The item I selected for this project is the basic essential needed to share a variety of sensory play activities-a sensory table. Currently, I drag out several bins to lowered kidney shaped tables and strategically position children and tools for them to use. The problem with this model is the risk for spilling/dumping the table top bins, accidentally! When 4 year old bodies gather around a 24in. x 12in. bin filled with water beads, rainbow colored 2D/3D shapes, gems, rainbow erasers, and marbles, they can't wait to dig in with their grabbing tools. As a result, movement happens and instead of thoughtful questioning and language development through our interaction, I'm soaking up water and objects bouncing around the floor. Not the planned outcome or best experience for all.
In preparation for obtaining a large sensory table for my students, I have already collected a variety of materials to use in the sensory tub. I have glitter sand, shredded paper, and beans with all the goodies to be added in to also develop foundation skills in literacy (letter recognition and speaking & listening), math (count & represent objects, measurement, and shapes) fine motor (using tools and strength to move through sand or water). There are many uses for a sensory bin with young learners that make learning fun and memorable through actually experiencing things. The children see, feel and sometimes smell using their whole bodies. These are little scientists in the making!
About my class
The item I selected for this project is the basic essential needed to share a variety of sensory play activities-a sensory table. Currently, I drag out several bins to lowered kidney shaped tables and strategically position children and tools for them to use. The problem with this model is the risk for spilling/dumping the table top bins, accidentally! When 4 year old bodies gather around a 24in. x 12in. bin filled with water beads, rainbow colored 2D/3D shapes, gems, rainbow erasers, and marbles, they can't wait to dig in with their grabbing tools. As a result, movement happens and instead of thoughtful questioning and language development through our interaction, I'm soaking up water and objects bouncing around the floor. Not the planned outcome or best experience for all.
In preparation for obtaining a large sensory table for my students, I have already collected a variety of materials to use in the sensory tub. I have glitter sand, shredded paper, and beans with all the goodies to be added in to also develop foundation skills in literacy (letter recognition and speaking & listening), math (count & represent objects, measurement, and shapes) fine motor (using tools and strength to move through sand or water). There are many uses for a sensory bin with young learners that make learning fun and memorable through actually experiencing things. The children see, feel and sometimes smell using their whole bodies. These are little scientists in the making!
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