Sensory tables/bins?

[playfelt]

They are a very popular item with all ages and not just special needs. There are a ton of ideas for making them up to along with themes or skills such as pouring, sifting, scooping. But as you say not appropriate unsupervised when we have mixed ages as there is a danger to infants and toddlers. I have only used them as an activity an then put it away and the mess just didn't warrant the learning value. I figure we have the sandbox outside for scooping and pouring. And bathtime gives water play so not something we need to waste daytime hours on.

[zen39]

My kids love the sensory table ( I use an outdoor sand table that I keep inside). Because I have young toddlers, I include larger items that they can't choke on and I tend to keep with our monthly themes. I.e Christmas time, we had a bunch of Christmas bows in it, for any colour theme I put in an assorted array of items of that colour. I've put in large fake flowers, blocks, cars, animals, shredded paper,...the list is endless.

If I do any "messy" sensory bins, I tend to use my rubbermaid containers..I have several so there is no pushing and fighting and I'm there with them the whole time and when we're done the items get packaged away. I've used colored rice, pasta, beans, water etc...with spoons, funnels, cups bowls etc...

And now that the weather is nice, they have a sandbox and water table for endless fun.