• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
  • Videos
  • Contact

Play to Learn Preschool

A delightful preschool experience

  • Thematic Units
  • Learning Centers
  • Dramatic Play
  • Literacy
  • Classroom Management
  • Virtual Preschool
Home
  • Blog
    • Thematic Units
    • Learning Centers
    • Dramatic Play
    • Literacy
    • Classroom Management
    • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
  • About
  • Videos
  • Contact

This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure for more information.

Pluffle – a Sensory Table Superstar!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Sensory activities are an important and fun part of every preschool classroom. Some activities are messier than others, but with Pluffle, there is no fear of sticky accidents. It is a material designed by Playfoam, an educational Insights company. Made of soft foam shreds with a hint of sparkle, and in a variety of bright, child-pleasing colors, Pluffle is a fantastic addition to the sensory repertoire.

Playing with Pluffle at the sensory table is a fun, tactile activity for kids of all ages. Preschoolers love it but need supervision as with all sensory table materials. Trays or bins contain the fluffy foam bits. However, it spreads easily but sweeps or wipes up just as easily.

Pluffle in the sensory table

Sensory Play Expands Classroom Skills

Sensory play builds nerve connections to the brain. Pluffle is a fantastic way to engage even the most reluctant preschooler. Some additional benefits of having Pluffle in the sensory bin include:

  • The sensory experience can help preschoolers calm their bodies.
  • Students can investigate math concepts by filling and emptying scoops filled with Pluffle.
  • Language development grows as the preschoolers talk to each other and ask questions.
  • Children practice social skills as they wait for their turn at the table.
  • When children squeeze and press the Pluffle into shapes, their fine motor muscles get a workout.

Check out this Resource from my Shop!

Preschool Science Centers – Scientific Investigation Unit 1

$8.75

Students will learn about the five senses and how to be good scientists during this unit on scientific investigation. Each of the 7 lessons is carefully planned for you and includes: a supply list, learning objectives, lesson ideas, photos and activities, book suggestions, and a journal page.

Preview in the Shop
Checkout Added to cart
Pluffle in the sensory table

Getting creative with non-food sensory bin fillers can sometimes be difficult, but pouring this filler from its container straight into the bin eliminates that stress. The best part of Pluffle is the texture – soft and squishy, but not sticky. Like kinetic sand, students can mold it into shapes and then watch it flow back into blobs. It doesn’t dry out and stick to hands like dough, sand, or slime. If this product spills out of the bin, (or let’s be honest, gets thrown out of the bin “accidentally”), it is easy to sweep up at clean-up time.

Pluffle in containers

Extending Pluffle Play

Adding scoops, cups, and funnels is just the beginning. Manipulatives from the classroom theme in the sensory bin also create opportunities for outstanding play. Seek and find letters hidden in the sensory table, fill cupcake liners and candles, or explore volume by filling and compressing the material into different containers.

However, not every center can have sensory table activities. Pluffle is versatile, though. Placed in cleaned, dry plastic water bottles (Voss plastic water bottles have a nice column shape), it creates beautiful sensory bottles. The students tip the bottles and watch the Pluffle flow to the other end. A spot of hot glue on the mouth of the bottle before screwing the lid on will keep any “accidental” spillage from happening. Small objects placed in the bottle create a seek and find opportunity. (These alphabet acorns are by Learning Resources.)

Pluffle mixed in table

Whether the Pluffle is in a sensory bin, sensory bottle, or some other holder, students are bound to have loads of fun!

  • Pluffle website
  • Pluffle on Amazon
Are you a teacher?

FREE Play Dough Recipe Book!

Play Dough is the perfect tool for developing the hand strength and fine motor muscles necessary before young children are able to write!

After you subscribe, you will be redirected to the FREE Play Dough Book. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Filed Under: Sensory Play

You May Also Enjoy These Posts

100 Sensory Table IdeasMarch Sensory TableBlack Beans Sensory Table SQBlack Beans Sensory Play
A Visual Schedule for a Calmer Classroom
Tea Party Dramatic Play Center

Primary Sidebar

Are You a Preschool Teacher?

Join our private Facebook group (only for preschool teachers) and find even more great ideas. We can’t wait to meet you over there!
Join the Group!
Are you a teacher?

FREE Circle Time Ebook!

Tips and tricks to maximize learning and minimize stress!

After you subscribe, you will be redirected to the FREE Ebook. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

 

Copyright © 2023 Play to Learn Preschool  •  All Rights Reserved  •  Privacy  •  Terms of Use  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs