Friday, January 1, 2010

January Sensory Tub & Playdough - Snow


Happy New Year, everyone!!


Guess what I did on New Year's Eve? I organized our school supply cabinet! Oh no, don't feel sorry for me - anyone who knows me knows how much I seriously enjoy a good night of organizing! {And to be honest, I prefer quiet, relaxing evenings at home to wild parties and hangovers anyway. :)}

I was anxious to hit the ground running after a couple weeks sans Tot School, so tonight I made my monthly sensory tub and homemade playdough, too...

the sensory tub

I have SO much fun creating these tubs. They're like little works of art to me. :) I'm really pleased with how pretty this one is.

Here's what's inside:
Cotton balls (aka snow) - I've seen this on lots of blogs
Small red sparkly pom-poms (aka berries)
Cinnamon sticks
Pinecones (one big, one small - James is really into comparing things right now)
Walnuts
Twig ball
A few wooden peg people
Small snowflakes

the playdough

This is another unoriginal-all-over-the-blogosphere idea, but I first saw the idea on My Montessori Journey. I know from the picture it looks like a big ol' blob of off white dough, but look closely...

there's a bit of glitter in there, too. I also added some almond extract to enhance the sensory experience! :)

16 comments:

Montessori Moments said...

Just like our "SNOW" playdough from December. It was a favorite!
http://mymontessorihomeblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/sparkling-snow-playdough.html

Elise said...

I thought I would have been the only one organising activities for my children (and loving it) on New Years Eve (after my hubby and I shared a scrumptious dessert and had a long chat). I know what you mean about getting a real kick out of putting together ideas like this.

You have created such an awesome sensory tub. You have put together so many fun things to explore. I have been pretty boring in the sensory tub department, but have been trying to think of some new ideas for the new year.

Your play doh will be such a treat to work with.

Counting Coconuts said...

Yes, I think James will quite like this round of playdough, too!
MM, your link reminded me to link to where I first got the idea (My Montessori Journey) - thanks!
Elise, your New Year's Eve sounds lovely!! I love finding other like-minded moms! :)

Cara said...

Your New Year's Eve sounds about like mine, LOL!

I'm also looking forward to getting back to Tot School, and I was actually planning on doing a winter themed sensory tub with cotton balls too! (And glitter or blue playdough as well). I love the way both your sensory bin and playdough turned out!

Happy New Year!

Karen said...

I don't feel sorry for you last night, I ENVY YOU!!! (In the Good way!!!!!)lol I wish I can stay here last night, and work with my corner!!!! I'm trying to organize a new material...I don't remember since when!!!! any way, with the new baby I'm planing to move my space to a bigger one and will be School/game area!!!! I'm so excited about it!!!!

I love your sensory tube for January..... I will copy a little bit of that!! Thanks so much for sharing your SUPER IDEAS and for being an Inpiration for me!!!!! Te lo digo con mi corazon!!!

A Big HUG!!!!!!!
KAREN

Theresa Mezo said...

LOVE your sensory tub & snow! So glad I stumbled upon your blog, as I am doing Tot School as well!
Cant' wait to continue to read your posts in the new year! :)

Evelyn / 2 Pequenos Traviesos said...

How do you work with sensory tubs? (I keep asking so many questions about Montessori it's ridiculous!!! Hahaha-That's me laughing at myself.)
I haven't done the sensory tubs yet but I'm sure my little rascals would love it.
I too am organizing school stuff... It feels so nice to do that.

Counting Coconuts said...

Aw, you guys are too good!! Thank you!
Evelyn, there isn't much to do other than put it together and let your child have at it! LOL

Susan said...

Can you tell I'm catching up finally! I was going to do packing peanuts, but wasn't sure if we'd have enough - if not, cotton balls it is! Great idea!

Organizing - Great way to ring in the new year for sure!

We'll be back to TotSchool next week. Can't wait to get home and back to routine!

Susan said...

PS: your sensory tubs are absolutely a work of art. I love that you post a pic of them before little fingers get in there.

Swapna Raghu Sanand said...

I liked the idea of making a sensory tub, it seemed like fun. I didn't understand the glitter on dough purpose.

Counting Coconuts said...

Thanks, Susan!!
Swapna, The glitter in the dough is simply an added visual element to enhance the sensory experience. You have to turn the dough in just a certain way for the glitter to sparkle. James thought this was pretty neat and stared at the dough for quite some time, turning it this way and that. :)

Jen said...

James is so lucky to have you as a mama! You do so many amazing activities with him... the sensory tub is beautiful!!

Susana said...

Mari-Ann, this is an awesome sensory tub!! I LOVE it!!

Thank you so much for sharing this!

pink and green mama MaryLea said...

LOVE the cotton balls and glad to see I'm not the only one who adds glitter to her play-doh! : )

Deb Chitwood said...

What fun to revisit your archives, Mari-Ann! I featured your post and snow playdough photo in my Montessori-Inspired Winter Playdough Activities at http://livingmontessorinow.com/2013/01/14/montessori-monday-montessori-inspired-winter-playdough-activities/

I hope you and your family are having a wonderful 2013! :)

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