Fall Sensory Table
When I started sensory tables, I had become an overnight (over the weekend?) parent. We agreed to care for our nephew temporarily, and the next day, we were called to take custody of a two-day-old baby. At the time, my husband worked 100+ hours a week. So it was a shock waking up the following day to a newborn and a three-year-old and kissing my husband goodbye for the next 16 hours. I was in survival mode every day, surviving on no sleep, alone with two small kids, and hadn’t prepared for this. I had planned on parenting older children in the foster care system, but I didn’t know what to do with small kids.
Luckily, my faithful friend, the Internet, steered me to several great resources. I would love to share some of those. However, those sleepless nights were almost five years ago, an eternity in Internet years. Anyways, sensory experiences or sensory play were mentioned all over the place.
Sensory play helps kids and babies explore their environment, builds connections to neurons, aids in cognitive growth, improves memory functions, and more. It made sense that the more I let my kids explore and experiment, the better they would interact with the world. Sensory tables became a staple in my house that first month. With twenty minutes and Pinterest access, I could come up with a table and a couple of straightforward activities or outings for my nephew.
Check out our Pinterest board with sensory table ideas here. Also, I have included a couple of Fall table ideas with activities at the bottom of the page.
I used to make very purposeful tables, and the “theme” was evident. This helped when all the kids I entertained were young. However, these days, my tables are more flexible. Seeing the bigger kids using it to “help” the younger kids is fun. The ambiguity protects the big kids from feeling like the tables are only for the littles, especially when I can include an element that has to include some help (needing to add water or ice, open containers, or gather elements).
This table was set up to kick off the Fall break from school. I knew we would have some extra elementary-aged kids, so it needed to be flexible with plenty of material.
I found a cute outdoor scavenger hunt and included items that could be added to the table, like pinecones and leaves. I searched Pinterest for a couple of quick fall-themed color pages. And the cinnamon sticks in the bin inspired an apple crisp. The older kids peel the apple skins, I cut out the core, and everyone helps cut the pieces. The youngest ones love mixing up the crumble top with their hands.
Side note: My kids use these knives. I got them on Amazon; they are perfect for kids. My youngest has been using one since he was 2. I would give him soft things like melon or avocado to “cut.” But as his skills increased, the items got harder. He can easily chop up carrots, celery, and, of course, apples now!
Sensory fun does not need to be full of expensive or specialized toys. It is simply the freedom to explore the world around you, not just through their eyes, but touch, taste, sound, and smell. I love using beans. They are cheap, we always have them on hand, they make fun noises while scooped and dumped, and they are easy to clean up! I have a small plastic tub of various scoops, spoons, and grabbers. When I started, I used my silverware and measuring spoons. Swing by your local thrift shop, and you can get small bowls, scoops, and other fun things to use for a couple of dollars. I filled this whole basket for $5.
Now, as promised, some fall-themed ideas for a bin.
A base - beans, acorns, popcorn kernels, rice, small pasta
Tools - scoops, small bowls, measure cups, cookie cutters, kiddie chopsticks
Fun element - pinecones, leaves (fake or real), pompoms, small toys (tractors and farm animals would be cute for a hay ride vibe), small pumpkins
Fall activities to pair with a table:
Outdoor scavenger hunt - Find some excellent lists here
Coloring pages, leaf rubbings, or leaf painting
Trip to a local petting zoo, pumpkin patch, or other fall festival
Bonfire with smores
Make a fall treat - apple pie, cinnamon rolls, caramel apples, pumpkin pancakes.
Rake and jump in leaves
Paint or carve some pumpkins
Make a blanket fort and watch Its The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Stop by your local thrift shop for fun things to add to your collection. One of my shops even bags similar items so you can get a whole theme for a couple of dollars.
We would love to see what your tables hold this fall! Share them here, or find us on Instagram!!