Water and Sand Tables

Description

Toddler Toys: A water or sand table are perfect centers to learn about measurement, volume and other simple math concepts. Toddler toys: Great for filling with sand, rice, water and even bubbles! Use measuring cups, measuring spoons, funnels, water wheels and other fun toys to make this a fun learning experience. Take it to the Beach, Backyard Summer Parties, or even on the patio of a classroom.

Toys to Add to A Water Table

  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Funnels
  • Water Wheels
  • Buckets
  • Toy boats
  • Eyedroppers
  • Foam Bath Letters
  • Bath Toys
  • Small Plastic Watering Containers
  • Plastic Animals (Sea Animals would be fun)
  • Sponges
  • Kitchen Utensils like whisks or ladles
water table hands on learning

Water Table Activities

  • Count as your child scoops water or fills a bucket.

  • Show how much is one cup and use language like One cup or half cup.

  • Use measuring cups, buckets and spoons to pour and fill.

  • Compare amounts and determine which holds more.

water table at the beach

Toys to Add to a Sand Table

  • See Water Table suggestions
  • Plastic Sand Molds or use empty plastic containers like Cool Whip and yogurt Containers
  • Sand Buckets, Shovels and Sieves
  • Toy Kitchen items (dishes, cups)
  • Toy Trucks and Cars
  • Plastic toys like dinosaurs, army men, rubber ducks, Pet Shop Toys, gold coins (buried treasure)
  • Watering Can if you want to add water
sand table learning activities

Sand Table Activities

  • Build sand castles and compare sizes
  • Count how many buildings you make
  • Build a tall shape and a small shape
  • Build patterns of small and large buildings
  • Bury small toys for your child to discover and have them "excavate" plastic dinosaurs

Tips and Suggestions

  • There are variations of sets so do some research online to get one you feel your child will enjoy.
  • Consider height, size, sturdiness and what depth you want for the water, sand or both when selecting your table.
  • If you plan to leave it out in the open, a cover is something you might want to consider.

Educational Tips

Use lots of descriptive words when playing with your child to reinforce colors and size.

Math Concepts

Numbers and Number Sense
  • Counting
  • Represent (How many is three?)
  • Quantity (More, Less, Equal)
Patterns, Sorting and Classifying (Algebra and Functions)
  • Sorting Objects by Attribute (color, size or shape)
  • Comparing Objects (color, size, shape)
  • Simple Patterns