Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. This type of play aids in developing and enhancing memory. It is great for calming an anxious or frustrated child. Make these (cheap) squishy sensory bags to place on the light table and reap the benefits of all these. This…
Sensory
Kinetic Sand Letter Molds – Literacy at the Sensory Table
Sensory play is a sensational way to learn letters. If you aren’t familiar with it, kinetic sand is an interesting substance. It runs through little fingers like a thick liquid but holds a shape when compressed. Using these kinetic sand letter molds to add an educational twist is a great way to reinforce letter familiarity…
5 Senses Activities for Preschoolers – Science Centers
Calling all scientists, explorers, and exhausted teachers who could use a hand planning science centers for the entire year with just one simple click of the mouse. 😉 Jokes and run-on sentences aside… lesson planning can be so time-consuming and overwhelming. These 5 Senses Activities for Preschoolers have been kid-tested and teacher-approved. Five Senses Activities for Preschoolers…
Chickpea Sensory Play – Heavy Work for Active Kids
Sensory learning is so important for young children. Digging in the garden, splashing in a mud puddle, or playing in the sandbox are all great ways to do this outdoors, but what about on a rainy day? That’s where these beautiful rainbow chickpeas come in! Chickpea Sensory Play Idea These rainbow chickpeas are amazing for…
Alphabet Matching – Sensory Play Center
Young children need LOTS of exposure to letters in order to master the alphabet. They begin learning the alphabet by recognizing the first letter of their names and then move on to other letter knowledge. Skilled teachers understand that acquiring letter knowledge is a lengthy developmental process for most children; they need multiple, creative, and…
Unicorn Fizz – A Magical Way to Practice Fine Motor Skills
Fun and learning don’t have to be difficult for the teacher to be effective! This super-simple science experiment takes only a few supplies to set up and will engage your students…all while sneaking in some science and fine-motor skills. It’s truly “magical!” Materials needed: plate, bowl, or foil trays (link to amazon) boxes of baking…
Feel the Music – Teaching Preschoolers about Sound Vibrations
Through music, we learn to listen carefully and to pay attention. We practice cause and effect and trial and error. We compare instruments and sounds. We feel the music in our ears, on our hands, and through our bodies. Music makes us smarter. Feel the Vibe Introduce children to the guitar. Allow them to touch…
5 Senses Activity – Apple Taste Test
The Apple Taste Test is a wonderful way to incorporate the sense of taste into your lesson. Not only that, but it also sneaks in vocabulary, math, and science – all in one delicious lesson! The Taste Test Set Up Begin the lesson by showing the students the whole apples. It can be quite helpful…
Apple Play Dough Tray
Have you tried making our apple cinnamon play dough? We used it in our five senses lesson, but it is also perfect for Autumn and goes great with our apple taste test lesson. Using simple items, you can create an invitation to play that will make your play dough center even more irresistible! Setting Up…
Rice Table Accessories
Sensory centers, like this rice table, serve a very important function in early childhood development. Not only does sensory play engage all of the child’s senses, it also builds language, dramatic play, math, science, and social skills Why rice? It’s extremely versatile. It doesn’t leave a residue on small fingers. It can be colored with…