Why…because they are a sanity saver.
Bold statement, right?
Let me explain why I can say this with such confidence.
Daily Activity Tubs are a concept I created and have used here in my home with what I feel has been a success for several years now, although the way they are set up has changed over time. They came about as a solution for creating meaningful play experiences for my eldest whilst I was feeding and tending to my newborn.
As time has passed and my newborn has grown, the tubs have been introduced to be used during evening meal prep time. That time of day that is commonly referred to as ‘witching hour’, where children seem to be tired, whingy, restless, difficult, clingy and a time where parents begin the evening routine in the hope for a restful night ahead. So, as I said-a sanity saver.
Now that I have got your attention, let’s dig deeper and talk more about the nitty gritty of these Daily Activity Tubs and then the ways you can implement them in your home, because that is what it all about-supporting and empowering you with ideas and inspiration to create meaningful play experiences that help you create a long lasting legacy of PLAY with your early learners.
…so our Daily Activity Tubs are a series of ten (5 per child), light weight flexitubs with handles purchased from Big W ‘(several years ago now). Each tub is labelled with the days of the week using custom made vinyl stickers from Pretty Paper Label. They contain approximately two to three developmentally appropriate and high interest based activities. And the trick to keeping these activities interesting and of value is to only use them when you really need to (as suggested with above examples).
Each Sunday the resources are rotated ready to start the new week. Activities are chosen based on each child’s interests and skills. They are also determined by size so that they fit in the tub neatly.
Some examples of activities are:
•magnetic tiles
•mini small world scenes
•wooden handheld toys
•school readiness games (number wheels, peg games, first readers, tracing sets, threading sets)
•puzzles
•colouring in
•paper and crayons/pencils
•ten frames (mathematical activity)
•maps
•books
•playdough
These days our DAT’s are set up as an invitation each afternoon. These invitations are interest & skills based and focus on mindfulness.
Sound like a concept that would work in your home with your early learners?
Fabulous, hit that reply button and tell me how you will use this in your home!
Happy PLAYing!!
Erin
