Sensory Tables

I've done sensory tables off and on over the years in my home daycare. But never had an actual sensory table - couldn't afford one or didn't have the space for you. What I've used is a rubbermaid container on the floor. Which sometimes with toddlers just doesn't work very well. Recently, after discussing this with some other childcare providers, I got inspired. I went and purchase a white 18 gallon rubbermaid container (on sale even). Then I purchased a 26 qrt clear rubbermaid container. I place the sensory goodies in the smaller container, and placed it on top of the larger container. A great height for the kids to stand up to. I put on the floor a shower curtain to help with clean up. I also put a rubbery cabinet liner between the containers to help with less slipping.

So far, it's been a hit. We've played with the sensory table quite a bit the last couple of weeks. This particular picture is the rice valentine colored sensory table. For February, also have one with artificial rose petals and another with cotton balls.You can see more pictures of February's sensory tables on my FB fan page:
www.facebook.com/pages/Colleens-Country-Kids-Childcare/137192386188

It's very rare to find a child that doesn't like to paint. My experience anyway. I've had a few daycare kids that maybe didn't like touching the paint, but give them something to paint with - then they love to paint. Give a child a blank piece of paper, some paint and something to paint with - then let them create their own "masterpiece."

I love to find a variety of things for the daycare kids to paint with. There are the traditional things: fingers, paint brushes, cookie cutters, sponges and things made for painting.

But then it's fun to come up with things that weren't made for

painting.: Bath sponges, cleaning sponges, toothbrushes, feathers, paint stick sticks, craft sticks, cotton balls, kitchen scrubbers and more. What items can you think of that would be fun to paint with?

Got behind

Well, I'm really behind. Thought about trying to "catch up" but think I'll just start from this point. I do have a facebook daycare fan page too.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Colleens-Country-Kids-Childcare/137192386188
That is more updated if you care to take a look at it.

Will get on here tomorrow and post some pictures of what we've been up too so far this month.