In this BLOG post I will teach you how to set-up a sprinkles writing tray, the benefits of exploring this type of learning strategy and ways to extend your learning.
Head to our Instagram page to see more ways to learn & play at home or in the classroom! We love to see you play & share the joy of hands-on crafts & activities at home. Be sure to tag @aplayfilledlife on Instagram or Facebook if you try any of our ideas!!
XO Gina
Writing trays offer a multi-sensory approach to learning. Utilizing this approach is highly engaging, reduces frustration and can be differentiated in so many ways! Sensory play is so fun for kids and this method of practicing writing is sure to engage their senses and get them interested in learning!
If you have a resistant writer, try this! It is a low risk, high reward activity. If you make a mistake, that's OK, just brush it away!
Grab a container of sprinkles from your local Dollar Store and let's start learning!!
Writing trays are perfect for practicing:
Pre-Writing Skills
Mark making
Letters
Numbers
Shapes
Sight words
Consonant-Vowel-Consonant words
Your name
Cursive
What are Pre-Writing Skills:
Pre-writing skills are the lines and shapes that make up the basis of all letters and numbers. Pre-writing strokes should be practiced frequently in the early years.
Examples of Pre-writing strokes are:
Vertical Line
Horizontal Line
Circle Shape
Cross Shape
Square Shape
Right/Left Diagonal Line
X Shape
Triangle
It can also be so very calming. The sensory benefits paired with the academic instruction is absolutely amazing.
If your child or student is sensory sensitive, try doing this activity using a dry paintbrush to practice writing in the sprinkles, instead of your finger!
Materials:
Sprinkles
Sensory tray or bowl
Step 1: Gather your materials.
Step 2: Pour a thin layer of sprinkles into the sensory tray or bowl.
Step 3: EXPLORE!
Kids can push the sprinkles around with their hands or use a clean/dry paintbrush. They can doodle, make lines, curves or swirls. They can work on letters, numbers or shapes. They can even start working on writing simple words!
This is a great taste-safe alternative for those who are still exploring with their mouths.
If you prefer not to use sprinkles, check out our BLOG post here, explaining how to make a Salt Tray.
Ways to Extend Your Learning and Play:
Provide flashcards (alphabet, numbers or sight words) and practice writing them in the tray.
Provide flashcards with pre-writing strokes. Practice writing them in the tray.
Tape down a piece of construction paper on the tray. Write letters, numbers or words all around it. Layer the sprinkles on top and use a dry paintbrush to push the sprinkles around and find what is hidden underneath.
Check out our alphabet flashcards HERE!
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children and pets' around sensory play.
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