This is the final blog in the series which takes a look around the preschool classroom.

The sand and water table/sensory table or bin in the preschool classroom is a must. Yes, I will agree that the area can be very chaotic so let’s remember the benefits as they outweigh the “mess”.

First, consider the physical layout of your space, the sensory table should not be placed on a rug or near a heating vent; a dust pan; a broom and a trash receptacle should be close by and easily reached by the children. Young children can and should be responsible for keeping their area clean and safe.

The sensory table helps to develop the social skills of working together, sharing space and supplies and planning for play. The educator will often need to help in the sharing the media and the materials that are in the table. Do to the limited space of the table it is an area that is easily teacher supervised and supported.

Physical development of the young child is supported in the sensory table as eye-hand coordination is needed for scooping and dumping and the fine motor skills of pouring and sifting can be honed as well.

Vocabulary building is another fun result of exploring different sensory materials. Remember to enrich the young child’s descriptive language vocabulary skills whenever possible.  Language skills in the sensory table include; planning, questioning and telling stories.

Many basic concepts related to science and math can be investigated in a sand/water/sensory table. Water/sand wheel, water pump, sink/float, gravity, manipulation, and trial and error are several scientific concepts explored during sensory play. Measuring and volume, amount, number, quantity and size are mathematical concepts that can be investigated.

There are many items to place in a sensory table, let your imagination go! Here is a list to get you started:

Flour

Rice

Beans

Colored pasta

Cooked spaghetti

Corn Meal

Oatmeal

If you are opposed to using food items in the sensory table here is a list of non food item:

Bird Seed

Easter grass

Corn

Sand

Water

Shaving cream

Cotton balls

Bottle caps

Ice

Smooth stones

Ribbons and Bows

Soil

Fabric scraps

At home: Safety should always come first when using water or small sensory items. The bathtub and the kitchen sink are logical locations for sensory explorations however a small basin on the floor, with a towel on a plastic trash bag to catch spills will work as well. Supply your child with props such as sponges, basters, colanders, strainers, pitchers, tongs, and so on. Baths are a great place for sensory investigation.  There is so much to explore and learn with very little equipment, and clean up is simple.