Beans Sensory Tub

See that little boy there?  That really cute, big headed, blonde one?  Yeah, he loves to play with beans.  Like, really, really, likes to play with them.  This Dollar Store lidded tub is filled with pinto beans, spoons, bowls, and measuring cups.  He walks me to our school closet at least twice a day saying "beeeean!  beeean!"  He loves it.  Do they stay in the tub?  Nope.  Never.  But that's okay with me.  

Sensory tubs are so easy to make.  I've posted before about our Cloud Dough sensory tub, which doesn't make an appearance as often as the beans as it requires much more clean up from me.  This one is filled with about 2 lbs worth of pinto beans (though I'm betting there's much less than that now!).  We simply have objects for math skills in there right now-scoops, measuring cups, bowls, etc.  He has no idea that he's learning, and of course he's just scratching the surface of many math concepts, but nonetheless, he is learning.  

My sister in law has a larger tub at her house.  She changes out the tub with different themes.  Last time I was at her house she had bought bugs, snakes, rocks, etc from the Dollar Store for her tub, and she kept matching books in there, too.  So much fun! 

Sensory tubs can be filled with all sorts of things: flour, rice, beans, sand, rocks, dry noodles, sticks, etc.    Find something fun, stick it in tub, and watch your kids learn while playing!

Candy Sorting (with Age Variations)

Sorting candy conversation hearts is a super fun task for young children.  All you need is candy hearts and a space to sort colors.  I made a mat with construction paper squares to match the colors in the bag. You could use colored bowls, cups, paper, etc.  

2 & 3 Year Olds:

Sort a handful of candy conversation hearts into a matching square or space color.

4 & 5 Year Olds:

Sort candy into appropriate spaces.  Then, to add some math to this fun, have your children chart their findings onto a graph or tally chart.  Ask questions like: Which color did you have the most of?  Which color had the least?  Did any piles have the same amount?  

Add in some sensory learning to this by having them close their eyes and taste one at a time.  Ask questions like: What flavor do you taste?  What color do think you are eating right now?

See?  Even candy can be educational ;)

See all my Valentine's Day activities, crafts, gifts, and projects HERE!

Summer Fun Theme: Worm Week!

It's summer time!  Yay!  I'm still teaching at the preschool/kindergarten for the school aged kids group (5+) two days a week through the summer.  Week one's theme will be Wiggling Worms!  Want to join me in all the fun?  Plan a fun week for your kids at home by doing some of these great activities!  Try one or all!

Read the Story:  Diary of a Worm (you can check it out at your local library)

Sensory Activity: Buy a small tub of worms at a local store (I've even seen them at grocery stores in the sporting goods section).  Also buy a small amount of soil.  Dump both into a large, lipped tub and allow your children to play with them!  Talk about the way to treat worms (gently).  Can they think of names for the worms?  Which worm is the longest?  Can they draw a picture of what the worms look like; maybe use a magnifying glass?  When you're done, release them into your backyard!

Physical Activity: Have your child use chairs or other objects to create a "worm maze" they can slither through.

Food Activity:  Dirt cups!  What child wouldn't enjoy pretending to eat dirt, mud, and worms?  This recipe is super simple and your child can do it all by himself.

1. In a bowl, mix together 1 small box instant chocolate pudding, 2 cups milk, and 1 small tub of cool whip (optional, but super tasty).
2. In a ziploc baggie, place 3-5 oreo cookies (per dirt cup/child).  Have the child crush up the cookies inside the bag until they are in small crumbs.
3. Give the child a clear cup (if possible).  Have them scoop out HALF of the oreo pieces into the cup.  This will be the dirt.  Then, scoop some pudding mixture into the cup.  This is your mud.  And finally, have your child pour the rest of the oreo crumbs on top.
4. Wiggle a couple of gummy worms into the top of the soil.  Place in the fridge to cool and set.  Enjoy!

Write a Book:  Have your child write a book about "If I had a pet worm".  Younger kids may need more prompting (i.e. start their pages for them with ideas like: "if I had a pet worm I would name him:____" or "if I had a pet worm we would play _________").  Older kids, most 5 and ups, can probably write their own story on wide lined paper.  Encourage them to be creative and to color the pictures to go along with their story!

Worm Painting:  You have a few options here:

1. Paint with strings of yarn to simulate worms.
2. Paint with worms (this would require touching the worms, which some kids are not fans of)
3. Place spots of paint on a piece of paper and allow the worms to crawl through the paint and around the paper.  Kids who don't enjoy touching worms may prefer this option.

Can you think of any other fun worm activities for young children (2-8's)?  If so, leave us a note in the comments section!

Looking for other book themed activities?  Check out my activities for Eric Carle's book, The Very Busy Spider!