min warm up, 17-20 min whole group lesson, 35-40 min math tub/small group session, then finally 5 to 7 min reflection and sharing. (But remember flexibility is the key!! These time slots may change due to your specific needs.)
The system that worked well for my students was this: I had a pocket chart with each students picture with a number next to it. I then added numbers to the math bins. At math tub time, the students would go to corresponding number from the pocket chart, choose an activity from the bin and have hands-on purposeful practice. Since there was 9 tubs, I had 2 students per tub. All of the activities could be practiced with a partner but was able to be done alone if a student was absent. The extra students went to the computer station for math practice. My philosophy is-2’s company, 3’s a crowd and more than that is chaos!!!
With these simple steps, you can implement math bins into your kindergarten classroom and enhance your students’ learning experience.
Manipulatives For Math Bins
Manipulatives are imperative for fun, engaging and interactive math bins. You can use whatever you have, find in a closet, have donated, or purchase from the dollar store or Amazon. Here are some that little learners love to use.
Dice–changing out different dice adds fun elements to the activity. Foam, large, small, colored dice, etc. Check out my Amazon Store.
For more Math Center tools and supplies, go to my Amazon store for my favorites.
Activities For Your Math Bins
To ensure that your little learners have successful purposeful practice of the math skills you are teaching, it’s essential to have fun and engaging hands-on activities in your math bins. These are some of my favorite activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable for little learners.
Counting mats–monthly themed mats for a year long bundle.
Counting and matching–Take pipe cleaners and attach to a number drawn on cardstock. Students then can string the number amount of pony beads on the pipe cleaner.
Here is another super fun and practically FREE math game! ???? Mystery Number! I used to ‘hide’ the numbers when my students were at specials and as soon as they came back in, they would sit down on the carpet and we would play! ???? This can also be done with a 100’s chart. You can differentiate and adjust to the needs and amount of students you have. ➡️Save this post as a reminder of a fun math practice idea and/or tag a teacher friend you think would LOVE this! #kindergartenchaos#teachersoftiktok#kindergarten#teachertips#learningisfun
Ball Pit Balls–Write numbers on the balls and have students write, count, add, or order the balls.
Counting with manipulatives
Number recognition games
Patterning with blocks or stickers
Measuring with non-standard units
Identifying shapes through play
Addition and subtraction with objects
By incorporating these activities into your math bins, you’ll be able to create a positive and effective learning environment for your little learners.
