The sight, sound and feel of dripping, splashing and pouring water stimulates multiple senses. Experimenting with objects like measuring cups, buckets, funnels and squeeze bottles teaches visual concepts, like empty vs. full. Asking children how water sounds or feels as they dump, strain and scoop also makes them think about what’s happening: is the container heavy or light when it’s full? Does the water splash more or less when it’s poured from a cup held high in the air?
A sensory tub is a container filled with an assortment of objects for children to see and manipulate. Themed tubs contain a group of related items, like pinecones, fallen leaves and acorns for autumn; sand, little umbrellas and child-sized shovels for a beach scene or straw and small plastic animals for a farm theme. Since objects must be relatively small to fit in the tub, the senses are exercised as preschoolers use their eyes to search for items and their hands and fingers to grasp and feel each piece.
Little hands love to squeeze, roll and pull apart play dough. It has a unique smell and a salty taste, although most preschool age children know not to eat it. Providing rollers, cookie cutters and plastic scissors allows children to hone fine motor skills and use their imaginations. Ask them to describe how play dough feels on their hands when it is wet, fresh from a container or left out overnight. If you don't wish to buy play dough, you can make your own with basic household ingredients.
Finger painting is a popular preschool activity. The paint is cool and wet, and the bright colors are eye-catching. Many children enjoy using their hands and fingers to create “masterpieces,” but some seem to shy away from this activity, perhaps because they are not comfortable with the slimy sensation of the paint. Alternatives to traditional finger paints are shaving cream, pudding and whipped cream.