My son adores sensory tubs and I love the challenge of finding new fun things to put a theme together. This time it’s all about sun and sand, well around here we have sand but the sun has been a little lacking. Still you don’t need it, you can imagine it with this fun tub. So even if you are landlocked in the middle of the continent enjoy scooping, pouring and finding shells with this great sensory activity.
- Gather your materials. I got everything I am using at a bog box store in a little town, so hopefully it’s not a challenge for anyone. Look in the home decor aisle for sand, and pebbles. A plastic dish tub, 2 different types of sand, 1 bag of shells, a beach rake and shovel, some plastic sea animals and large glass beads.
- Start by having your child pour the sand in the tub.
- Let them explore each step as they desire. My son would have been pleased as punch not to add anything more, and you will see when he starts playing he decided to take everything but the sand out.
- Add the shells.
- Add the pebbles and sea toys.
- Play! We hid things and he dug them up, then he decided this was a sand only beach and took much time and effort to get everything but the sand out. I even had to get him a sieve to use. Either way he had fun.
Song!
Need a song to sing today ?
Little Fishy goes with this beach theme.
Beach Books
Otto Goes to the Beach by Todd Parr was a steal of a deal at the Goodwill last week! I got a hardcover in perfect condition for 70 cents. My bargain hunting aside, I really enjoy this book as did my son. Otto is a dog who goes to the beach, but no one wants to do the same things as he does, even the fish swim the other way! In the end after feeling very sad Otto finds a new friend and all his misery is forgotten. I love Todd Parr books, I love the insanely bright colors, the cute simplistic illustrations and I love the messages they send. This book followed his other books perfectly and provided a great final message about not giving up finding a friend who will like all the same things you do!
Kathy Sykes says
I think that it is great to introduce a child to a book that relates to the places or things that you are going to see before-hand. Thanks for your book suggestions and for giving me so many ideas for my son.
.-= Kathy Sykes´s last blog ..What’s A Mommy To Do? =-.
nikki says
A local mom has a 2y/o in a leg cast for 6wks. We’re teaming up to borrow/bring him some stationary-play toys 🙂 . Your sensory tubs seem perfect! I’ll start with cotton balls (tongs, cups etc) and then maybe move on to other tubs.
Do you have a list of good indoor tubs? here are the ideas I have so far:
Cotton Balls/fuzzy craft puffs,
Aquarium Gems/smooth large stones – if he’s past eating random things,
Noodles…
admin says
Here is my full category for sensory tubs – hope it helps, love your idea!
https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/category/sensory-tubs
Brenna says
What a fun summer idea! We are not experiencing summer weather, yet, but my mom just brought the boys back some shells from her trip and they might find a nice place in a beach sensory tub… 🙂
.-= Brenna´s last blog ..Urban Bliss giveaway… =-.
Jody from Mommy Moment says
What an awesome sensory tub! Thanks so much for sharing!
Jody
.-= Jody from Mommy Moment´s last blog ..Making the most of each moment: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies =-.
Angell says
I love the book “What Lives in a Shell?”
The whole “Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out-Science” books are great.
I will be using them this year for homeschooling my son who will FINALLY start Kindergarten! Allie, I don’t know if you remember me, but I’ve asked before if you have any plans on ever stopping this blog because I was worried, since I will be using your letter of the weeks for crafts.
This website has a free curriculum that uses those books:
http://www.letteroftheweek.com/science_of_the_week.html
Also, I have started a blog for recording what I do when fall finally comes. Here’s the link to that:
http://athomeschooling.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much for such awesome crafts. I am writing out a list as we speak on what crafts to do next week. Just like when you write out a menu for dinner, I’m writing a list of crafts for the week.
admin says
Awesome Links Angell!
I have no plans of quitting this – at least not before my youngest is in Kindergarten which will be at least 5 years. 🙂