Most children love sensory tables and the content you can put into them. There are many options when it comes to sensory tables and the sensory input you can get from them. You can spend as much or as little as you want on this project, your budget does not need to be huge. My advice would be to start off simple and slowly add to your collection.
When choosing a container I try to keep it small so it can easily be tucked away when not in use. Some options are:
1. Serving tray- make sure the tray has a lip around the outside so the contents don't fall out.
2. Clear plastic bins- I picked up one the size of a shoe box with a clear lid from the dollar store.
3. Large plastic Rubbermaid containers- there are many different sizes you can buy and a plus side is you can also use it for storing all you sensory table supplies.
4. Sensory table- if you have the room you can also purchase an actual sensory table, I would suggest to get one that is clear and has a drain.
You can have lots of fun finding items to put in your sensory table, every time I go to the dollar store I go down every aisle looking for fun things to use. Another great place to find items is your kitchen cupboards or head outside and you will find lots of sensory rich items. Sensory tables can be a hit or miss with a child who has SPD, if your child is an avoider you will need to slowly introduce the sensory input in the table, I like to start by giving them a spoon or gloves to wear when first touching the items. Also a warning if your child is a seeker then you may find the items all over the floor and your child or your child in the sensory table. Be prepared for a mess.
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| I needed something to keep Baby Boy busy at a hotel so I purchased a Kinetic sand set that came with a box and tools. |
Some of the top items we use are:
- Kinetic sand
- Water beads
- Shredded paper
- River stones
- Fine sand
- Floam
- Cornstarch magic
- Beans
- Popcorn
- Rice
- Pasta
- Water
- Pudding
- Bubbles (put dish soap or shampoo in the sensory table with a little bit of water then grab your hand mixer and start whipping the soap until you have lots of bubbles, you could also put your child to work by giving them an eggbeater to whip bubbles)
- Snow
- Dirt or mud
- Leaves
Also try to get creative when it comes to the tools you will use in the sensory table, yes it's fun to use your hands but it can also be fun to use different tools.
- Measuring cups
- Spoons
- Tweezers
- Cars
- Cookie cutters
- Sponges
- Funnels
- Syringes
So have fun and get creative when it comes to your sensory table, everyone will enjoy exploring in the sensory table (even adults).