When I started teaching kindergarten a few years back, I knew I wanted to utilize math tubs. I had 20 students so I wanted to have 20 different math tubs available. 20 at one time?? Yes, let me explain. I taught whole group math on Mondays and guided groups with specific station activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesdays and Fridays were reserved for what I referred to as "Tub Time." It was a specific 30 minute block where my kids were able to review past concepts, build on current skills, or explore with manipulatives. I wanted these tubs to be engaging, fun, and beneficial. It was also a time when I could pull a small group or an individual for reteaching if needed, or just mingle around the room to observe my students in action.

A lot has changed since that first year! In the beginning, I put so much thought and planning into my tub activities. I'll be honest...sometimes I even went a little overboard. :) I had specific cutesy activities for each season and I spent so much time cutting and laminating! We've all been there, right? By the end of the year I realized that the tubs that were the most popular were the basic ones that required few pieces and little planning time. Phew!
Here are some examples of a few "staples" that stuck around.
- Connect-the-dot pictures are great for number order. You can find a huge selection of free ones on the internet that range in difficulty.
- Pattern blocks are also wonderful! You can provide templates (also many free ones on the internet) or challenge students to create their own pictures, numbers, etc. with the blocks.
- Beads and string are great for patterning! You can usually find large beads for pretty cheap. I prefer the wood ones and shoelaces.
- You can find the racetrack numbers and shapes at www.makinglearningfun.com. Print and add a race car or two!
- I found this Vtech handheld math game on clearance for $4 at Wal-Mart a few years back. Well worth the batteries it runs through each year!
- A geoboard and a hand full of rubber bands make for an exciting math tub! You can provide picture cards for the kids to duplicate. The number 7 is pictured but I found a great variety of shapes and designs for free online. I shrank them down to card size and I add different cards to spice up the tub throughout the year.
- These shape puzzles came from the Target Dollar Spot last year. They look simple but they are really quite difficult! You have to have a good grasp on shapes and spatial sense to work them quickly.
- These lacing cards also came from the Target Dollar Spot {love that place!}. It always amazes me how difficult lacing is for 5 year olds. You can even challenge your students to lace a shape or number into the rectangle board.
Here are two "Star Friends" activities that I created specifically for math tubs this year.
You can grab your own copy of these activities by clicking on the pictures above. Add a few dice and counters for the Roll and Cover game and a handful of clothespins for the Count and Clip game and you are all set. {To make the clip game self-checking, just add stickers or dots to the back to show the correct answer!}
Of course this Roll and Cover game will be in a tub for January! :) {click to download for free}

I'm always pinning new ideas to my "All About Math" pinboard on Pinterest. Repin away if you see something worth using!
Thanks for the new year's roll and cover games. We'll play those the first week back. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteChrissy
First Grade Found Me
Thanks so much for the games! Boys will go crazy for them! I love getting the insight into how you run your math tubs. Those are all fabulous ideas! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm off to follow you on Pinterest!
ThePolishedTeacher
I use math tubs too. It never occurred to me to laminate dot-to-dots and some kids REALLY need them. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Barbara
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Those are some fabulous ideas for math tubs!! : I also love using pattern blocks in 2nd grade. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteKate
Second Grade Sparkle
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Thanks for sharing your great ideas for math tubs. Love the roll and over games!
ReplyDeleteKaren
anappleadayinfirstgrade.blogspot.com
Where did you get the tubs you use to hold the materials? Thanks!
ReplyDelete~Steph
Be A Nut with Mrs McNutt
I used to use the primary colored buckets that came with a cubby holder my last school provided. At my current school we do not have the cubbies so I just use baskets from the dollar store!
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