Sensory Tables

Why Have a Sensory Table?
     Children learn through using their senses.  The senses help with
information processing. Using multiple senses allows more cognitive connections and associations to be made with a concept. It makes learning a fun, multi-sensory experience to help children process information more effectively.

 
           

Making a Sensory Table
     Since pre-made tables are expensive,  I found a make- your- own, reasonably priced table with directions and pictures so that  you can make your own.  For directions click on   A Teaching Mommy
                                               
   What Do We Put in the Sensory Tables?
      Now that all you crafty people have made your
   sensory tables and for those who aren't so crafty,
   you have figured out that you can use a good size
   storage container and sit it on the floor or small   
   table with a plastic table cloth under it for those little messy spills. You can put all kinds of things in your table. I have put in cornmeal, alphabet letters, dirt and small cars, magnets and things non magnetic or magnetic objects, pom poms, water with pvc pipes cut into short pieces with connectors or sea animals, farm animals with items to go with a farm unit, or other theme related items.  Spinning tops are fun items that can be more contained within the table. Finger painting paint can be put in the bottom of the table and let the children paint and lay a piece of finger painting paper over their creation to make an imprint of their masterpiece. This makes an easy clean-up outside using a hose to wash the paint out. All kinds of different paper with scissors  can be put in with textures to make a cutting party of snipping and fun. Cotton balls with tongs and containers are good fine motor activities, as is Goop, with different size containers, spoons, and other types of doughs. Anything that you can think of will work!

A Beautiful Wedding in Hawaii

My son and new daughter in law were married on June 17, 2014. The wedding was on the island of Oahu in Hawaii and was held at the beach. It was beautiful. I had never been to Hawaii and I loved it and plan to go back again some time in the near future.  Beautiful place!

A Surprise Phone Call

I received a phone call early this very early this morning and it was my son calling me from Washington State telling me that he got engaged. He was so very happy and excited about it.  I am anxious to meet his fiance.  That made my day!
                                                            

 This is my son proposing to his girl friend. They both look very happy and we are all very happy for them. They will be married sometime next year.

Lake Havasu City Arizona Balloon Festival

This morning our students at school watched, across the street at the local high school field, as hot air balloons were being inflated and and then slowly rose  into the air and sailed off.  The excitement from the students talking and pointing and asking questions was intense. What a wonderful experience for the students to be a part of.  This is the third year of the balloon fest in our city.  The last few days have been so cold with the winds blowing but this morning it was a little cool but such a beautiful day.  Just the right type of weather and more important, the right audience for the beautiful balloons filling the air.  What excitement! What a sight!  All the beautiful colors floating across the sky and what a wonderful learning experience!  The balloon fest will be going on until Monday with many activities over the weekend.

This picture was taken January 2012 of  Balloons being inflated
at Lake Havasu High School, across from our school.

The people in the balloons were talking to the people boating on the lake.

 These are just a few of the balloons that were cruising over Lake Havasu and the surrounding area this morning.

I am standing under the London Bride Looking out at these beautiful balloons.

These pictures were taken on Jan. 19, 2013 looking out at the bridge and the balloons.

Magnetic Silly Putty

Make Your Own Magnetic Silly Putty

 

    I found this idea on Pinterest and thought it would be wonderful to add to any science area. The recipe is pretty simple and it is not expensive to make.  I wonder what would stick to this? Click on the picture above to link to the original Pinterest post for how this works and the scientific explanations or get the recipe below. Warning- You need to wear disposable gloves and a face mask when making this as the ferric iron oxide powder is very fine and you don't want to breathe it in.

Tools + materials

tools: disposable gloves (latex or other) disposable face mask disposable work area (paper plate)

materials: Thinking Putty ($2.00 or less) - any colour ferric iron oxide powder (artist supply stores) neodymium magnet

The secret ingredient that makes the putty magnetic is an iron oxide powder, which is ferric (magnetic). Ferric iron oxide is a fine powder used as black pigment and can be found at art stores. If your local artist supply store doesn't carry it, you can always purchase it online.

Playdough is always fun but add some glitter to a basic recipe and you have delightful new fun.  I viewed this recipe on Pintrest at Tradewinds Tiaras and I wanted to share this cute idea.  The recipe for the dough is the best that I have found and the kids love it.  Enjoy.  This is the recipe for the dough. 

Homemade Sparkling Playdough Recipe

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• 2 cups water
• 1 Tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• food coloring
• glitter

1)  Add food coloring to water for easiest, even distribution.  This is especially helpful if you're using a gel or paste food coloring.

2)  Place flour, salt, colored water, oil, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan.  Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until it turns into playdough.

3)  Turn dough out onto the counter to let sit until it's cool enough to knead.  Flatten a bit on the counter, and sprinkle generously with glitter.  Knead the glitter into the playdough.  If you want more sparkle, repeat this step.

4)  Store in an airtight container.  One batch of this recipe filled four jam-jars perfectly.