My Kind of Teaching: 2025

Why Morning Tubs Will Be Your Favorite Routine This Year

I used to start my school day with a worksheet.

You know the kind—meant to keep kids busy while I took attendance and got things settled. But more often than not, it led to a chorus of “I need help!” and papers half-finished (or scribbled on and crumpled like a fast-food napkin).

So I tried something different. I swapped those worksheets for hands-on tubs filled with simple, engaging activities… and I’ve never looked back.

Psst—new to Morning Tubs?
I’ve got a free Morning Tub Starter Kit you can grab to see what they’re all about.
🎁 Click here to get your freebie!

Here’s why I think Morning Tubs might just become your favorite routine this year, too:

✨ They give your morning a calm, focused start.
You’re trying to do all the things—take attendance, respond to an email, tie a shoelace, and smile at parents hovering in the doorway. Morning tubs let your students dive right in independently, giving you time to breathe (and sip your coffee while it’s still hot).

🧠 They build skills without feeling like “work.”
My tubs are filled with math, literacy, critical thinking, and fine motor tasks—disguised as games, puzzles, and challenges. The best part? Your students won’t even realize how much learning they’re doing.

🎯 They’re easy to prep and reuse.
Print, laminate, and pop them in bins. Done. I even include editable direction cards to make your life easier. (Because heaven knows you already have enough on your plate.)

📚 They grow with your students.
I’ve created a set for each grade—2nd, 3rd, and 4th—so the content hits that just-right sweet spot. The August tubs are perfect for Back-to-School, with a balance of review and confidence-boosting tasks.

If you’ve never tried Morning Tubs before, August is the perfect time to start. They’ll help you and your students settle into a routine that feels manageable and meaningful from Day One.

👉 Check out my August Morning Tubs here (available for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade)

Or if you’re all-in and want to make mornings easier all year long…
💡 Peek at the full Morning Tub Bundles here

Whatever you choose, just know this:
A smooth morning routine isn’t just possible—it’s just a tub away. 💛

Using Morning Tubs in Your Homeschool Routine: Creative Ideas for Maximum Value

Morning tubs aren’t just for traditional classrooms—they can be a game-changer for your homeschool! These versatile, hands-on activities are perfect for engaging your kids at the start of the day, keeping learning fun and flexible. If you’ve never used morning tubs before, let me show you how they can become one of your favorite tools in homeschooling, especially when you’re looking for ways to reuse resources for maximum value.

What Are Morning Tubs?

Morning tubs are sets of activities designed to kick off the day with engaging, meaningful tasks. They’re often hands-on and cover a range of subjects like math, reading, writing, or fine motor skills. Instead of jumping straight into formal lessons, kids ease into the day with these enjoyable activities.

The 2nd Grade Morning Work Tubs for February from my Teachers Pay Teachers store is a great example—they’re filled with themed activities that are educational and fun!

Why Use Morning Tubs in Your Homeschool?

Here are some reasons why morning tubs are a perfect fit for homeschooling:

Independent Work Time: While your kids are busy with morning tubs, you can take a few moments to prepare for the day or work one-on-one with another child.
Flexible Learning: Morning tubs can be tailored to your family’s schedule and educational goals, whether you want to focus on math, literacy, or fine motor skills.
Reusable Resources: The activities in these tubs can be used multiple times and in different ways, making them an excellent investment.

How to Use Morning Tubs at Home

Here are several ideas for incorporating morning tubs into your homeschool routine:

Start the Day with Fun Learning Begin your day with morning tubs to set a positive tone. The February-themed tubs include activities like sorting, matching, and problem-solving—all designed to build foundational skills while feeling like play.
Pair with Themed Learning Units If your February lessons include topics like winter, Valentine’s Day, or kindness, use the tubs as an extension. For example, math activities from the tubs could reinforce counting or pattern-making, tying directly into seasonal themes.
Rotate for Multi-Use Don’t use all the activities at once! Rotate them weekly to keep things fresh. What’s great about these tubs is that they’re reusable year after year, so the activities can reappear in future lessons for reinforcement or as a fun review.
Use for Transition Times Morning tubs are ideal for filling gaps in your schedule. If you’re transitioning between subjects or need to keep one child busy while helping another, these tubs are a lifesaver.
Incorporate with Siblings Morning tubs aren’t just for one child! Many activities can be adapted for different ages. Younger kids can join in with simplified tasks, while older siblings might enjoy “helping” by explaining concepts.
Supplement with Family Challenges Turn the activities into mini-competitions or family challenges. For example, who can finish the math puzzle fastest? This adds an element of excitement and encourages critical thinking.

Maximize the Value of Morning Tubs

One of the best things about morning tubs is their reusability. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Laminate Activities: Laminating task cards or sheets ensures they’ll last longer. Use dry-erase markers to make them reusable.
Store for Future Use: Pack tubs away after February and bring them out the next year for a fresh start.
Repurpose for Other Subjects: Many activities, like matching or puzzles, can be repurposed for a variety of subjects, from science vocabulary to geography.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re excited to bring morning tubs into your homeschool, check out my Morning Tubs on Teachers Pay Teachers. They’re packed with fun, seasonal activities that you can use again and again. Whether you’re new to morning tubs or looking for fresh ideas, these resources are sure to add joy and flexibility to your homeschooling days.

Do you use morning tubs in your homeschool? I’d love to hear your favorite ideas or adaptations in the comments below!