Sitting in a classroom for traditional instruction is necessary and an important part of the educational process, but just as important is providing sensory opportunities for students. Sand and water tables provide a sensory experience by letting kids touch, feel, sculpt, and get dirty. This article reviews some of the benefits of these great classroom helpers.
Sand and Water Tables - Providing Sensory Opportunities
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alycia_Shapiro]Alycia Shapiro
Sitting in a classroom for traditional instruction is necessary and an important part of the educational process, but just as important is providing sensory opportunities for students. Touching, feeling, sculpting, and getting dirty are interactive ways to help students learn. Sand and water tables provide great sensory opportunities for students and provide a versatile teaching aspect to the classroom. Here are some of the benefits.
Hold a Variety of Materials
Sand and water tables are not just for sand and water. Though these are two of the most popular materials to use when providing sensory interaction for children, other materials work just as well. Exposing kids to a variety of materials opens up a whole new world of touch and pretend play. Teachers can fill the table with plastic beads, rice or shaving cream, for example, for a new and fun sensory experience.
With any of these materials you can add canisters, measuring cups, spoons, or scoops. These tools give students a way to express themselves and give them a break from written work or seated learning. With a variety of materials to work with teachers can surprise their students and using the sand and water table will never become boring. Each time they open it a new surprise awaits!
Variety of Styles
Sand and water tables come in many different varieties. There are outdoor and indoor models that will fit in your educational surrounding. One of my favorites is the Frog Pond Sand and Water Table because it comes with canals which allow students to create currents and engage in free play. Another big hit is the Construction Zone Sand Play Table. This one is brightly colored like a construction sign and allows students to dig and play in a compact area. Traditional rectangular tables also give students the same sensory opportunities.
Easy to Maintain
Some people may think having sand and water tables is not worth the mess, but actually modern design makes the tables easy to maintain. Most tables come with a hole in the bottom which makes it easy to drain, rinse, and clean the tables. Some models even have removable tubs for simple clean up and refills. Most sand and water tables come with lids for easy storage. One option is to choose a table that is on coasters. These types of tables can be moved for clean-up or storage.
Encourage Cooperative Play
Sharing may not come easily to some children, but an important aspect of classroom play is learning to share and interact with other students. Sand and water tables are ideal for 2-4 students. This provides many opportunities for group play. Sharing shovels, pails, and toys or working together on a sand sculpture can help students interact and develop friendships. Teachers can also use the tables as an opportunity to reinforce lessons. For example, a teacher could ask a group of students to work together to build a certain animal or shape. These teaching moments are enhanced by sensory play. Sand and water tables are a great way to provide sensory opportunities for children. They are a wonderful addition to any classroom that both teachers and students will enjoy.
Alycia Shapiro is Vice President in charge of product development for SensoryEdge. She has advocated for special needs children in order to get the therapy services they need. Visit her website at http://www.sensoryedge.com to learn more about [http://www.sensoryedge.com/sandwater.html]sand and water tables, classroom furniture, and more great learning products for schools, homes, and therapy clinics.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sand-and-Water-Tables---Providing-Sensory-Opportunities&id=2515596] Sand and Water Tables - Providing Sensory Opportunities
วันจันทร์ที่ 18 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2553
Teen problems are growing. If you think that being a teen today is the same as it was when you were in their shoes, you are probably mistaken. Now, listen to yourself say how strict and how hard life was when you where young.
Problems Facing Teens Today
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Keith_Allen]Keith Allen
Teen problems are growing. If you think that being a teen today is the same as it was when you were in their shoes, you are probably mistaken. Now, listen to yourself say how strict and how hard life was when you where young. But, you need to realize that teens today face huge, life threatening decisions just about ever day. What they face has a lot to do with where they grow up. Yet do not be fooled into thinking that your child is safe.
In the normal course of your teen's day, he or she may face any of these things; one or more of them.
Drugs. Think that drugs are simple like they used to be? They are not. Kids today are not just smoking the easy stuff. They are into crack or other strong and deadly drugs.
Sex. Not only are they exposed to it on the television, but they are encouraged by others. They may be engaging in sexual acts that you have never heard of. They may be doing it unprotected as well. At school, after school, on the car ride home - there are many opportunities you do not realize. Teens get pregnant and have babies.
Violence. Today's teen problems often revolve around violence. They see friends with guns at school or after school. They witness huge fights. They hear threats. They see anger and deal with it daily.
Depression. With all that they see and do, teens face depression today at an alarming rate as compared to just a decade ago. Depression is not something that just goes away, but can cause them harm and threaten their lives.
Driving. Teens drive drunk. Teens drive under the influence of drugs. Teens get in cars that others are driving under the influence. Teens may also be responsible drivers, but share the road with those that are not.
Teen problems that are at a lower level can be just as deadly. They face lying, cheating, emotional trauma, learning disabilities and divorce. All of these things a child will face daily in some cases. In those cases, it is no wonder that they have low self esteems, high drop out rates and some of the students will break under the pressure. Teen problems should be addressed and noticed by their parents first.
Resources: [http://therapistunlimited.com]Therapy for Teens and Families [http://www.parentingteens.com]Help with Parenting Teens
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Problems-Facing-Teens-Today&id=191255] Problems Facing Teens Today
Problems Facing Teens Today
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Keith_Allen]Keith Allen
Teen problems are growing. If you think that being a teen today is the same as it was when you were in their shoes, you are probably mistaken. Now, listen to yourself say how strict and how hard life was when you where young. But, you need to realize that teens today face huge, life threatening decisions just about ever day. What they face has a lot to do with where they grow up. Yet do not be fooled into thinking that your child is safe.
In the normal course of your teen's day, he or she may face any of these things; one or more of them.
Drugs. Think that drugs are simple like they used to be? They are not. Kids today are not just smoking the easy stuff. They are into crack or other strong and deadly drugs.
Sex. Not only are they exposed to it on the television, but they are encouraged by others. They may be engaging in sexual acts that you have never heard of. They may be doing it unprotected as well. At school, after school, on the car ride home - there are many opportunities you do not realize. Teens get pregnant and have babies.
Violence. Today's teen problems often revolve around violence. They see friends with guns at school or after school. They witness huge fights. They hear threats. They see anger and deal with it daily.
Depression. With all that they see and do, teens face depression today at an alarming rate as compared to just a decade ago. Depression is not something that just goes away, but can cause them harm and threaten their lives.
Driving. Teens drive drunk. Teens drive under the influence of drugs. Teens get in cars that others are driving under the influence. Teens may also be responsible drivers, but share the road with those that are not.
Teen problems that are at a lower level can be just as deadly. They face lying, cheating, emotional trauma, learning disabilities and divorce. All of these things a child will face daily in some cases. In those cases, it is no wonder that they have low self esteems, high drop out rates and some of the students will break under the pressure. Teen problems should be addressed and noticed by their parents first.
Resources: [http://therapistunlimited.com]Therapy for Teens and Families [http://www.parentingteens.com]Help with Parenting Teens
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Problems-Facing-Teens-Today&id=191255] Problems Facing Teens Today
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