I am a Kindergarten Young 5's teacher at M. E. I want to engage my students in learning that is play based, research proven, and developmentally appropriate. Students in my class are high level thinkers exploring the world one day at a time!
My Project
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) bins are plastic boxes filled with engineering manipulatives such as LEGOs, popsicle sticks, magnetic tiles, playdough, and more. The boxes will also contain task cards provided by me to encourage building and highly creative thinking. Instead of simply keeping kids "busy", students will be encouraged to become inventors, builders, and problem solvers.
I am planning on using STEM bins a variety of ways!
1. Early Finishers- Adios to the "What do I do now?" question! Students will be able to pick up a stem bin and get to thinking. Task cards will also allow me to differentiate for students interests and individual needs.
2. Morning bins- What a better way to wake up and start the day than engaging in high level thinking and play? This will replace some of the traditional paperwork that comes with "morning work".
3. Encouraging writing- The famous WeAreTeachers blog wrote a wonderful blog about using STEM bins to encourage reluctant writers to write about their structures and inventions. Students may peak an interest and story idea from a STEM build structure they made and/or idea they indulged in. I LOVE THIS!
4. "Makerspace exploration"- I plan on allowing my students to have time weekly to participate in makerspace exploration! I will give them a variety of materials and resources and allow them to create. STEM bin items would be perfect to add to our makerspace time! Students will be creative, participate in high level thinking, and use their growing fine motor skills.
5. Encourage PLAY BASED LEARNING- Research shows that play based learning has tremendous benefits for our early childhood students. Our classroom will be a place full of play based learning and stem bins allow that to happen!
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
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Brickyard Building Blocks STEM Toys & Activities - Educational Building Toys for Kids Ages 4-8 w/ 163 Pieces, Kid-Friendly Tools, Design Guide and Toy Storage Box
$29.99
1
$29.99
PicassoTiles 60 Piece Set 60pcs Magnet Building Tiles Clear Magnetic 3D Building Blocks Construction Playboards - Creativity beyond Imagination, Inspirational, Recreational, Educational, Conventional
$29.99
1
$29.99
237 Pieces Electric DIY Drill Educational Set, STEM Learning Toys, 3D Construction Engineering Building Blocks for Boys and Girls Ages 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old, Creative Games and Fun
$29.98
1
$29.98
STEM Toy Building Kit, 152 PCS Building Blocks Educational Construction Set with Screwdriver, Storage Box, Creative Learning Toys for 3+ Boys and Girls
$21.99
1
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ELONGDI 130 Pieces - Magnetic Building Sticks Building Blocks Set, Magnet Educational Toys Magnetic Blocks Sticks Stacking Toys Set, Non-Toxic Building Toy 3D Puzzle with Storage Bag
$20.90
1
$20.90
Smart Builder Toys Straw and Connector STEM Building Straws Toy 750 Piece Interlocking Educational Construction Engineering Play Set
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1
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BigOtters 360PCS Super Domino Blocks, 12 Colors Bulk Dominoes Wooden Domino Blocks Colored Dominoes Building Block Tile Game Racing Educational Toy for Kids Birthday Party Favor
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1
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[360 Pack] 3 oz Paper Cups, Sky Blue Mouthwash Cups, Disposable Bathroom Cups, Espresso Cups, Paper Cups for Party, Picnic, BBQ, Travel, and Event
$14.99
1
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Kidtastic Cat & Dog Take Apart Toys - STEM Learning Set, Construction Engineering Play Kit for Boys Girls Toddlers, Best Toy Gift Kids Ages 3yr – 6yr, 3 Year olds
$14.99
1
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Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag with Big Building Blocks, Building Toys for Toddlers (80 Pieces) - Blue Bag
$14.90
1
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Animal Figurines Toys, 52 Pcs Small Mini Realistic Safari Zoo Plastic Animals Figures Learning Educational Toy Set for Kids Toddlers Jungle Wild Forest Animals Playset Cupcake Topper
$12.98
1
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100 Easy STEAM Activities: Awesome Hands-On Projects for Aspiring Artists and Engineers
$11.89
1
$11.89
ELCOHO 32 Pack Magnifying Glasses for Young People Plastic Colorful Magnifying Glasses for Party Favors Educational Toys with Storage Bag, 8 Colors
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