Sensory Table Activities

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 26, 2025
Though often underutilized—especially in upper elementary grades—the sensory table remains a powerful tool for developing early math, science, and motor skills. It fosters curiosity, creativity, and experimentation while providing critical opportunities for tactile exploration and concept development. 

Benefits of Sensory Table Play

Sensory table activities support a wide range of learning goals:
  • Math Concepts: Measurement, volume, quantity, and comparison
  • Science Concepts: Conservation of matter, cause and effect, states of matter, and basic physical properties
  • Motor Development: Fine motor skills, bilateral coordination, and hand strength
  • Sensory Integration: Tolerance of varied textures, smells, temperatures, and consistencies
  • Visual Engagement: Observation of motion, contrast, and changes in material properties

Supporting Tactile Tolerance and Engagement

Some students may resist sensory exploration for a variety of reasons:
  • Sensory sensitivities to specific textures (e.g., sticky, slimy, gritty)
  • Dislike of mess, particularly with wet or “gooey” substances
  • Unfamiliarity with novel materials
To support sensory tolerance:
  • Begin with dry, less messy materials (e.g., finding toys in dry beans or pasta).
  • Gradually introduce wetter or more complex textures over time.
  • Encourage “messy” play in a safe, predictable way to build comfort and curiosity.
Tip: Use motivating objects or toys to “hide” within the materials to prompt engagement.

​Varying Sensory Materials

Alternate between wet and dry materials to keep sensory play novel and engaging. Enhance the experience with:
  • Textures: Sand, pebbles, beans, pasta, shaving cream, slime, foam, flour, rice, kinetic sand
  • Visual contrast: Use brightly colored tools or toys that stand out against the base material
  • Scents: Add vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, or lavender to dry materials for olfactory input
  • Visual sparkle: Add glitter, confetti, or reflective materials to increase visual appeal

​Encouraging Visual Use in Low Vision Learners

For students with low vision, sensory tables can also support functional vision use:
  • Observe movement of water splashing or pouring
  • Watch how materials sink or float
  • Experiment with how colors mix or how bubbles form
  • Use contrasting containers and tools for easier identification

​Transferring and Tool Use

​While the student explores, encourage them to transfer items between containers:
  • Wet transfers: Use sponges, turkey basters, droppers, or ladles
  • Dry transfers: Use scoops, measuring spoons, funnels, or hands
These tasks support:
  • Hand strength and coordination
  • Grasp and release control
  • Tool manipulation skills
Idea: Set up challenges such as "How many spoonfuls to fill this cup?" or "Which tool works best for this material?"

Exploring Scientific Thinking and Problem Solving

Use sensory activities to spark cause-and-effect thinking and hypotheses:
  • What will happen if water is added to the sand?
  • Will the ball sink or float?
  • Does this material pour easily or stick together?
  • Which scoop fills the cup faster: the small or the large one?
Provide students with materials that require them to make decisions:
  • Wet vs. dry sand: Should it be poured, molded, or sifted?
  • Different textures: What does it feel like? Can it be pinched or squeezed?

​Integrating Math and Measurement Concepts

Provide tools such as:
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Containers of various sizes
  • Scales (optional for dry items)
Invite students to:
  • Estimate and count scoops to fill a container
  • Compare volumes and weights
  • Discuss which container holds more or less
Extend the learning: Record results and discuss predictions vs. outcomes.

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