Our Learning Bins

Ok, so you've seen our "classroom"...  now it's time to see some of our learning materials  :)  I've spent the last few weeks putting together some really neat tools for the boys and I to work with.  Most of the things I made or put together with simple household items or cheap craft pieces.  I bought a few small things that the boys are getting for birthday presents..  I know, I'm such a dorky mom!!  And a few things we already had but I've been planning new ways to use them.  They are some of our absolute favorite toys that have withstood the test of time (and two toddlers) so into the learning bin they go!  Right now I've got things seperated into two bins- Reading/Literacy and Math- but my bins are already overflowing!  I also put together a totally awesome arts and crafts bin that they boys are getting for their min birthday present.  I'll share that one later.  Here are some photos of my favorite items (and links if you can buy them!)...  stay tuned to see how we use them all!!!

The Reading/Literacy Bin

 

Rice Writing

 

Alphabet Sticks- One set for each!

 Sight Word Sticks

 

Build-A-Letter Sticks

 

Homemade Flash Cards- Uppercase, Lowercase, Sightwords, and Word Families

Melissa and Doug See & Spell- The boy LOVE this...  and I've got all kinds of new ideas for the letters! 

http://www.funtoymall.com/doba28573.html?mr:trackingCode=28828267-5248-E011-879B-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA



 

Eureka Tub of Letter Tiles- Lots of ideas for these little guys  :)

http://www.unbeatablesale.com/edre2271.html?mr:trackingCode=D375275B-6652-E111-B136-001B21BCB944&mr:referralID=NA

 

 

 

The Math/Numbers Bin

 

 

A peek inside the Math Bin...  it doesn't all fit. Oh, and I've got rulers, dice, and a deck of cards in there too but I didn't take pictures of those!

Tubs of noodles and beans for counting and sorting (plus some little cups!)

Good old fashioned dominoes...  great for number tiles!  Oh, and I've got the Eureka tub of number tiles in here too!

Bead Counters- with Basketball beads!!

 

I can't for the life of me remember who makes this-

but it is hands down one of our all time favorite toys!!!  

Constructive PlayThings Animal Stack and Count- Another all time favorite!!! 

 

These came with the ones above- And they round out our 3 all time favorite toys. 

 Into the Math Bin they go!!!

 

 

Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards- We've had these for awhile and they REALLY challenge the boys. We also love to use the pieces for all sorts of other fun stuff! On sale at Kohl's right now... not sure how long it'll last!

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524892695220&mr:trackingCode=69CCA024-EEDD-DF11-AD70-001517B188A2&mr:referralID=NA