“Where’d you get that [fill in the blank] in your sensory table?” is a question we get asked. A lot! Here is a list of our favorite sensory table materials and tips, curated just for you.
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Sensory Table
We use this “Mobile Sand and Water Table” by Constructive Playthings as our main classroom sensory bin. It’s the perfect size for multiple preschoolers to play together. (Ours did not come with a lid like the one we linked here.)
Free Sorting Labels
Be sure to download these free Color Monster sorting labels for the sensory table. (The containers are plastic wine carafes from Party City.)
All About Me Sensory
Pom-poms are from the craft store or online! They come in many different color combinations. Please don’t ask how many it takes to fill the table. We have been hoarding pom poms for years and have no idea!
Neighborhood houses and family counters by Learning Resources.
The paper houses are from the free “Mouse in the House” carpet game, available HERE.
The Family Book by Todd Parr.
Funnel Stand
The funnel stand is a DIY project. It is separate from the sensory table. Just place it in there before adding the filler.
The stand is just 2 pieces of wood and a thick PVC pipe, screwed (or glued?) together. The top has 6 holes drilled into it, but only 4 funnels fit at a time.
The funnels are from Dollar Tree, white rice for the sensory base, cute cups, and scoops from Party City. Lots of learning about cause and effect, gravity, and coordination while they played here!
Pluffle
Pluffle is a very cool, non-food, sensory bin filler. It is very lightweight and feels like a cross between a yoga mat and kinetic sand. It comes in a variety of colors that you can combine in your sensory table.
The alphabet acorns in the picture are by Learning Resources.
More Non-Food Sensory Bin Ideas:
Visual Reminders
One of the most important things a teacher can do is model and teach students how to play with the sensory materials.
These visual cue cards can hang on the side of the sensory table and serve as an “as-needed” reminder about the rules.
Rainbow Chick Peas
It is so easy to dye your own sensory materials. We first learned this technique from Dyan at And Next Comes L. Get all the details HERE.
Piggy Banks
Preschoolers who love to put things into slots will love the addition of these piggy banks at the sensory table.
These little metal banks are from Five Below. Unfortunately, they have cartoon characters, which is against our “no TV or movie character” classroom policy. The simple solution was to cover them with black duck tape!
Need More Ideas? Click HERE:
Did we forget anything? Let us know in the comments and we will add it to the list!