Childhood101

playing. learning. growing.

  • Learning Activities
    • Mathematics
    • Literacy
    • Social Emotional Learning
    • Distance Learning Resources
    • Coding for Kids
    • Science & Nature
    • Art & Craft
    • Holidays/Celebrations
    • Best Books for Kids
    • Products We Love
  • Play Ideas
    • Group Games for Kids
    • Sensory Play Ideas
    • Outdoor Play
    • Fun Play Spaces
    • Pretend Play
    • Lego Challenges
  • PRINTABLES
  • Books for Kids
    • Picture Books
    • Chapter Books
    • Graphic Novels
  • Activities By Age
    • School Age Learners
    • Pre+K Learners
    • Toddler Play
    • Baby Play
  • SHOP

We Play

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.

Filed Under: We Play

Previous post: Kids Art: Reflections on Painting
Next post: The ABC of Child Care: X is for …

Read the comments or scroll down to add your own:

  1. amandab says

    July 5, 2010 at 11:07 PM

    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)
  2. LJ says

    July 5, 2010 at 11:50 PM

    I really should get my girls a sensory table.
  3. Deb says

    July 6, 2010 at 12:11 AM

    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!
  4. canuck_grad says

    July 6, 2010 at 2:17 AM

    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.
  5. Lisa says

    July 6, 2010 at 5:11 AM

    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 :)
  6. •´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´• says

    July 6, 2010 at 6:17 AM

    Great ideas to see how fun & simple play can be without expensive toys ;)
  7. katepickle says

    July 6, 2010 at 6:42 AM

    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!
  8. Marita says

    July 6, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    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.
  9. Mom and Kiddo says

    July 6, 2010 at 4:11 PM

    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.
  10. CatWay says

    July 6, 2010 at 8:48 PM

    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.
  11. Narelle says

    July 7, 2010 at 2:03 AM

    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!
  12. Michelle says

    July 7, 2010 at 2:22 AM

    So many great links :)
  13. Raising a Happy Child says

    July 7, 2010 at 3:57 AM

    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.
  14. Becky says

    July 7, 2010 at 11:13 AM

    I love the tub you use! I think I will have to stock up on some lentils and the like...
  15. Busy Brissy Mum says

    July 9, 2010 at 6:11 AM

    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!
  16. Gill@OurParklife says

    July 10, 2010 at 3:41 PM

    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!
Welcome
pinterestinstagramteachers pay teachersyoutubefacebook

Search

Tips & Resources


Latest

Best ideas for sensory play for toddlers

20 Best Ideas for Sensory Play for Toddlers

Looking for ideas for sensory play for toddlers? Today we have a super fun list … [Read More...]

Over 55 super ideas for sensory bins

55+ Super Sensory Bin Ideas for Kids

We are big fans of sensory play in our house! Since they were small, my girls … [Read More...]

65+ YA dystopian books for teens

21 Thrilling YA Dystopian Book Series for Teens

Inside: Our pick of the best YA dystopian books series for teens. If your … [Read More...]

The Book

Learning Resources


Activities by Age

Baby
Toddler
Preschool
School-age
Family

Copyright ©2022 · Childhood101 - All Rights Reserved ·

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • PRIVACY POLICY