Sensory Table ActivitiesAlthough a sensory table is sometimes overlooked, particularly in the older grades, it provides a great opportunity for conducting early experiments with math and science concepts such as conservation of volume or cause and effect.
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By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Although a sensory table is sometimes overlooked, particularly in the older grades, it provides a great opportunity for conducting early experiments with math and science concepts such as conservation of volume or cause and effect. Keep in mind that many students may resist touching new or different textures for several reasons. Some students seem to be particularly sensitive to tactile stimulation and may be more easily irritated by certain types of textures. Others simply don’t like messy activities. The benefits of helping the student build up a greater tolerance for things will allow him to learn more about his world. Help the student to develop tactual and fine motor skills by encouraging the student to feel a variety of textures and provide opportunities for “messy” play. You may need to start with something like finding toys in a bowl of beans before playing with something“gooier”. Vary the materials placed in the table/tub. Alternate wet and dry. Add textures, scents, and sparkling confetti to make it more visually interesting. Use bright colored tools, toys, and objects that contrast with the sand, rocks, etc.
While the student is exploring materials in the dry or wet sensory area, encourage them to not only explore but also transfer items. Demonstrate how to transfer wet items with sponges, basters, etc. into another container. Similarly, demonstrate how to transfer dry items. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop coordination and hand strength and dexterity.
To encourage concept development, make available materials that encourage the student to think about what an object will do, such as sand that is sometimes wet and sometimes dry, requiring the student to think about whether to mold it, pour it, or sift it. Encourage students with low vision to use their vision to look at the movement of water splash in water table; water during experiments with sinking and floating; and fill different containers and see how long they take to sink. Students can learn about measurement and tools when you provide measuring cups and measuring spoons. Challenge students to guess how many scoops it will take to fill a container or to think about which will fill the container quicker. What tools are best for the various materials? |
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BONUS! Lotto Cards The LOTTO Cards Grab and Go Supplement includes 37 theme related unit cards along with activity suggestions that support activities within the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC. On My Way File Folder Cards Print and use these cards to represent locations the student may visit that are related to the current thematic unit. Use these with the On My Way File Folder Game outlined in the TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC p. 27. NEW! Access to TVI's Guide Bonus Membership Pages Bonus pages include tutorials, printables, interactive sensory story downloads, and interactive choice making, matching and visual discrimination computer games (PowerPoint based interactive games), and job task activities. Note: All products are digital pdf downloads. Once you make your purchase you will be directed to an order confirmation page where you will find the download link. This download will also be included on the receipt sent to the email address you provide. The pdf download can be found directly under the order number. If you encounter any difficulty, please let me know and I can assist you. Once you purchase the complete set you will have immediate access to the bonus pages! *Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO. |
