Morning Bins
I had dabbled with doing Morning Bins for years, but I didn’t really know how to start. I knew that I didn’t want to spend a lot of time on them and I knew that I didn’t want to prep a bunch of task cards for them. I wanted simple, easy, yet fun and engaging Morning Bins. Well, this year I finally gave it a go and after 156 days in Grade One, I would highly recommend adding Morning Bins to your morning routine.
What are Morning Bins?
Morning Bins are a collection of engaging, hands-on activities that students can explore at the beginning of the school day as part of our morning routine. Each bin has items that promote social interaction, creativity, problem solving, and cooperative play. The goal is to offer a “soft start” to the day, allowing children to ease into their routine in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. Many of the Morning Bins that I have used this year also have students working on essential fine motor skills.
Managing the Morning Bins
When the bell rings and my first graders arrive, they know exactly what to do. After hanging up their backpacks and greeting each other, they copy down their agenda message before heading straight to Morning Bins. I always have nine bins available at once. The students have twenty minutes from the time they enter the classroom until it is time to clean up their Morning Bins.
Throughout this time, there are many things that I do as the teacher. I circulate the room, often joining in on the fun. I can connect with student individually and observe their interactions. I also use this time to pull student (either 1:1 or in small groups) to get some reading practice in.
I keep my expectations with the bins simple, yet clear.
You can find a copy of my Morning Bin Expectations poster in my Free Resource Library.
Morning Bin Storage
I have long had these IKEA Trofast organizing bins in my classroom. When I had decided to do Morning Bins, I knew this would be the perfect space for them. I like the bins because all the materials are kept nicely inside of the bins. It is so easy for students to take the entire bin to a work spot by sliding it out of the organizer and then returning the whole bin when it is cleaned up to put away.
Each bin has a label for what is inside of the Morning Bin. I use hot glue to adhere the labels to the plastic bins. It peels off when I am done with it. In the corner of each label, there are icons to remind the students how many are allowed at the bin and where the bin can be placed to begin working (floor, carpet, desk). This helps spread things around the room so that not all the bins and students are on the carpet!
What to put in the Morning Bins
Like I said, I didn’t want Morning Bins to become a “make work” project. I didn’t want to cut out and laminate several task cards, I didn’t want to have to change them out monthly, I wanted simple and easy.
If you’re looking for a place to start, I began by offering math manipulative that my school already had. (Snap cubes, pattern blocks, rainbow links, etc) Then, I went though my indoor recess cupboard (yes, that’s a thing here in Canada!) and found more things that I could add. (Jenga blocks, star connectors, Legos, colouring books, etc). In no time at all, I had several bins to choose from. I simply just dumped the items into a bin and slapped a label on the front.
Now, truthfully, I did buy a few extra things to rotate in and out of the bins. I found off brand magnetic tiles, wooden building blocks, a gear building set, and building flakes to add to what I already had. Below are just a few Amazon Links to items that I personally purchased. However, most supplies can be found at your local dollar store, second hand shop, or garage sales!
Here is a list of things that I have rotate in and out of the bins this year (and a few extra ideas too!). The ones that are linked will take you to Amazon.
Morning Bin Labels
If you’re ready to give Morning Bins a go, I’ve got you covered with labels. You can find these labels in my Free Resource Library.
Honestly, don’t over think it. Morning Bins can offer your students so much as they offer a gentle transition from home to school. Morning Bins quickly became a beloved part of our classroom culture, and I am thrilled to see the positive impact they have had. They have helped my students build essential social and emotional skills, foster a love for learning, and create a joyful and inclusive classroom community. I am always amazed at the creativity, cooperation, and happiness I see during our morning bin time, and I am grateful to share this special routine with your students every day.