All about the sensory table 


Having a sensory table is surely a fantastic approach to facilitate young children’s development. It allows them to explore various materials with different tools, providing rich and engaging experience in exploration and learning.  Here are some benefits to set up a sensory table in the classroom. 


1. Simulate 5 senses


As we all know, young children discover the world with their senses. They are easily attracted by bright colors and fragrant scents. They also like to experience different textures by touching and playing with them. For example, when we talked about spring and bugs, I used coffee beans as a filter for the “dirt, “ adding some plastic flowers and stone-painted ladybugs. When I opened it, all of my little friends were so excited with the smell of the coffee beans, which they might be familiar with at home. Moreover, small tasting cups and scoops were used for “planting.” They all found different ways to experience the materials. Some of them hid the ladybug under the coffee beans. Some of them pretended to “plant a flower, “ and some of them set the ladybug on the flower. I am glad they all enjoyed it!


2. Strength fine motor skills 


One of the significant physical developments for young children is their fine motor skills. At the sensory table, they exercise their hand muscles by using different tools to perform actions, including digging, scooping, stirring and pouring. For example, to create more fun for Easter, I made the “feed the bunny. “ and “plant a carrot.” Both of the activities enhance young children’s fine motor skills by using a small tong or a small shovel. Another one is to model a shape of a continent by playdough while talking about “all around the world.”



3. Promote the cognitive development and communication skills


I usually design the sensory table in accordance with the theme on the school calendar. It not only reinforces their learning of the particular topic talked about in the classroom  but also broadens their imagination. Moreover, it provides the opportunities for the young children to interact among their peers, learning how to use full sentences, taking turns, teamwork along with other social skills. One of the sensory tables I made for “Rainforest” was a 4-layer tree with paper rolls, some brown rocks and small animal figures. The young children could re- build the tree by themselves as well as arrange the animal figures with their imagination. 



How I set up a sensory table


1. Make a plan

Usually I check the topic on the school calendar and then search for some ideas online or the story books. Once I have basic thoughts, I list out the materials or even draw a sketch of the plan and then try to collect the resources in the center. This step definitely smooths execution. 


2. Consider the age and the developmental stage of the children 


I also consider the age of the group as well as their physical and cognitive development. For example, when I have more early 3-year olds in the group, I focus more on various textures and fine motor skills. As we are approaching graduation time, I like to set up my sensory table with a bit more structure, which promotes their social and language skills, to prepare their transition to kindergarten. 


3. Introduce/build the sensory table with the young children


I usually introduce the sensory table in the circle and have them help me to “complete” it as an activity. It actually arouses their interest as well as provides some basic guidance to foster their curiosity. 


Sensory play and exploration should be fun with educational value.it not only enrich the  life experience for our little friends but also foster their creativity and curiosity. As a teacher, it is absolutely worth investing my time and effort to do it and watch them grow!

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