January Sensory Tub & Playdough - Outer Space

~Happy 2011, Everyone!!~

We're kicking off the year in a fun way - our theme for this month is space! My husband is an astronomy enthusiast and his interest has definitely rubbed off onto James (and me, for that matter!). We used to have a solar system poster and I remember when James was about 18 months old he had memorized all the planets by name and sight. Two years later and he loves to build rockets out of Legos and searches for the moon whenever he's outside at night. Needless to say, I think he's really going to enjoy this tub!

Here's what's inside:
:: Navy blue aquarium rocks - this is my first time using these as a filler and it won't be my last. They are affordable and pleasing to touch. If you plan to use aquarium rocks for your own tub, be sure to rinse them off with water beforehand - they're very dusty otherwise.
:: Small plastic crystals.
:: A variety of glass beads, all colors. I just love glass beads because each bead is so unique. I happened to have a good collection of them on hand (I do a bit of jewelry making from time to time), but you can find a variety pack of these at any good craft store.
:: Marbles - large and small.
:: Superballs - I found these at a toy store here, 6 for $1. They're sort of translucent and VERY bouncy! :)
:: Jacks. These caught my eye as I was contemplating what to put in the tub - they sort of remind me of stars.
:: Pieces of a geode - this is the same geode from our November discovery tray.
:: Crumpled balls of tin foil.
:: Astronauts, a moon buggy, and a rocket - all from this Toob.
:: Silver pitcher and spoon - for pouring and scooping.

:: A variety of rocks and minerals.

Starry Night Playdough

My hands are still blue from making this dough! I wanted to make it a nice, dark blue so I had to use a lot of food coloring. I added silver glitter to it to give the effect of stars against a night sky.

For more solar system fun check out what was on our shelves this month!

~Thank you for your comments!~