Scensory Tubs/ Activity Tubs

[kcnjason]

I have posted in the past regarding scensory tubs. We do a lot of scensory activities but necessarily in a tub. We do a lot of learning activities using different things. I was contemplating doing a few tubs, maybe moon sand, cheerios....any other ideas? Just a few tubs so when the young ones are feeling bored I can pull out a tub. I was also wondering if you set yours on the floor? Its hard for them to reach when at the big table and the smaller table seems too small for a larger item with something in it. Any ideas? How do you do it?

[Ariana]

I have one bin that I use and just interchange what's in it. I use Moon Sand and beans (not mixed together!!). I just went to the grocery store and bought a couple bags of various dried beans and it's a huge hit. You can also do rice and noodles!

I usually set the bin on the floor as well

[Oneluckymom]

Curious...what size bin is good for this...can I find them at walmart?

[sharlan]

I use the small disposable aluminum pans set on a 1/2 sheet pan. I use one for each of the boys on opposite sides of the table.

I mostly use colored rice, sometimes I add some colored sand along with the rice. It settles to the bottom so they have to scoot the rice aside to get to it. I just strain it and put the sand back in the little bottle.

I put whatever we're working on that week - letters, numbers, shapes, colors, etc. I put the items on the bottom and the boys have to pick them out using toast tongs. After they pull everything out and identify it, then they can put their trains or cars in it.

Remember - kidney beans are toxic when soaked, but not cooked.

[daycare]

Curious...what size bin is good for this...can I find them at walmart?

I know this sounds weird, but I used kitty litter boxes. New ones of course.
I find they are less messy as they can only be used one at a time and they are hard to tip over.

[Oneluckymom]

[QUOTE=daycare;150623]I know this sounds weird, but I used kitty litter boxes. New ones of course."

Lol...I couldn't help but laugh" I'll be sure to use new ones! ::

[sharlan]

Whatever works.

[beachgrl]

I saW another fcch that put the water beads like the ones that are really small until you ad water to them, people use them in vases and they comemin different colors...they were a hit with her group.

[Unregistered]

I think these are really cute:

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/how-to/sensory-table-how-to-106693

This has a bunch of ideas/info:

http://www.preschooleducation.com/ebook/sand.pdf

[melskids]

we made cloud dough yesterday, and it was a hit!

8 cups of flour
1 cup of baby oil

i ended up adding more baby oil, (another 1/2 cup or so) i didnt think it was enough

its crumbly, but packs like moon sand, and it feels very smooth and silky.

as far as a table, my hubby took a cement mixing tub from the home depot, and built a table for it to sit in. but i like those tubs cause they are very sturdy. sometimes i set it right on the floor.

[Little planet]

we made cloud dough yesterday, and it was a hit!

8 cups of flour
1 cup of baby oil

i ended up adding more baby oil, (another 1/2 cup or so) i didnt think it was enough

its crumbly, but packs like moon sand, and it feels very smooth and silky.

as far as a table, my hubby took a cement mixing tub from the home depot, and built a table for it to sit in. but i like those tubs cause they are very sturdy. sometimes i set it right on the floor.

I love this idea. I will let my kids do it too.
Thank you!

[SilverSabre25]

we made cloud dough yesterday, and it was a hit!

8 cups of flour
1 cup of baby oil

i ended up adding more baby oil, (another 1/2 cup or so) i didnt think it was enough

its crumbly, but packs like moon sand, and it feels very smooth and silky.

as far as a table, my hubby took a cement mixing tub from the home depot, and built a table for it to sit in. but i like those tubs cause they are very sturdy. sometimes i set it right on the floor.

Does it leave their hands oily at all?

[Ariana]

Remember - kidney beans are toxic when soaked, but not cooked.

Good to know! I had no idea. Luckily we haven't used kidney beans at all.

As for a tub to put stuff in, anything will work. Right now I use a dishwashing tub that I used for baking bread and for camping!!

[meganlavonnesmommy]

I just use a rubbermaid plastic tote. We put it on the floor. I usually use rice or beans. Right now I have white and black beans mixed. I just put halloween stuff in it. We'll use it next week.

I've also seen people use packing peanuts, cut up drinking straws, beads, anything small and lightweight.

[SilverSabre25]

I'm making a fall sensory tub right now with dried popcorn. Also some silk leaves I found for $1 and plenty of scoops, spoons, funnels, and cups. I'll probably put some other little things in that I have laying around.

Edit: I just set mine on the floor and let them go to town. I have a "one and you're done" rule for it--if you drop bits outside the tub on purpose, you're done for the whole day. No second chances. If it gets too wild/too many kids, I'll make everyone leave except the child who was there first