Sets are nice because each one has the same pieces. However, sets may become disorganized and end up losing or gaining pieces. This means that every so often you will need to sort the sets. Sets also alleviate the tendency of students to look around the room to see who has more than they do.

Using bins, you won't have to spend time sorting pieces. Students are also less confined by the availability of particular pieces when constructing. The drawback, especially with younger students, is that a lot of time is lost while searching through the bins for pieces.

Try different arrangements to determine which organizational situation suits you, or create a completely different system!

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