Our First Sensory Tray
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I have always been a bit hesitant to involve Miss 14 months in our sensory tray activities. She loves putting things in her mouth, like many toddlers. The fear of her choking on the sensory medium, has been the leading factor of leading her to other play opportunities.
Yesterday, while we were settling Miss 4 into her her kindy class for the day, Miss 14 months became engrossed in a pouring activity that a couple of the children were involved in.
While watching her scoop some resin pebbles from one vessel to another resulted in a sudden awakening to the fact that my baby really isn’t a baby anymore!
Our First Sensory Play Tray
To begin, the first thing we did when we got home was pick up our tray (still complete with our last sensory play activity Miss 4 enjoyed from the day before) and take it outside.
Introducing the tray
Miss 14 months face beamed as the realisation that she could explore the contents of the tray hit.
With eyes wide, her curious hands delved into the depths of the beans. As a result, they were instantly rewarded with a rustling sound as the dried beans moved against each other.
From there, her stare was fixated on the task at hand and she was in full concentration. At this stage I simply sat back and commentated her play. Subsequently, I was drawing her attention to the actions she was using, sounds she was making and giving her the words to describe her play.
She started to experiment with the other elements in the tray. The little plastic teaspoon was used to stir, the little vanilla paste pot was used to scoop.
Her busy fingers and busy mind were learning.
After some time I noticed that her attention was started to wonder. Remembering how much she enjoyed the activity at school earlier in the day, I picked up a toilet paper roll, slid it into the vanilla paste pot and started to spoon beans into the top.
Monkey see, monkey do!
Miss 14 months used this as inspiration and began introducing these actions into her play. Continuing her exploration, she was pouring and laying different elements watching how they reacted. Throughout her play, she was constantly being rewarded with the sounds and visual stimulus of her play. This activity is a great lesson in cause and effect.
Educational Benefits
Thinking back now a day later, I am mentally running over a list of skills that this seemingly simple activity is aiding her in building.
- Fine Motor Skills
- Pincher Grip
- Cause and Effect
- Hand Eye Coordination
- Problem Solving Skills
- Logical Thinking
- Bilateral Coordination
- Speech and Language Skills
- Social Skills
Today was a pivoting turning point for our play. She is no longer my baby. It was a bittersweet realisation. This being said, it’s exciting to start planning new activities however slow down kiddo!
“You have the rest of your life to grow up!”
In conclusion, value every minute with your littles ones. They really do grow up so fast.
Dani D x
Disclosure: This Blog does contain affiliate links which I may earn a small commission from if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
