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!
