Busy Bins are a great way to funnel the extra energy of young children into a fun learning task. These bins feature engaging challenges that promote creativity and critical thinking. Busy Bins are cheap to create and keep kids entertained and learning.
What is a Busy Bin?
A Busy Bin is a small easy to store container that holds items for learning. Busy Bins were created to keep kids engaged and making good choices during moments of downtime. Often the items inside focus on engineering, critical thinking, or developing creativity. These bins are entertaining for children and provide a unique cognitive outlet for kid’s energy.
Where and When do you Use Busy Bins?
Busy Bins work great in the classroom as early finishers activities or morning brain games. They can be used in school age child care settings as unique manipulative items, and you can utilize them at home as a focused hands on project for the family. There is no limit to where you can use Busy Bins, they provide an effective way to direct children’s energy into a positive learning experience.
How do you make Busy Bins
To create your own busy bins you need a small container. I use cheap pencil boxes I purchased on amazon. Then, print out the free busy bin labels and instruction card and cut them out. Use packaging tape to secure the labels to the box. Then tape the instruction label to the inside of the box, fill the box with supplies and you are ready!
What are some other Busy Bin Ideas?
- Knex – plastic manipulative toy that usually includes wheels
- Pattern Blocks – colorful shapes when put together make beautiful designs
- Magnatiles – magnetic blocks that stick together so children can build
- Wooden Blocks – classic toy with limitless potential
- Pipe cleaners – Craft item that can be utilized as a building tool
- Waffle Blocks – large plastic blocks that interlock
- paperclips – Office supply turn building tool.
- straw connectors – Bendy straw like building material
Make it More Engaging with These Add On Products
Busy Bins will provide your classroom or after school program with the perfect tool to entertain and educate children. You can add to that engagement with challenge cards. You can create your own cards, or you can check out the 99 printable cards available below.
I just finished my first 99 printable for Sticky Sticks. (craft sticks with Velcro on the ends). Check out the item and watch for a new set of busy bin challenge card monthly. You can also find them it in Teachers Pay Teachers Store. However, if you purchase through our store before March 2020 you can save $1 with the coupon code: STICKS-001 (Less fees, means better deals!)
How are Busy Bins Working for You?
After you try busy bins I would love to hear from you. Let me know what is working in the comments below. What other items are you or could you use to engage kids?
