Sensory Table Time

          A good friend of mine told me about the most fantastic web site:  www.notimeforflashcards.com.  Essentially, this site lists hundreds, if not thousands, of craft ideas for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.  These crafts and activities are very easy and, so far, a lot of fun.  I've probably done a dozen or so of the activities with Audrey, and she has enjoyed them all.  Her favorite activity has been a sensory tub activity.  You fill a tub with different materials and let the kiddo go nuts.  Apparently, these activities are awesome for the toddlers and preschoolers AND they love them.

          I must admit, I was skeptical at first.  Really?  She's going to be entertained by digging through a tub of beans and rice?  My daughter has been known to jump from activity to activity within minutes if it isn't keeping her interest, so I was curious to see how she felt about digging through this tub.  To make it a bit more interesting for her, I hid "treasures" in the tub (tiny squishy balls and heart shaped erasers).  And, believe it or not, Audrey played with this sensory tub for well over an hour.  She found all of the treasures and had me hide them again and again.  By the end of our time, she'd taken off her socks and climbed into the tub!  Claire sat outside with us, enjoying the fresh air until she fell asleep.  It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.