Sensory Table ActivitiesBy: 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 PlaySensory table activities support a wide range of learning goals:
Supporting Tactile Tolerance and EngagementSome students may resist sensory exploration for a variety of reasons:
Varying Sensory MaterialsAlternate between wet and dry materials to keep sensory play novel and engaging. Enhance the experience with:
Encouraging Visual Use in Low Vision LearnersFor students with low vision, sensory tables can also support functional vision use:
Transferring and Tool UseWhile the student explores, encourage them to transfer items between containers:
Exploring Scientific Thinking and Problem SolvingUse sensory activities to spark cause-and-effect thinking and hypotheses:
Integrating Math and Measurement ConceptsProvide tools such as:
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