How to Choose Items for a Sensory Tub

Young children learn in many different ways. From the time they're born, children explore the world using their senses -- touching, seeing, tasting, smelling and hearing the different things around them. According to Suzanne Gainsley, early childhood specialist, in the "HighScope Extensions" article ̶0;Look, Listen, Touch, Feel, Taste: The Importance of Sensory Play,̶1; sensory play stimulates kids' senses and promotes crucial brain development. A sensory tub -- also known as a sensory table or bin -- is a plastic container filled with various materials that stimulate children's senses as they explore the items. Parents can create sensory tubs that will keep children engaged for significant periods of time. Whatever you choose, make sure the materials are both age appropriate and safe.

Things You'll Need

  • Clear plastic tub or bin
  • Water, sand, rice or other sensory medium
  • Manipulatives, such as blocks, shells or pompoms
  • Cups, scoops, small shovels or containers

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your child during mealtimes and play times both inside and outside. Pay attention to her during bodily care routines as well. Note her preferred tastes for foods and different textures, how and where she tends to play and ways she explores different mediums, such as water, sand or soap.

    • 2

      Select a medium for your sensory tub, taking your child's tactile preferences into account. Choose a medium that will enhance his sensory experience and spark his creativity and interest as well. Suggested mediums for a sensory tub include water, sand, dirt, cornmeal, pasta or rice, beans, clay, foam, coffee grounds and shredded paper.

    • 3

      Choose items to put in your sensory tub. Look for materials that will appeal to all of your child's senses. Consider the way the sensory medium and items look and smell, as well as the noises they make when used together. Keep your child's age in mind when choosing items and avoid including items she could choke on. Make sure materials are safe, especially for infants and toddlers who tend to explore with their mouths.

    • 4

      Include items that will promote your child's fine motor development. Choose items that encourage her to practice skills such as pouring, measuring, stirring, grasping and pinching. Add items including cups, whisks, tongs and cooking utensils, such as spoons and funnels.

    • 5

      Provide a variety of different types of items for your child to explore. Look for items that will allow him to improve his decision-making skills and self-confidence. Include similar items, such as corks of different sizes, plastic stoppers, wooden blocks and clothespins. Other items that will encourage your child to experiment include different-sized strainers, combs, straws, plumbers' joints and pipes, cardboard tubes and various buttons.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Your Son at 13: Milestones
      At 13, your son’s no longer a little kid, but still a long ways off from being a man. This “in between” age can be a challenge -- for both of you. Here’s a closer look at the changes your son’s going through this year and what you can do to help them
    • Go-To Learning Toys That Aid in Toddler Development
      As a pediatric neuropsychologist, I spend a lot of time speaking with parents who are concerned about their children's development. When things seem to be "off track," parents end up in my office, looking for diagnostic clari
    • The Advantages of Drawing With Chalk for Children
      Compared to the toys and technology available to todays children, chalk might be considered a little old-school. However, drawing with chalk offers many advantages to children. Chalk offers a world of options in the way of art and games, both indoors