Preschoolers love tiny things. Remember Micro-Machines, Polly Pockets, and Squinkies? Something about the minuscule size intrigues students. Use that high-interest level to entice students even more at the sensory and light table by using preschool table scatter!
What is table scatter? Adults use these small acrylic objects like confetti across a table or to fill vases for seasonal decoration. Table scatter comes in all kinds of themes and colors. It’s also PERFECT for preschool! This product used as a preschool table scatter will wow at the light and sensory tables again and again!
Table scatter is small and perfect for little fingers to practice fine motor skills. Many of them are translucent and come in different seasonal shapes – making them ideal for the light table!
Check out this Resource from my Shop!
Fine Motor Alphabet Dots
$5.00Make each alphabet letter by placing small counters, glass beads, round stickers, or bingo dauber markers on each circle. It’s great fine motor practice and a fun, tactile way to practice the letters of the alphabet. This set includes both upper case and lower case!
What to Know About Preschool Table Scatter
Find table scatter in most craft stores, often in the seasonal section near vase fillers. Table scatter is also available at pet stores and online. Cruise the fish tank aisle to find the little plastic gems used in the bottom of a fish tank. Table scatter is similar in size to mini erasers but doesn’t fall apart as some erasers do. As the pieces of table scatter are hard acrylic, they are easy to clean and disinfect after use. Here are some great ways to use table scatter pieces in the classroom:
- In the math center – use them for sorting and making patterns.
- In the literacy center – use the pieces to fill in the circles on letter practice pages.
- Place seasonal pieces on the light table or in a sensory bin for more sorting and creating.
Preschool Table Scatter at the Math Center
Use seasonal table scatter for sorting and patterning at the math center. For instance, assemble plastic spiders and patterning mats for Halloween. Hand-make patterning mats on regular or transparency paper, or download a template here.
Along with patterning, sorting table scatter is another excellent math skill. Use these sorting cards, a bowl, and some fall-themed scatter to create an appealing sorting center.
Literacy Center Opportunities
Letter dots are a fun variation when learning letters. Add extra interest by including themed table scatter pieces to fill in the dots instead of plain bingo counters. Find more in-depth info on all the advantages of letter dots here while setting up a literacy center.
Open Ended Activities with Preschool Table Scatter
Young visual learners love the beauty of preschool table scatter throughout the year with all of the seasonal choices. In the fall, put autumn-themed table scatter like leaves and apples on the light table. Cut construction paper or felt for tree trunks and place them on the light table for the students to cover using the shiny colorful pieces. Not only will the students love the feeling of bringing the outdoors in, but they will also love to mix the colors as they play.
Whether these pieces are used for math, literacy, art, or sensory, they will surely be a winner for the students!
Cautionary note
Use preschool table scatter and other small items with close supervision. Do not use these if you have students who put non-food items in their mouths, as they can be a choking hazard.
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