With many years of experience teaching across various grades and classrooms, I’ve experimented with countless morning routines. From jumping right into the day to starting with a calendar routine, morning paperwork, and morning tubs, I’ve tried it all. One routine that particularly stood out to me was using morning tubs with rotating numbers through the tables. While I loved this approach for a long time, in recent years, it has evolved into something even more magical.
A few years ago, during my ECE postgraduate diploma specializing in Kindergarten, I came across an article on the magic of learning and how it should be sparked from joy. This concept deeply resonated with me, inspiring me to bring more of that magic into my classroom. I was also drawn to the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes the environment as the third teacher and the importance of intentional and purposeful learning environments.
I wanted to incorporate more provocations and student interest-sparked learning opportunities into my classroom. I also believe in giving students choices whenever possible, as I think they should be the ones working the hardest. To simplify my routines, I began loading up my morning bins and keeping them organized and fresh every week, thus giving birth to my morning table routine.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Growing-Things-Alphabet-Bump-11439169
Each morning, at all of the tables in my classroom, I set out play-based materials such as LEGO, Playstix, Starflex, puzzles, Unifix cubes, and story cubes. Additionally, I set up learning experiences at extra tables in my classroom. While each table generally has a theme to simplify planning, there are no hard and fast rules. I typically include a sensory table, a science table, a math table, a language arts table, and alternate between a writing table and an art table, depending on the theme for the week.
One of my favorite changes to the routine is allowing students to wander from table to table, exploring and discovering what catches their interest. It’s incredibly heartwarming to hear their squeals of delight as they explore the room, making for a truly magical start to the day.
This transformation of my morning routine has not only made learning more joyful and engaging for my students but has also reinvigorated my passion for teaching. I believe that by creating a classroom environment that sparks joy and curiosity, we can instill a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Kindy Play 