Establishing Morning Tubs with Keva Planks

As I transition from 3rd to 1st grade this school year, I've had a lot of challenges to think about for my little learners. I read this post by Catherine at The Brown Bag Teacher about morning tubs as an alternative to morning work. I loved the idea, but wasn't sure how to get started.

Then the great people at http://www.mindware.com/ contacted me about reviewing some of their Keva Planks products. When I received them, I knew this would be the perfect step towards morning tubs.

I received Brain Builders, Brain Builders: Junior, Color Pops: Teal, and Color Pops: Purple to try out in my first grade classroom.

I set one Keva Plank product on each of my desk groups. I put both Brain Builders together, since the Color Pops have more planks, to make it a little more even. I gave them no directions, other than to be respectful, be responsible, and be safe (PBIS school). They're imaginations ran wild!

They immediately started forming pictures and building structures. I love this "smiley face balloon" that one my kids created.

This one loved the cards included in the Brain Builders and Brain Builders Junior. You can see how proud she is of her stairs! She loved challenging herself and continuously called me over to see what she created.

This guy has become well known for his tall towers. He now builds them on the floor, because I won't allow him to stand on his chair when his tower gets too tall!

Although I love the Color Pops:Teal...you can guess why (#branding #weddingcolors), my kids love the purple probably more, because that is one of our school colors! Go grayhounds! #purpleandgray

Many of my friends build together. I loved seeing their minds work together. They did this with no prompting from me. #proudteacher

 I love how easy the planks are to get out and put away. They're perfect for my firsties' small hands, and they absolutely love them! I recommend them for any classroom. Your kids will have so much fun, and the simplicity of them makes it super easy on you.

Stay tuned for more things I add into our morning routine! 

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*This review is based strictly on my opinion. I was provided the sample free of charge

by the company to provide my honest review. No other type of compensation was received. All ideas and opinions are my own.