I re-introduced the same apparatus this year in May. I did add one element to the original structure: a cardboard tube set on an incline from the platform. Sand poured into the tube emptied into a tub at the end of the table.
One of the more fascinating aspects of this apparatus is the flow pattern of the sand as it is poured over the platform. Watch.
The video clearly shows the uniform pattern of the sand. It also shows that the child with the scoop watching from below interprets it as snow falling. We are in Minnesota, after all, so the child knows snow.
The addition of the small cardboard tube created another range of play specifically around that incline. For instance:
They poured the sand down the tube.
They pushed the sand through the tube.
And at times, they plugged the tube.
There was one operation that gave me pause. The operation involves increasing the flow of sand through the tube by banging on the tube. Watch.
How do children know that hitting the tube increases the flow of sand through the tube? Is it inherent body knowledge? Is it trial-and-error? Do they simply imitate what they have seen others do?
I am always curious about what other practitioners may try to build after reading about the many different apparatus I build at my sensory table. About three weeks ago, I was pleased to get a note on my SandAndWaterTables Facebook page from Shelli at Explore Inspire EC. She invited me to look at her version of the Pegboard Platform. Check out her construction here. For me, the best thing about her apparatus is that it is different than mine. She found a totally different solution for holding the pegboard above the table.
And if you read this blog and do try to build apparatus for your sensory table, please feel free to share. Who knows who you might inspire.
I just noticed this post - thanks for the shout out for my blog! Your blog is a great inspiration, it sparked a transformation in how I thought of presenting sensory table activities.
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