Spice Up Your Sensory Table with a Preschool Sensory Table Ideas List

Sensory table activities for preschoolers are always a way to get kiddos involved in learning during center time.  The key to getting them there week after week is by changing out the filler and tools frequently to keep the learning fresh and engaging.
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​Why is a sensory table important for preschoolers?

​Builds Fine Motor Skills
Sensory tables help children develop their fine motor skills by pinching, scooping and grasping objects.

Cognitive Development
Children develop cognitive skills while they interact with materials in the table.  Sensory table activities for preschoolers help children develop counting skills, organizing objects, matching skills and helps to develop measuring skills as they scoop and pour into different size containers.

Develops Language Skills
Preschool sensory table activities provide a fun and engaging way for children to have meaningful conversations as they pretend to serve each other a cup of coco or even talk about the ingredients they will be using to create their own apple pie.  Preschool sensory table activities build children’s vocabulary as teachers change up the sensory table activities with new objects and fillers.

Develops Creativity
When children interact with the material in the preschool sensory table they are given the freedom to use the materials how they want.  One day an object could turn into a cake but on another day that same object might be a boat.  

What do you put in a child's sensory table?

​When it comes to filling your sensory table, the ideas are only limited to your imagination.  Get creative and think about what you would have liked to play and explore with as a child.  This is your opportunity to do something that you always wanted to do.

​Think about what you want your outcome to be before changing out the sensory table.  If you are wanting children to experiment with volume, then make sure that you include a variety of containers in different sizes.  Include items such as acorns so children can discover that it takes more popcorn kernels than acorns to fill the containers.

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​Download the list below to help guide you and inspire you through changing out your sensory table monthly or even biweekly. 


Start by picking one or two types of fillers.  Enhance the learning by picking items from the scoops and containers list and spice it up even more by adding an item from the extras list.

sensory_table_fillers_2019.pdf
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Luck of the Irish Bin

Gardening Bin

Birthday Bin

Baking Up Apple Pies

Coffee Shop Bin

Airplane Small World Play

Water Beads and Shaving Cream

Cup Cake Bin

Winter Wonderland Small World

Pumpkin Patch Bin