Magic of Play Dough

If you need extra time to make supper and the kids are driving you to wits end...

 make play dough

almost a week later and any time they sit down to play they are quiet for a half hour at least with minimal fighting!  It is like magic!

I'd share the recipe but I don't really remember the details.  I had to make a number of adjustments based on supplies I had on hand... and the result is a bit more crumbly than I like so we'll probably make new play dough with a proper recipe again in a week or two.

And a note... getting the sensory table has been one of the best investments we've made for it is many uses, saves on messes and the kids love it!

Caps in Holes

Miss Mega is 1 year and 4 months old

Miss Mega has rediscovered an activity which kept her very busy a few month ago.  This is a can with one round hole and one rectangular hole cut in the lid.  She places pop bottle caps in the holes either the flat/round way or the side/rectangular way.  While she still doesn't have the strength to push the lid back on she has figured out how to balance it just right so she can do the activity independently.
I had set this in the sensory table while cleaning and the pulled up a chair and got to work.  Using the table this way has helped to keep the caps from escaping.  It also gives her the feeling of working at a table, which she apparently prefers to do when her big brother is doing table work.

Sensory Table 幼児の感覚のテーブル

There is a wonderful thing within the foreign community in Japan called the "Sayonara Sale".  It is the time before someone leaves the country, during which they sell off whatever they can.  While the reasons for leaving vary greatly, these sales can be a real opportunity to pick up some things you would not otherwise be able to get. 

A couple of months ago I bought a sensory table at a Sayonara Sale.  Even though we don't have a lot of room, making space for this table has been well worth it - especially since we've stayed inside through most of the summer.  

Here are some of the ways it has been put to use:

  Cars at a farm....

 I love that it keeps small & sharp toys like this off the kitchen floor and in a confined space.

Water and ice - a favorite on the hottest of days.  Moving the table outside is a good idea if you are planning to use more than an inch or two of water!

Blocks - Mega is serious about her blocks and is not a fan of my taking pictures while she works.  I like that the table puts the blocks at just the right height for her and again, keeps them contained.  While she plays with the blacks I am able to prepare dinner or get groceries put away.

There are so many ideas and options.  I look forward to arranging activities to go into the table as we work through various topics this year.
We have only had the table for a short time and already it is one of the most useful things in our home!