not in my plans (how many times have i said that?!?!), but when i was emptying out our i spy table (which is technically a light table, but i had a piece of clear plexiglass made so that when we take the lights out, we have an i spy table), we had a bit of exploring time.  i had used salt as snow with all our wintery christmasy things.  so far there hasn’t been pain with salt in wounds or eyes.  we’re holding our breath a little.

this really is the best design for a sensory table (it isn’t intended as one).  it’s deep and small with the opening being smaller than the table.

we have a lot less salt out of the box than we usually do.  and wow, it has been a busy spot!

i’ve never been a teacher who determines how many people can do a center or activity at a time.  i’ve tried doing so after seeing it happen in other classrooms, but i can’t stick with it.  just last week i was sure that i would want to have the children take turns painting since we only had two trays of watercolor paint.  but as soon as more kids gathered around and one of the children who was painting asked for a paintbrush for a child who was waiting, i brought more out.  without a doubt the children are learning great things in navigating those situations…and teachers learn patience.