Eye Spy Sensory Tub

When I first began working in preschool, I was introduced to the sand and water table. Because I was introduced to it as a "sand and water" table, I filled it with sand or water. The children loved it and played in it every day, but it wasn't until I was partnered with a truly inspired woman who could see the "sand and water" table for its full potential, that it occured to me to use it for something more. This was when I was introduced to the Sensory Table! Suddenly this table became a tool to excite the senses and introduce all sorts of new elements in to the classroom. It soon became one of my favorite centers.

Because I love this type of sensory play so much I have begun to recreate them at home in the form of a sensory tub. I have two tubs that I use. A small white one which I use most of the time and a great big blue one which I use when the materials call for a little more space to play.

 

 

Next week will be the first day of school for our preschool co-op so I decided to make a special back to school tub. I borrowed the idea for this tub from Counting Coconuts. Every month Mari-ann features amazing sensory tubs for her son. One of my favorites was an Eye Spy tub filled with hidden objects to discover. She made a game board to go along with the tub which features all of the objects for you to find. When you find an object you place a marker on your game board. The goal is to mark off all the objects on the board. I decided to recreate this tub for Birdy and her friend.

So, this tub includes 14 hidden objects, an ink pad, loose paper, alphabet stamps, rubber bands, pom poms and rice. The girls can use the ink pad and stamps along with the paper. They can also play with the toys and scoop the rice. I have included a magnifying glass to help look for objects. I made two game boards, one for both girls. I have 28 buttons that I keep in a zip lock baggie with the tub to use as game board markers. I am really looking forward to playing this game next week, and I'm really looking forward to creating more exciting sensory tubs for each month and sharing them with you!

I linked this post to the Show-and-Share Saturday Link Up