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Younger children will love playing with this sensory tray for autumn which features a range of sensory experiences, learning and discovery opportunities.
Please note: Conkers are toxic if eaten. Children should be fully supervised when playing with conkers and hands should be washed afterwards. There have also been concerns in schools over children with nut allergies handling conkers. Further information can be found on the anaphylaxis campaign website.
Our sensory tray featured the following:
- A Gratnells activity tray
- Brown and orange lentils
- A mini pumpkin (available in supermarkets)
- Fine motor tools set
- Plastic rake
- Pine cones
- A selection of natural treasure basket items
- Conkers (collected by children!)
- Corrugated leaves
- A basket or container
The sensory tray was an instant hit with our helper who was fascinated by the pumpkin.
She enjoyed playing with the lentils with her hands and also scooping them up and using them to fill the different objects in the tray.
The Autumn sensory tray offered a good opportunity to talk about autumn including the sounds, smells and colours of autumn. By placing the tray in an outdoor are, our helper also got the opportunity to experience the autumn weather first hand.
Our sensory tray also offers the following learning opportunities:
- Early Maths – conkers and leaves are great for sorting and counting.
- Literacy -Lentils can be used for mark making and practising letter formation and recognition. The tray can also be used to explore books about autumn e.g. Autumn by Gerda Muller, Let it Fall by Maryann Cocca-Lefler, Squirrel’s Autumn Search by Anita Loughrey or We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger.
- Understanding the world – the tray offers opportunities to talk about seeds, autumn and other autumn related topics such as animal hibernation.
- Physical Development – whilst outdoors children can collect their own natural resources e.g. conkers and leaves.
For more fun seasonal activities visit our autumn page or follow us on Pinterest.