Success at the sensory table

     Now that I am running my own program, I get a lot of hands on experience trouble shooting in a preschool program. Over the years, early childhood educators have expressed to me how challenging the sensory table can be. (Think splashing, sand/rice tossing, etc.) and I didn't really understand how challenging it could be with a mixed age preschool group until I had to start implementing my own suggestions.

    Based on my experience this week, some of the strategies work well, and others were not great.  Here is what worked for me:

1.) Know your group.

For example, I had a bubble table this week.  My kids were two and a half, three, and four.  My three and four year old can play independently at the bubble table; the two and a half year old cannot.  Knowing who needs supervision and teaching throughout the activity  (eg: you blow on the bubble wand) goes a long way in preventing problems.

2.) There is no such thing as too much preparation.

I set up the bubbles, put in lots of wands and other toys, and ensured appropriate supervision. Then . . . somebody rubbed bubbles on their face. Guess who didn't have a towel?  Monday I am bringing out a towel and child safety goggles.

3.) Kids at the sensory table.

I have set up the environment so that 3 can comfortably play at the sensory table, and this is the rule I enforce.  In practice, I have found that for dry activities, up to 4 works out. (Depending on the age of your group) For wet sensory activities, I limit the number of children to no more than 3.

4.)  Ample toys in the sensory bin.

Rule of thumb: At least two per child and 2-3 of the favorite toy. Having enough toys in the sensory bin does two things: prevents conflict (not all conflict, their preschoolers) and it encourages them to engage in appropriate play.  Ideally, you want them blowing bubbles with wants not splashing bubbles at each other.

5.) Figuring out why some kids don't participate in sensory activities.

I have one little boy in my class who does not like to get dirty. Today, we explored shaving cream on the outdoor easel and he did not want to participate. I offered him a paintbrush and smock, but he declined and said he just wanted to be able to clean his hands. We solved the problem by taking a water bowl outside. He dipped his hands in every time he wanted to get the shaving cream off. (See photos) It wasn't the solution I would have thought of but it allowed him to participate happily.

So what is the strategy? If a little one if talking, ask how you can help.  If not, think about what you know about the child.  In this case, I knew he didn't like to get messy and would offer ways to allow him to participate and stay as shaving cream free as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to post a comment  below. :-)