There is something magical about boxes. Add those to the sensory table and it is pure magic!
Tubes and funnels where attached to a large boxes taped between two small sensory tables. I put openings on all sides of the box so the children could move the rice in multiple directions. I put a box under the structure for rice moving down.
It was so interesting to watch how they explored moving the rice around the structure. The collaborative efforts were made to move the rice up, down and through the box.
I added lots of scoops, cups, and containers.
Next, the children began adding little boxes— all over the structure. It transformed into a “Salt Machine” (as they named it). Rice moved from box to box.
Rice flies everywhere but it is so worth it!
For more amazing ideas and pure inspiration for your sensory table – I highly recommend you explore the Sand and Water Table blog. I recently stumbled upon it and it is a true treasure. Tom Bedard has taken the sensory table to a whole new level and it has me totally inspired!! Be sure to check it out. It is the go-to-guide on the web.
Hi Sally. Thanks for the shout-out. There are two things I like about your construction: 1) It spans two tables and 2) you let the children add to the structure. You have created such an inviting space for children to explore. Now compare that to how a sensory table is usually set up.
Tom! Oh my word! How can I begin to thank you for your blog and all the incredible inspiration you provide for me and teachers world wide. You rock the sensory table and give it a whole new life! Thank you!!
Love Tom’s blog too! Did a multi-dimensional table last year and the children started bringing in more boxes from home to add to the structure. I must put that out again and add more openings to access all areas more easily.
Tom is brilliant! Plain and simple. And he has inspired me madly!
I came across Tom’s Blog a while ago and I, too, was completely stunned and amazed at what he does with the sensory table. Love, love his blog!!
After watching Tom’s presentation from last summer’s institute, our sensory table became the most popular place. The possibilities are endless! Thank You both.
Isn’t he brilliant? Totally changed my sensory table into a popular place!
Thanks for sharing this! I too have been inspired by Tom’s blog, and look forward to making our own apparatus next fall. I’ve collected all the great ideas I can find for sensory tables at my “ultimate guide to sensory play” at https://inventorsoftomorrow.com/2018/06/22/sensory-bins/