You will always find some kind of sensory play going on in my classroom and on this particular occasion, the children explored a familiar product in a "hole" new way...
I simply cut a few holes, large enough for the children's hands to fit through, in the bottom of shallow cardboard boxes. When the children first came in the room one child asked "Why are there holes in those boxes?" And often times, when a question comes up like that, I just point and say, "That is what you are going to figure out all by yourself!"...
I set the boxes upside down in shallow trays along with beans and a few cups. The trays were there to help contain the beans as the children poured and scooped the beans in and out of the holes...
For those of you who like the idea of holes in boxes but do not prefer to use beans, then think "outside of the box" a bit and see what else you could add. You could add sand, seashells, or pretty much anything that invites children to explore what lies beneath those holes...
The children also decided to try the boxes with holes on our light table...
There is just something about looking through or reaching through a hole that interests young children...
More from Teach Preschool...
To read more about what my preschool class is doing everyday, hop on over to Teach Preschool today!
This idea was inspired by...
This idea was completely inspired by Tom over at Sand and Watertables! If you are running out of ideas for exploring sensory, then you will find all that you could ever need by visiting Tom's blog!
Links to others who tried this too...
Sensory Bin with a Hole-y Top from Exploring the Outdoor Classroom
What a great twist on sensory bins, you have added excitement and discovery to this idea. The children must LOVE finding and feeling through the holes. The light box addition is so clever! I like it that really the holes are open so they won't be scared, this is a step toward bravery toward reaching for something in the dark! Thank you so much for this fun post. Carolyn
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point Carolyn - it is kind of scary to stick your hand in a dark hole!
DeleteDeborah, thank you for the shout-out. I like your take on the smaller version of the hole apparatus. It is easier to make and more versatile. And to use it in conjunction with the light table is quite illuminating :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Tom - it is my pleasure to give you a shout out! Thank you for always giving so many ideas for sensory play in the classroom. (And for the pun too:)
DeleteLove this idea for sensory play! I love that I can easily implement this at home.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely an easy way to promote sensory play at home:)
DeleteI'll have to add this to my sensory month - thanks for sharing it will go well as an extension to our mystery box!
ReplyDeleteIt would be a great way to extend the Mystery Box!!
DeleteThis is great ... sensory tub fun with a bit of mystery box added as well! And adding the light table is even more fun! I pinned your post to my Any-Season Sensory Tubs/Sensory Experiences board at http://pinterest.com/debchitwood/any-season-sensory-tubs-sensory-experiences/
ReplyDelete