If you’re looking for a smooth, stress-free way to start your mornings, Morning Bins are your new best friend! They help your students ease into the day with engaging, hands-on activities while giving you the time you need to take attendance, greet students, and get organized. Not only do they save your mornings, but they also make learning fun and purposeful.

Let’s talk about what Morning Bins are, why you absolutely need them, and how to set them up in your classroom. Plus, I’ll share an amazing resource that will do all the planning for you!

What Are Morning Bins, and Why Do You Need Them?

Morning Bins are the secret to starting the day in a calm, organized way. Instead of kicking off with worksheets or busy work, your students can engage in hands-on activities that focus on key skills—like fine motor development, literacy, math, and even problem-solving. The best part? Morning Bins feel like play, so students are happy, engaged, and ready to learn without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s why you’ll love using Morning Bins:

• They create a calm, positive start to the day: No more chaos in those first 15-20 minutes. Students walk in, grab their bins, and get right to work.
• They build independence: Students quickly learn to manage their own activities and materials, giving you time to handle morning tasks.
• They are super easy to prep—especially with resources like the Kindergarten Morning Bins Year-Long Bundle or the 1st Grade Morning Bins Year-Long Bundle! These bundles have everything planned out for you, so you can focus on teaching, not on hunting for new activities every week.

 How to Set Up and Prep Your Morning Bins

The key to making Morning Bins work is to get organized upfront. Luckily, you don’t need much to get started. You’ll need bins (or tubs—these from Amazon work great), some engaging activities, and a little time to prep.

Now, if you want to skip the planning phase entirely, my Kindergarten and 1st Grade Year-Long Morning Bins bundles are the perfect solution. These bundles are filled with hands-on activities that span the entire school year. All you have to do is print and prep—no more scrambling for ideas or spending hours on Pinterest!

How to Store Your Morning Bins

Staying organized is key to keeping Morning Bins manageable throughout the year. I recommend using stackable plastic tubs like these. They’re durable and easy to store, whether on shelves or in cubbies.

Storage tips:

• Label each bin with the activity or theme. This not only helps you keep track of materials but also makes it easy for students to grab and put away their bins independently.
• Rotate bins every week or so to keep things fresh. You don’t need to put out all your bins at once! Store extras in a cabinet or closet and swap them out regularly.

If you’re using the Morning Bins Bundles, all your activities will already be organized by skills and themes, so you can easily swap out bins throughout the year without any extra prep work.

Steps to Set Up Your Morning Bins

1. Get your bins: Start with about 5-10 bins. I recommend these small plastic tubs from Amazon, as they are sturdy and stackable.
2. Choose activities: Fill your bins with hands-on activities that focus on key kindergarten or 1st-grade skills. Puzzles, letter matching, number games, and building sets are great choices.
   • Want to skip the activity prep? The Kindergarten Morning Bins and 1st Grade Morning Bins are loaded with ready-to-use activities that will keep your students engaged all year long!
3. Label and organize: Clearly label each bin with its activity or theme. This makes it easy for students to choose and clean up their bins independently.
4. Rotate weekly: Keep things fresh by rotating bins each week or bi-weekly. Your students will love the new challenges, and you’ll love how easy it is to keep them engaged!

Using and Managing Morning Bins

 Once your bins are set up, it’s time to teach your students how to use them. Consistency and clear expectations will make Morning Bins run like a well-oiled machine. Here’s what works in my classroom:

• Introduce the routine: Take a few minutes to explain the process. Show students how to select a bin, use the materials, and clean up afterward.
• Rotate bins: You can either assign each student a bin for the day or allow them to pick from a few options. Rotating bins weekly helps keep excitement high.
• Set a timer: Morning Bin time usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. Set a timer to let students know when it’s time to clean up and transition into the next part of your morning.

How Many Activities Do I Need?

You don’t need a ton of activities to get started. 5-10 bins are plenty, especially if you’re rotating them regularly. And with resources like the Kindergarten Morning Bins Bundle and 1st Grade Morning Bins Bundle, you’ll have a year’s worth of activities ready to go!

How Long Does Morning Work Last?

Morning Bins typically last for about 15-20 minutes, giving students plenty of time to explore and engage with the materials. This also gives you time to complete your morning tasks without any rush.

Final Thoughts

Morning Bins are a lifesaver for both teachers and students. They provide a structured, engaging start to the day that helps your students build independence and essential skills—all while having fun! If you’re ready to give Morning Bins a try, make sure to check out the Kindergarten and 1st Grade Morning Bins Year-Long Bundles. They take all the planning off your plate, so you can focus on teaching!

With a little organization and these ready-to-use resources, you’ll have a smooth morning routine that both you and your students will love!