I must admit as much as I love sensory play, our sensory play tub has been somewhat neglected lately as we have been stuck on rice for a good few months now. I decided it was time for a bit of renewal and dumped the rice in exchange for a bag each of dried peas and green lentils.
These started off in separate containers and Immy was having a great time spooning them across into a fresh bowl. I also provided an assortment of containers which became progressively smaller.
It was interesting to watch Immy’s concentration as she chose each new container with a smaller opening. This type of sensory play is great for toddlers. Immy has revisited the play table many times, sometimes taking her dolls to make them soup, and other times simply happy to fill and empty, pour and stir. You can see we are outdoors trying to capture some rays in the Winter sun, which makes for easy clean up once we are done, I simply sweep the pavement 🙂
Last week we had 40 inspiring We Play links, thank you everyone who is playing along. The post I chose as my favourite for the week had a whole host of play ideas, including a bright and colourful sensory play tub! You can find it here.
Now it is over to you, what have you been playing this week?
First time playing? Find out how to play here.
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
I still haven't been shopping after everyone talked about playing with lentils & pulses last week! Good job we are heading out today (we need some butter for baking LOL)
I really should get my girls a sensory table.
We were concentrating on textures for our sensory play, but we did rainbows as well – they're so much fun because there's so many aspects to them!
Sigh. That looks like a great idea. Unfortunately, with our Little Man, that whole yellow tub would be upside down in about 3 seconds lol… we've had to stop putting sand in his play table b/c it costs $5 a bag and he flips the whole table over the first chance he gets.
Thanks Christie, you were a life saver in our household 1/2 an hour ago!! Jessica was bored and we all know what happens when they get bored… After reading your sensory play activity, I dug up some dried macaroni pasta, red lentils, rice and dried broad beans. With Jessica's 'play' pots & pans, some containers, spoons and funnel, harmony has been restored 🙂
Great ideas to see how fun & simple play can be without expensive toys 😉
We used to call this 'Mix and Mess' when I was teaching and it was always a HUGE hit!
I must go out and buy us some aquarium pebbles and other goodies and get this happening for M!
That looks like much fun 🙂
We used a couple of kitty litter trays, purchased new! for that very purpose. They came in quite handy for all sorts of sensory and messy play.
I love sensory tubs! We don't have a yard for a big one but I like to offer small containers of beans and rice to sort through. It's fun to hide small surprises in them.
I'm glad you liked the rainbows – we had a fun week. I think I will be following your lead and filling our indoor sensory tub with pasta and lentils, before I get to the smaller (and harder to clean up) rice and sand.
Looks like lots of fun! I'd love to know where you got the tub from, I've been searching for ages for a big tub and stand (or at least a tub!) that doesn't cost the earth!
So many great links 🙂
I admit that I am one of those purists that don't allow their children play with food out of principle, but I agree that sensory play with all kinds of things can be a lot of fun. In our house it's usually a mix of pompoms, buttons, beads and nature finds (small rocks, acorns, etc.). Daughter really enjoys this type of play.
I love the tub you use! I think I will have to stock up on some lentils and the like…
Our water trough has become available now that the shop doesn't rest on it anymore. Think I might take your great idea and use it with my girls. Thanks Christie for the idea and for We Play!
This is great….an excellent reminder of how something so simple provides so much great play! I will be doing this tomorrow, I think
Thank you!