Best Way - Sensory Table Ideas for Toddlers

Sensory Table Ideas for Toddlers

Contributor

By Nannette Richford
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(0 Ratings)

Mixed beans encourage sorting

Sensory tables, also referred to as sand and water tables, allow toddlers to explore with their senses and help develop important cognitive skills. According to Angie Dorrell, former commissioner of The National Association for the Education of Young Children, sensory tables develop math and science concepts and build problem-solving and decision-making skills. Changing the contents of the sensory table regularly provides new experiences and hours of fun. The more variety that is provided, the more stimulation children will get.

Traditional sensory tables

Sensory tables traditionally contain a tub designed to hold water or sand. Both are excellent additions, but you don't need to rely on them alone. You can add a variety of common objects or substances to surprise children and keep them busy for hours.

Rice

Rice is easier to clean up than sand, and is great for scooping and measuring. Color the rice with food coloring and let it dry before adding it to the sensory table to a depth of two to three inches; measuring spoons, measuring cups, and small scoops will encourage children to play with the rice.

Beans

Dried beans are a lot of fun and provide a new texture to the sensory table. Adding several kinds of beans (red kidney, great northern and pinto beans, for example) allows youngsters to sort them by color or shape while exploring measuring and scooping.

Aquarium gravel

Aquarium gravel makes the perfect background for small toy sea creatures and fish. Bright blue gravel echoes the color of the ocean and enriches a child's imaginative play with sea creatures. Add seashells to complete the experience.

White aquarium gravel makes a great arctic landscape or snow. Add such animals as the polar bear and arctic fox to encourage imaginative play. Add small vehicles and action figures for play in the "snow."

Jell-O

For lots of giggles, fill the sensory table with Jell-O. Mold shapes following Jell-O's Jiggler recipes or cut the Jell-O into cubes and add them to the sensory table. Young children will have a blast as the gooey Jell-O wiggles and rolls. Watch toddlers carefully to prevent them from eating the Jell-O.

Whipped cream or shaving cream

Whipped cream or shaving cream creates a sensory sensation that is sure to please kids. Shaving cream adds its scent to the experience, but should not be used if the children are allergic. Provide cups and bowls for making delicious "desserts." Make sure kids know that the cream is for make-believe, not for eating.

Packing peanuts

For a change in texture, size, and weight, fill the sensory table with packing peanuts . Hide small magnetic toys in the peanuts, and let kids find them with a large magnet.