Morning Tubs in Second Grade

 As an adult, take a second to think about how you would prefer to start your morning. Would you like to be given a pile of paperwork and be told to get straight to work or get a chance to ease into your day by getting yourself prepared and socializing with your co-workers? Most people would say they would prefer to settle into their day gradually and that is exactly what morning tubs give us a chance to do. Students are motivated to complete their morning routine of getting their supplies unpacked and ready for the day because when finished they are able to begin their morning tub. While working on morning tubs students are able (and encouraged) to socialize with their peers which is helping to build our classroom community and positive relationships with their team. There are 5 different tubs and students spend a week with each tub. 

The first tub has legos. Students can work with their group or build on their own. The favorite things to build have been cars and planes. 

The second tub has playdough. Students are able to both express creativity and build their fine motor strength. 

The third tub has coloring pages. Students can choose from a picture to color or a blank page to create their own drawing. There are also stamps, glitter crayons, and smelly markers. 

The fourth tub has little cups for cup stacking and building. Students have been improving their logic skills finding ways to build their towers higher without them falling. 

The fifth and final box has various games. Currently there is Connect 4, a frog hopping game, and Jenga. This box gives students a chance to work on their cooperation and teamwork skills while playing games with their teammates. 

So far students have loved these “soft starts” to the day! We will continue to rotate through the bins and activities will be changed out through the year.