Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  What's the Best Sensory Table?

    Posted 11-27-2018 10:02 AM
    Hello!
    We are looking for input on the best sensory table! Our center has had several over the years and we have not yet found one that doesn't crack or leak soon after the warranty period is over. Thank you so much for your input!
    Jen

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    Jennifer Mullaney
    Early Childhood Curriculum and Instructional Coordinator
    Valley View Early Childhood Center
    Romeoville IL
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  • 2.  RE: What's the Best Sensory Table?

    Posted 11-28-2018 09:14 AM
    We love the Community Playthings sensory tubs.  They have several different options and all are very high quality.  They are on the more expensive side, but it will last a long time and you won't be buying one year after year.

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    Sherrie Rose Mayle
    Director/Teacher
    Campbell Parents' Participation Preschool
    Campbell, CA
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  • 3.  RE: What's the Best Sensory Table?

    Posted 11-29-2018 02:17 PM
    I have had great experiences with the plastic Lakeshore sensory table.  It looks like a big plastic red tub, and it has lasted me years without problems. 

    Whatever brand you get, I recommend buying one with a lid (it allows you to remove the temptation to touch when it's not the right time) and getting a version on wheels that can lock. 

    I have found that a border around the tub makes it much harder to clean up.

    I hope this helps!

    Allison

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    Allison VanLoon
    Director
    Acorn Academy
    Ham Lake MN
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  • 4.  RE: What's the Best Sensory Table?

    Posted 11-30-2018 01:35 AM
    We have homemade sensory tables that have all lasted 18 plus years.  If you're interested in making one or getting a parent to do it the first step is to find a very heavy duty storage container that meets the size and depth you want.  Here is an example of one but it depends the age of child and size of space  https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-BRUTE-20-Gallon-FG9S3100GRAY/dp/B007IBPTBO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543557772&sr=8-2&keywords=heavy%2Bduty%2Bstorage%2Bcontainers&th=1
    The one in my class has a container that isn't clear but you can see through a little more than the above tub. It's important for the lip of the container to be strong and curve around a little.    

    After you identify the container, have a parent build a pvc stand that will fit it.  Here's a toddler one from Kaplan that is a similar base to ours .https://www.kaplanco.com/product/900714/discovery-table-mini?c=10%7CSW1000.  PVC is easy to work with so you can make exactly to the size of the container.  The key to building the stand is that there needs to be a pvc pipe that runs below the tub and there needs to be a pvc pipe that tucks  below the lip of the tub on the long sides to add support as the children lean in.    We make a  wooden lid to set on top of the sensory tables because the original lids will not fit with the pvc stand.

    I love them because I can simply lift the tub out of the stand using the handles on both sides to clean or change sensory materials.

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    Kathy Carver
    Teacher
    Rainbow Connection Preschool
    Plano TX
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  • 5.  RE: What's the Best Sensory Table?

    Posted 12-01-2018 11:34 AM
    I have used the School Supply sensory table. It is a big plastic tub in a wooden frame. The tub is removable. It has lasted over ten years without any problems. You may check it out.


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    Adeola Sanya-Adewusi
    Lead teacher
    Little Hearts Learning Center
    Avenel NJ
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