Sand/water tables

[betsy]

I use shallow bins at the kitchen table, as opposed to a sand/water table. I use the green shallow plastic bins from Ikea that are meant for toy storage.

I cover the kitchen table with a waterproof table cloth and also put cookie sheets under their bins in order to help contain the mess. I have only done sand once, but I have done water (washing baby dolls in sudsy water) and colored rice many times. I found the sand too much clean-up, so will be leaving that for outside. But rice or dried beans are a great alternative. Pom poms are also fun.

I like having it at the table so that the older ones can play without the too young ones messing with anything. That is the difference between a Multi-Age daycare environment and kindergarten, kindergartners can understand and follow rules put in place to contain the mess. I only do it with my 3 and 4 year olds.

I also like the separate bins because then there is no fighting as they each have their own.

Yes, I did rice play with my 2-year old child too in the winter. I just put rice in a big stainless mixing bowl (with other toys, scooper) and let her sit on the floor in the kitchen. She's been instructed that she's not supposed to walk around when we do this special play.
After she plays I brush her off (her pants and feet and take her out of the kitchen), and I just sweep the floor and put the rice back to our special container. Her parents know that rice in that container is meant for play.

Thanks for your tips for multiple kids.