Last week we were snowed in and getting antsy. I decided to make a sticky table for my kids to explore with but when I looked at all the supplies I had to stick to it they were all choking hazards except these colored craft sticks. I thought it was going to be a 5-minute sparkler but as you will see my son ran with it. I loved reading stories to his sister who lost interest after 5 minutes as I expected, while he created and explored with this sticky table.
- Gather your materials. You will need some contact paper, painter’s tape to tape it to the table, scissors and whatever you want to stick to the table. With older kids, I’ve used sequins, buttons, tissue paper, pom poms…
- Tape the contact paper down backing side up.
- Peel the backing off and trim.
- Explore the feeling- my son loved the feeling on the back of his hands, he just kept doing that.
- Add the sticks.
- My daughter liked placing the sticks and the resistance when she picked them off. Also, she was doing it very carefully working on her pincer grasp ( fine motor skills).
- My son saw the possibility to create immediately grabbing the bag and asking if he could have all the sticks and his sister’s too.
- I just let him go.
- And go
- And go.
- If you look closely you can see a few houses in his creation – they are clone bases apparently. I just love that he was so engaged, so excited and watching those wheels turning so passionately was exhilarating.
Kim says
Very, very cool Allie!!! We are going to have to do this. My kids would be so into this.
critters and crayons says
This is fantastic! I must try it!!!
Kristina says
This is a really neat idea! Will definitely have to try with my little one. I pinned it!
breanna says
i just LOVE how simple this activity is to put together, but creates a world of possibilities for the kids to dream up and create! so awesome!
I’ve shared your post here: http://dollarstoremom.com/2012/01/make-sticky-table-art/
admin says
Thanks for sharing!
Gayletrini says
now this is pretty awesome!
Carolyn says
This looks awesome! I’m going to try this with my 10 busy preschoolers next week in class!
Thank u for the idea!
maryanne @ mama smiles says
How cool! I love that you can move the sticks around into different formations.
Christy says
I love this. We are going to do it next week. My daughter will love it (I hope).
Mary says
This is a great idea and you made it great with your creative ideas.
Lidia Staicu says
You are so inspirational! Every time I check on you I find a new idea, thank you! This sticky table is great! Lidia.
Allison McDonald says
I am so happy to help!