Containing the Sensory Learning

Any sensory play is a wonderful way to engage your littles in fun learning opportunities. Most children LOVE to play with things that may be wet, smooth, slimy, rough, bumpy, etc. As a parent to two daughters under the age of 3, I can find it challenging to set up fun and engaging sensory activities for my girls that are easily contained and able to be kept away when desired. I have made a list of our top 3 indoor sensory containers that are perfect for rainy day play, playing inside when it's too hot or cold to go outside, or to simply entertain your little while you try to get some housework done.

I don't know about your children, but I know my children have a meltdown almost every night while I am trying to make dinner and it doesn't matter how much time we played together before I started to make our meal and it doesn't matter how many snacks they have had before I begin to cook and while I am cooking. I have noticed they are able to stay calm when they have access to a sensory learning activity - which makes getting dinner on the table 1,000% easier and less overstimulating for me. You can see some of these pre-dinner set ups over on our Instagram @Earlymathathome

One of my favorite places to set up and contain our more messy sensory learning activities at home is to use this Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table. It is sturdy enough to hold up to 80 pounds of weight, so it can be used for more than just sand play. It is shallow enough for water play to happen without creating a huge flood when it inevitably gets splashed out. It is a good height for both of my littles to stand and play at without their arms getting tired or their backs hurting. AND it has a lid. Follow the link from the image to find it on Amazon!

Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table

Another favorite storage solution for our learning activities are medium-sized and shallow storage containers (a bonus is the container having a lid). These are something you can find almost anywhere! The one we have been using recently is from the Sterilite brand and came from our local Dollar General. Another option I like to use when I want to keep the activity for an extended period of time (think - save for next year), are craft/scrapbooking bins. I also use these in my elementary classroom, and can say the best time to buy them is when they go on sale at Michael's. I have added links to Amazon for both options below if you don't have access to the stores I have mentioned, or you want to get started on your at-home-learning journey ASAP.

Sterilite Storage Container with Lid

Scrapbook Paper Containers

On our Instagram right now, you can see a Rubber Ducky activity that was created using the Sterilite Storage Container. You can also see two different reels showing how we have used the Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table in the month of April. Make sure you give us a follow if you check our Instagram out and like what you see.