Inspire Creativity with Maker Bins

What are Maker Bins?

Maker Bins are independent task boxes that give students opportunities to:

• Be creative
• Practice goal-setting
• Think critically
• Solve problems
• Practice writing skills

Maker Bins can be used for:

• Independent work activities
• Morning bins
• Classroom centers
• Fun Fridays
• Early finisher choices

Maker Bins can give you and your students a soft start each day, so you can DITCH the morning work (that you dread making copies of) and provide students with engaging and meaningful activities instead!

 

Where should you start?

There are tons of Maker Bin options that you can use in your classroom. Here is a closer look at some of those options:

Maker Bin STEM Labels and Task Cards

This resource includes STEM building material labels and task cards with building challenges. These activities give students opportunities to think creatively and solve problems. For these bins, you will need STEM materials of your choice. Some of my students’ favorites are hashtag blocks and snap cubes!

Maker Bin Build It Bins

These building bins include direction cards and printable building pieces, as well as differentiated writing task cards to add to each bin. These bins do require prep because of the included printable pieces, but they are well worth it. These are a student favorite!

 

 

 

Maker Bin Drawing Bins

Have students who like to express their creativity through drawing? These directed drawing Maker Bins are easy to prepare. Simply print, laminate, and add the drawing task cards, a dry-erase marker, and an eraser to a small photo craft bin.

 

 

 

Maker Bin Dough Bins

Rolling and kneading dough can be wonderful for building fine motor skills and hand strength. Students can practice their fine motor skills by rolling “snakes” and “balls” to create the items on the themed dough task cards.

 

 

Maker Bin Pattern Block Bins

Pattern Block Maker Bins are a great way to practice geometry and counting skills. You can even add a writing task card to each bin to extend student learning. All you need for these bins are some pattern blocks.

 

 

Maker Bin Snap Cube Bins

Do you use snap cubes for counting practice in your classroom? Students can combine creativity with counting practice using these snap cube Maker Bin activities. Just add some snap cubes!

 

 

How do you organize them? Do students choose?

It is entirely up to you whether you want to rotate students among the materials in your classroom or let them choose.

If you want to allow for student choice, here is how you might organize your bins:

Students can take smaller individual bins back to their desks to work independently. For smaller bins or bins with printable pieces, you can use photo craft cases or pencil boxes. The bin cover can be attached with hook-and-loop dots or double-sided tape.

Larger materials can be put into tubs or larger bins, and students can use these around the classroom. I allow up to three students to use materials together at the larger bins. For larger bins, you can put the task cards on loose-leaf rings and add them to the bins.

Why is learning through play so important?

Play gives students opportunities to try out ideas, make choices, and solve problems. When a build doesn’t work the first time, they can adjust their plan and try again. That is a lot of thinking happening in a little bin!

Working alongside classmates also gives students opportunities to share materials, explain their ideas, and practice taking turns. With clear routines and support, Maker Bins make room for both creativity and purposeful practice.

Maker Bins are a great way to start the day with engagement and hands-on learning. Just a bonus that they can be used ALL YEAR LONG, YEAR AFTER YEAR!