Gardening Sensory Table Activity
Ren just got this <a href=https://amzn.to/3yuS1VB>Beright Sensory Table </a> for her first birthday! She absolutely LOVES it! It definitely has been her favorite toy so far and has endless amount of activities to do with it, as long as YOU can get creative! The first activity that we set up in her table was this Gardening activity. Now, Ren is still in the stage where she likes to "taste" everything and when I say that, I mean just shove everything in her mouth and see if she can swallow it before Mama gets to her....... So, I knew I needed something that wasn't toxic and would be okay if she happened to slip one by me and eat it. *With that being said, this activity is completely "taste safe" but should still always be done under adult supervision* This was so super simple and easy and I was able to get everything for the activity from my local dollar store! I also found and will link some really similar items on Amazon as well ( here is a link for half off Amazon Prime! Thank me later ;) ) , because I know not everyone has a dollar store nearby and/or not every dollar store carries the same things! Anyways, Here's the simple preparation that your little one can also help you with setting up! I'm always a huge advocate for including the little ones and letting them watch and learn!
Gardening Sensory Table Activity:
Supplies:
Beright Sensory Table with Bins (or Ikeas Flisat table)
4lbs of Dried beans ( I used These )
Sensory Scoops or Spoons (These are Ren's Favorite for EVERYTHING)
Play Carrots and other Play Foods (Ren already had some toy carrots but (Here's some similar ones)
Small Toy Bucket to scoop stuff into (Here's a CUTE little set!)
Instructions:
Set your bins up how you think would be best for your little one
Fill the bottom of one of your bins with the dried beans - they act as the "dirt" here
Take the toy carrots and/or other play foods and push them into the beans, so they look like they are growing out of the dirt!
Give your little one a scoop (or let them use their hands) and show him how they can scoop/pick up each carrot and drop it in their bucket!
Tips: Make sure that you also show them and let them experience the sounds that the dried beans make when dropping them in the bucket or in an empty bin. Don't be afraid of the mess Mama! They can all be easily swept up and soon enough, with a little patience and teaching, they will know not to throw them and to keep them in the bins! With a little grace for mistakes of course! Remember to be careful to watch your little one closely and make sure they don't try to eat one! Yes, if they were to swallow one accidentally, it wouldn't be toxic, but that doesn't mean they should purposefully eat them!
