Spring is in the air. The green leaves, the flowers blooming, the feel of the sun on your face and the smell of grass is what we’ve all been waiting for all winter long. We’ll also be waiting for the first ladybug to arrive. These little cuties are every toddler and preschooler’s best friend and a simple ladybug sensory tray is sure to be a winning activity in your home or classroom.

Have a look to see how we set up ours.

How to set up a simple ladybug sensory tray

I used a simple serving tray (you could use something similar, wide but not too deep) and filled it with fake green grass you’d normally use for crafting purposes or to fill your Easter baskets with (or you could use green raffia). Then I added real leaves from our garden and some crochet flowers (I made them with the help of this You Tube video). Lastly I added the cutest little wooden ladybugs.

I always invite people to use what they’ve got, so feel free to improvise. Things to keep in mind when putting together sensory trays or bins are safety (small children, choking hazards), a variety of textures and a beautiful presentation. Since you know your kids best, you’ll know exactly what is safe for them to explore and what not and how to present it so they won’t be able to resist.

I also always leave a sensory tray or invitation or small world out for a number of days. Most children don’t have the attention span to play and explore for long periods of time. They like to investigate, play a bit and then revisit at another time. It may look like they’re not playing with it, but believe me when I tell you there’s a lot of learning going on in those brief moments. Young brains work overtime all the time.

 

 

From ladybug sensory tray to small world imaginative play

Invitation to play like this ladybug sensory tray are the start of imaginative play in little children. Invite them to play, learn or explore in small bits at a time and bit by bit they’ll grow in their creativity and imagination.

Playing on trays is also a great way to keep it simple, focus on one theme at a time and perfect for quickly putting away and easily getting back to without taking over the living room for weeks on end.

Have a look at this massive collection of play on a tray ideas and be inspired to set up little invitations like this simple ladybug sensory tray all year long.

Enjoy!

Ann*

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