Spring has sprung! Encourage your young learner to build and to be a problem solver! One of our favorite STEAM activities for preschoolers are Tinker Tubs™!
Preschool STEAM Tinker Tubs™
Tinker tubs™ are an easy way to encourage students to problem-solve, play and explore with materials you already have in the classroom.
What is a Tinker Tub™?
A tinker tub is a container with provided materials that encourage children to build, create and design.
Tinker tubs™ give students the opportunity to learn:
- how to persevere
- how to learn from failure and still try again
- how to re-evaluate, redesign and re-think a problem to create a unique and inventive solution.
- develop fine motor skills
- learn to work collaboratively and share!
How to Get Started with Tinker Tubs™:
Step 1: Choose your tub (or box, or bin)
Step 2: Choose your building materials,
Pick and choose from the materials you already have.
Building Materials Ideas:
- Wooden Blocks
- Pattern Blocks
- Linking Cubes
- Craft Sticks
- Small Plastic Cups
- Recycled Containers
- Cardboard Tubes
- Craft sticks
- Mini plastic cups
- Fake Flowers
- Plastic Flower Pots
- Plastic Eggs
- Pipe Cleaners
- Sticks and other nature items
Step 3: Let your students tinker and build!
You may wish to add open-ended STEAM challenge cards as a creative prompt deeper thinking.
Get the Spring Tinker Tub Guide + Challenge Cards in Pathways
Join Pathways to access the complete Spring Tinker Tub Guide with printable challenge cards, materials lists, and extension ideas. You’ll also unlock 12 months of seasonal play guides, hundreds of ready-to-use STEAM invitations, and a full resource vault to support hands-on, playful learning all year long.
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