Strategy #2 for changing the sensory table

Last week I began a series of posts about the three strategies I used to make changes more manageable in the sensory table every week for the entire school year.  They were 1)to keep an apparatus for a second week but change the medium in the table; 2)to keep an apparatus for a second week but to add on to the existing structure; 3)to keep an apparatus for a second week but to change its orientation.  To read about the first strategy, here is the link. 

This week's post is all about strategy #2.  As an example I will start with an apparatus I called the BRIDGE.  I called it that because an I Mac box formed a bridge between a large furniture box and the sensory table.

 

This apparatus essentially expanded the sensory table.  It left the table as a open reservoir for the feed corn.  It also offered the opportunity for the children to transfer the corn between the boxes and back into the table.  I cut numerous holes on different levels in both boxes.  The structure itself created a new play space under the bridge.

 

Here is another view of the apparatus.  The I Mac box was taped to the lip of the table and embedded in the large furniture box making the structure very sturdy

The children found, explored and gladly played on every level of the apparatus through the many holes.

 

You can find the original write up on this apparatus here

 

For a second week, I kept the original bridge apparatus but added two more boxes: another I Mac box and a long square box.

 

 

The new I Mac box was taped to a planter tray that spanned the width of the table and the long square box was embedded through both I Mace boxes.  By adding more boxes and cutting more holes, I was able to offer the children so many more possibilities for  play and exploration.

 

As you can see, some of that play and exploration was up close and personal.  You can find the original write up on this expanded bridge apparatus here. 

 

Could I have kept adding boxes?  Yes, of course.  In fact one year I kept adding boxes for three weeks until I had over 20 boxes in and around the sensory table.

  

 

Next week: Strategy #3