Little Minds at Work

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Amazon Shop
  • Freebies
  • SOR Curriculum
  • Facebook Group
  • SOR Padlet
  • Shop

Seasonal Hands-On Exploration Tubs (Free Sampler Included)

kindergarten morning work tubs
Hi there and thanks so much for stopping in this week! I hope you are enjoying your winter break and you’ve been able to relax and take a teacher breather! If you’re back already then I hope you’re getting back into the groove!  Today I am here with something super “light” and FUN! Today’s post is all about my new seasonal hands-on exploration tubs in our classrooms! A few years back I implemented explore/fine motor tubs in my classroom after I saw a drastic decline in my students’ fine motor skills. Oftentimes, my students were coming to school in August with little to no fine motor skills. I swapped “Read to Someone” during my Daily Five time with EXPLORE and it kept it there all year! I started with very hands-on and eventually added in academics to the explore tubs as well! You can read all about those original explore tub ideas *HERE*

This summer, one of my main to-do’s was get together a set of comprehensive exploration tubs so that you could go to ONE document for all of your explore needs and not have to track down items here and there! A lot of teachers asked me to create a set of exploration tubs for their morning work! Many teachers are wanting to go paper free for morning work and explore tubs are PERFECT for that! However, I also wanted the exploration tubs to be a great addition to any and all classrooms– not just those that do morning work! I actually LOVE what Mindy had to say about the exploration tubs implementation,

 “I’m a kindergarten teacher, BUT… in my school there is not a lot of time for “play” type of activities. We do breakfast in the classroom and I don’t see why students wouldn’t LOVE many of these activities while they are waiting for their peers to finish eating. I could see them being used as an inside recess option, or to have in hand for students who are always working hard and just need something different. These could be used as a brain break.”

The exploration tubs from the summer were a HIT! So much so that I created an all NEW set! This set is SEASONAL! This will allow you to swap out the centers and they’ll be seasonal based which adds in extra novelty and FUN to the hands-on centers! The best part??? These new Seasonal Hands-On Exploration Tubs are 50% off through Sunday, 1/6/19!** (Can you believe it’s 2019?)


Mindy summed up many different ways that hands-on exploration tubs can be used beyond my use of them during daily five and that of morning work! My set of Seasonal Hands-On Exploration Tubs are designed to offer an engaging and FUN way to explore! The packet can be used to strengthen fine motor skills, explore during morning work or used as supplemental math centers. The packet is broken down into 10 different activities. The activities are each designed to maximize student engagement and offer a chance for students to show their creativity.  **Be sure to read to the end of the post where I give you a free sampler of all the activities below AND a GIVEAWAY!**

View this DETAILED video of my new Seasonal Hands-On Exploration tubs below or by clicking **HERE**

 


 


The Seasonal Hands-On Exploration Tubs packet includes 960 task cards/mats. Each of the cards or mats are labeled with the manipulatives needed to complete the task. This packet uses a variety of common classroom manipulatives (snap cubes, pattern blocks, craft sticks, fuzzy pom poms, geoboards and play dough).

The Seasonal Hands-On Exploration Tubs packet includes two different sizes of labels for your containers. The containers used in the pictures can be purchased at the Dollar Tree. Each of the activities also include a detailed “I can” statement card. This card can be included in the tub to increase accountability. The task cards/mats are best used once printed on cardstock and/or laminated. You can place the smaller task cards on a metal binder ring. You will want to determine if you would like to offer all of the task cards at once, or you can introduce them over time to not overwhelm the students.

The tub I used are from Dollar Tree and can also be purchased online! The larger container is  14 x 10 and the smaller container is 10 x 10! A lot of teachers want to know if full size paper will fit in the larger container! It does but it will have to be in there slanted! If you want the paper to go in flat, just print it at a reduced 95% on your printer.

What is included in the Hands-On Exploration Tubs packet?

– 960 task cards/mats (detailed list found below)
– activity labels (offered in two sizes)
– activity “I can” cards

This packet uses ALL real-life photographs! 

What activities are included in the Hands-On Exploration Tubs packets?

Activity One: Build It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using pattern blocks. They will view the included picture card and recreate the “scene”. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**



Activity Two: Band It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using geoboards and bands. They will view the included picture card and recreate the “scene”. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**



Activity Three: Snake It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using play dough. They will use play dough snakes to recreate the picture on the mat. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**



Activity Four: Manipulate It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using pattern blocks. They will use pattern blocks to recreate the picture on the mat. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**



Activity Five: Tweeze It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using tweezers and fuzzy pom poms. They will use fuzzy pom poms to recreate the picture on the mat. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**



Activity Six: Cube It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using cubes. They will use their cubes to copy the picture on the math. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**




Activity Seven: Block It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using Lego or like blocks. They will view the included task cards and then recreate the object they see using Legos. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**



 

Activity Eight: Bead It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using pony beads. They will view the included picture card and recreate the “scene” by placing pony beads onto the task card. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**



 

Activity Nine: Stick It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using color Popsicle sticks. They will use Popsicle sticks to complete the picture on the mat. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**




Activity Ten: Picture It In this activity students will get an opportunity to explore using (snap) cubes. They will use (snap) cubes to recreate the picture on the mat. **96 cards included — 24 cards per SEASON**



 

I also share all about the manipulatives used! Please note the following links are to help give you a

 

Pattern Blocks
Cubes
Fuzzy Pom Poms
Tweezers
Geoboards
Pony Beads
Loom Bands
Playdoh
Connecting Cubes

You can view the packet on TPT by clicking HERE or on the image below!

FREE SAMPLER!

That’s right! I have a free sample for you! If you haven’t used my Hands-On Exploration Tubs before you can snag this free file to try out with your kiddos! Click HERE to download the free file!  (After you click to download, click the WHITE DOWNLOAD ARROW in the far right corner! This will download the Adobe file!)

Thanks so much for joining me today and last but not least is a manipulatives giveaway valued at $100!!! You can enter the giveaway **HERE** or using the rafflecopter below! I will choose a winner Sunday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much!

Related Posts

  • Back to School Sale!!Back to School Sale!!
  • September Bundle Giveaway!September Bundle Giveaway!
  • Primary Sight Words Curriculum + Freebie!Primary Sight Words Curriculum + Freebie!
«
»

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Comments

  1. Judy Gordon says

    January 3, 2019 at 6:41 pm

    I just purchased the Exploration Tubs packet. I’m so excited to introduce these to my students! Thank you so much for all your hard work and for your willingness to share!

    Reply
  2. Mary Ann says

    January 4, 2019 at 10:13 pm

    I cannot wait to get to my printer at school to print these out! I love what you create Tara!

    Reply
    • Tara says

      January 5, 2019 at 5:29 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  3. ashields36 says

    January 9, 2019 at 1:48 am

    I have your other set and love it… so do the kiddos. I totally missed this sale:( do you know when you plan to have it marked down again? thanks

    Reply
    • Tara says

      January 9, 2019 at 4:36 am

      Hi there! I’m sorry I don’t have one planned but if you “follow me” on TPT you’ll be notified anytime I have a sale 😀

      Reply
  4. 에볼루션 카지노 says

    July 25, 2022 at 4:19 am

    all the technical KINGDOM777 solutions and staff we need for 에볼루션 카지노 operators who provide world

    Reply
  5. akbet25 says

    September 2, 2022 at 1:23 pm

    akbet25 เว็บพนันบอลออนไลน์ ที่ดีที่สุดในไทย สมัครกับเว็บตรงไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ สมัครง่าย ได้เงินจริง slot pg ฝาก-ถอน ออโต้ 30 วิ บริการตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง

    Reply
  6. บริการ says

    September 2, 2022 at 2:21 pm

    บริการ pg slot สำหรับค่ายเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ ที่มีนักพนันเลือกเข้าไปสมัครเป็นสมาชิก กันจำนวนไม่ใช่น้อยก็น่าจะจึง ควรยกให้กับ PG เลยเพราะว่าค่ายเกมที่นี้ จัดเต็มทุกความบันเทิง

    Reply
  7. clubred666 says

    October 22, 2022 at 5:31 am

    สล็อตเว็บตรง เกมส์สล็อตออนไลน์ที่มาแรงที่สุดในตอนนี้และเป็นเกมส์สล็อตออนไลน์ที่มีผู้เล่นใช้บริการมากสุดในรอบปีเพราะเป็นเกมส์สล็อตออนไลน์. PG slot ที่มีตัวเกมส์น่าเล่น และมีตัวเกมส์ที่หลากหลายและยังเป็นตัวเกมส์ที่คนนิยมลงทุนมากที่สุดและเป็นตัวเกมส์สล็อตออนไลน์ที่มีเงินรางวัลแจกผู้เล่นมากกว่า 1 แสนยูสเซอร์

    Reply
  8. สมัครslotpg says

    January 11, 2023 at 7:18 pm

    The posts is utmost interesting! I have absolutely relished analyzing your variables and possess come to the summary that you’ll be suitable about A lot of them. You will be amazing, and also your initiatives are exceptional! สมัครslotpg

    Reply
  9. ทางเข้าสล็อต says

    February 1, 2023 at 1:30 am

    ทางเข้าสล็อต

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Find it Fast!

Follow on Instagram

NEW + FREE! 300 INSTANT Digital Math Fluency Drill NEW + FREE! 300 INSTANT Digital Math Fluency Drill slides! These are offered in PDF and Google Slides! 10 decks offered- numbers, subitizing, shapes, addition, subtraction, and more! Snag them linked in my Instagram profile! #iteachk #tpt #tptfreebie #iteach
KinderMath Digital Teaching Slides! These slides m KinderMath Digital Teaching Slides! These slides make teaching math so easy! Each lesson provides you with 5 slides. That gives you a slide for number sense, fluency, math talk, core lesson, and a collaborative partner game! The slides are offered in PDF and Google Slides! Snag them ON SALE linked in my Instagram profile! #iteachk #tarawest #tpt #iteachtoo
❤️🧡💛💚💻 2,500 FREE DIGITAL SLIDES D ❤️🧡💛💚💻 2,500 FREE DIGITAL SLIDES DOWNLOAD! These digital slides are hosted on Google and also come in a PDF format. You can download a PPT version from the Google version as well! Encoding, decoding, high frequency words, nonsense words, backwards blending, and so much MORE! Download them linked in my Instagram profile/bio! #tpt #guidedphonics #sor #tptfreeebie #scienceofreading #tarawest #iteachk #iteach
❤️🧡💛 Guided Phonics + Beyond FREE Additi ❤️🧡💛 Guided Phonics + Beyond FREE Additions! 💚💙💜 So many amazing free additions to the Guided Phonics + Beyond curriculum! View the video linked in my Instagram bio to see the updates in detail and hear where to find these additions. Quick lesson checks, book trackers, 260 HFW orthographic mapping scripts, character cards, posters/cards and more! #guidedphonics #tpt #iteachk #sor #tarawest #iteachtoo
🌈 6 NEW #guidedphonics DOLLAR DEALS! The great 🌈 6 NEW #guidedphonics DOLLAR DEALS! The great thing about these dollar deals is that they are part of my #guidedphonics mega bundle!!! If you have that bundle simply redownload! View these 6 dollar deals linked in my Instagram profile! #iteachk #tpt #sor #guidedphonics #iteach #prek
FREEBIE REWIND! Did you snag these freebie abc mag FREEBIE REWIND! Did you snag these freebie abc magnets last year? If not, you can snag them NOW! These INSTANT Alphabet Magnet Mats are perfect for a small-group warm up activities or literacy centers! Snag these free mats linked in my Instagram profile! #iteachk #kindergarten #tpt #tptfreebie #freebie #iteachk #prek
❤️🧡✏️ PHONICS-BASED WRITING CENTERS! SO ❤️🧡✏️ PHONICS-BASED WRITING CENTERS! SOR-aligned and phonics-based writing centers. Unit 1 works with beginning sounds/alphabet. Unit 2 is 100% decodable using CVC words! 10 activities included in each packet along with 100 picture cards in each unit. View the writing centers linked in my Instagram profile! #sor #guidedphonics #iteachk #iteachtoo #iteachfirst
🌈💻 Guided Phonics + Beyond DIGITAL Drag and 🌈💻 Guided Phonics + Beyond DIGITAL Drag and Drop Games! These games are pre-loaded for you in both Google Slides and Seesaw! Aligned 💯 to the Guided Phonics + Beyond SOR curriculum! Units 1-3 currently available with additional sets coming soon. These are part of my Guided Phonics + Beyond digital growing bundle or you can snag each unit separately! Linked in my Instagram profile! #sor #guidedphonics #iteachk #kindergarten #tpt #iteachfirst
💚💛❤️🔢 10 FREE numbers handwriting fre 💚💛❤️🔢 10 FREE numbers handwriting free downloads! Snag 10 awesome and engaging handwriting freebies for practicing numbers! Linked in my Instagram profile! #iteachk #kindergarten #tpt #tptfreebie #iteack #prek
Follow on Instagram

Follow on Facebook

This message is only visible to admins.
Problem displaying Facebook posts. Backup cache in use.
Click to show error
Error: Error validating access token: The session has been invalidated because the user changed their password or Facebook has changed the session for security reasons. Type: OAuthException
Little Minds at Work

3 months ago

Little Minds at Work
FREE DOWNLOAD! CVC Themed Spin, Tap, Map, Write sheets! Snag them here: bit.ly/3zTashX ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Little Minds at Work

3 months ago

Little Minds at Work
FREE DOWNLOAD! Sound sort/assessment sheets! Grab there HERE: bit.ly/3zTashX ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Little Minds at Work

3 months ago

Little Minds at Work
🌈 NEW + FREE "Spy It" phonics-based science of reading sheets! Snag them here: bit.ly/3zTashX ABC, cvc words, digraphs, blends, and CVCE words included! ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Little Minds at Work

3 months ago

Little Minds at Work
FREE DOWNLOADS! Take my free fluency sheets and cut them into fluency STRIPS! Phonics HERE: bit.ly/3ojFL3h Math HERE: bit.ly/35w1ihX ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Little Minds at Work

3 months ago

Little Minds at Work
👀 Nothing to see here.... just 120 FREE SOR DOWNLOADS! Snag them all compiled and linked in ONE single doc HERE: bit.ly/3sspPMw ... See MoreSee Less

Sign Up

Little Minds at Work

littlemindsatwork.org

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Follow on Pinterest

  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
  • Searching for CVC word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVC word activities, including some freebies too!
    Searching for CVC word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVC word activities, including some freebies too!
  • Searching for CVC word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVC word activities, including some freebies too!
    Searching for CVC word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVC word activities, including some freebies too!
  • Searching for CVCE word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVCE word activities, including some freebies too!
    Searching for CVCE word activities for kindergarten? These hands on activities are highly engaging and simple to prepare. Click the pin to check out a huge variety of CVCE word activities, including some freebies too!
  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
  • Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
    Completely transform your teaching with these FUN & engaging, yet still rigorous, lessons and activities! These INSTANT Theme packets are perfect preschool and kindergarten offer engaging, hands-on material for each themed set. The INSTANT Themes packets are completely comprehensive...toss in a few hands-on manipulatives and let the learning begin. Click the pin to see all the themes included in the money-saving bundle!
Follow Me on Pinterest

 Tara West © 2017 - Privacy Policy

Cleantalk Pixel