Class=”fas fa-bullhorn”/> This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure for more information.
No, not REAL diamonds – this Diamond Sensory Play is a delightful and engaging activity that sparks creativity and Learning in preschoolers – and uses a good bit of imagination! At its heart, this activity involves a collection of clear plastic “vase filler” pieces, varying in size from small rice-like grains to plastic ice cubes, crystals, and snowflakes. Assembled over time from craft stores, these pieces come together in the sensory table to create a fascinating tactile experience for young minds. And as a bonus – it looks like the students are playing with ice or diamonds!
Class=”wp-block-heading”>Setting up Diamond Sensory Play at the Sensory Table
The setup is simple. The sensory table becomes a playground for exploration, inviting children to dive into a world of textures and shapes. If there is concern about the small pieces clogging the drain of the sensory table, a fitted crib sheet can be used as a protective liner. However, it does change the sound and “scoopability” so many students find it more attractive without the liner.
Safety Reminder** – Do not use small pieces with children who still put toys in their mouths. Always supervise children when they are playing with sensory materials. The children playing with the activities in this classroom are 5-years-old.
Class=”wp-block-heading”>Materials Needed
The materials list for this is great for teachers who love to keep an eye out at craft stores and dollar stores. Any clear plastic or acrylic items will do, as long as they are small and look like ice or diamonds!
With a few other added props, it is easy to change up the theme of the bin. Adding plastic animals creates a polar or woodland theme. Items such as puzzle pieces, letters, numbers, or shapes can be hidden in the material for students to search and find. Keep reading for more ideas.
Class=”wp-block-heading”>Benefits for Preschoolers
This Diamond Sensory Play bin can be used to engage and educate preschoolers in many different ways:
- Small World Play: Children can venture on imaginative journeys with polar animals or winter forest creatures, creating stories using toys as props. This imaginative play encourages creativity and narrative building.
- Fine Motor Skills Development: The sensory bin provides an excellent opportunity for practicing fine motor skills. Children use tools like scoops, tongs, or ice cube trays to scoop, pour, and manipulate the pieces. These activities aid in refining hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
- Alphabet Seek and Find: Incorporate Learning into play by hiding magnetic or foam letters in the sensory bin. Children search for letters, enhancing letter recognition and literacy skills. This activity parallels the excitement of the alphabet pasta hunt in its educational value.
- Math Exploration: Utilize the sensory bin for math-based activities like ‘Penguins on Tens Frames.’ Sets like this offer a hands-on approach to early math skills. Children learn basic counting and number representation by arranging penguins on tens frames. Putting it in a sensory bin full of glittering “ice” makes it even more attractive to young learners!
Class=”wp-block-heading”>Other Benefits of Diamond Sensory Play
This sensory play offers a versatile Learning environment, fostering cognitive, emotional, and social development. As children engage with the various activities, they explore textures and shapes and enhance their communication skills through collaborative play.
Diamond Sensory Play is a fantastic addition to any sensory collection. It encourages creativity, fine-motor practice, and mixes Learning with fun! Giving students fun experiences like this makes them excited about exploring and Learning, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of Learning.
So, set up the sensory table, gather some plastic treasures, and watch as the children dive into a world of sensory wonder—a space where Learning and fun go hand in hand!
Check out this Resource from my Shop!
Class=”attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image” alt=”” data- data-lazy- data-lazy- data-lazy-src=”https://rgsoftwares.com/education/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Diamond-Sensory-Table-Clear-Sensory-Bin-Filler.jpeg”/>
Seasons: Winter Science Center
Class=”edd_price” id=”edd_price_102554″>$3.00
Explore the magic of WINTER and the four seasons with these winter science activities for preschoolers. Print off the included materials to pair with real-life objects and watch the playing and Learning begin!
#Diamond #Sensory #Table #Clear #Sensory #Bin #Filler
More Stories
The Common Struggle
February Holidays for the Classroom – February Preschool
Sandpaper Art for Preschool Students