We have a new kid size craft table coming today, and in anticipation I prepped some activity trays for the boys to do tomorrow! It’s perfect timing, because Will’s preschool has professional days so he doesn’t have school the rest of the week.
I have two beading trays with string and a bead already anchored, a puzzle, two molding clay trays with accessories, and a cutting activity and hole punching activity.
If you look closely, you can see that two of the plastic green trays are already chipped. They’re not so rough that I’m worried about the boys cutting themselves, so I’m still going to put them out. I’ve ordered wooden replacements and look forward to getting them.
I originally purchased plastic because they’re better for any activities involving paint, glue, or pouring exercises with water.
I wish I’d just purchased wood, instead. Besides being a more eco-friendly, biodegradable option, I like the thought of exposing the boys to more natural materials. They’re more expensive, but I don’t need that many – for two children, having six activity trays available at a time is going to be plenty, especially if they also have access to a few bins of larger toys like blocks or train sets.
These are pretty rudimentary activity trays that I threw together in a few minutes this morning – but looking on pinterest and in some of my Montessori books, the possibilities are endless and exciting!