Lately the kids have been showing an interest in insects, bugs and creepy crawlies. We have previously explored this through an invitation to play table about 9 months ago.
The last time we explored insects through an Invitation to Play table, it had a different feel – more focused on Spring. I included a sensory box, fly swatters, artificial flowers, bug catching nets, a sensory vegetable garden, flower pens, a felt scene and a book about bugs, all nestled on some artificial grass.
One of the things I love about Invitation to Play tables is the fact that you can explore the same concept in different ways, and you can certainly use the same theme again because as your children develop and have a different skill set, the way that they will play will differ. It will seem new in their eyes as they think of new imaginative games to play.
Our most recent Invitation to Play table has more of a focus on “Backyard Science” and was laid out like this:
It still held sensory elements and multiple ways to play, but also included some structured task based play ideas
These insects set in resin, with a field guide is a great way to undertake matching and there is a lot they can learn with your guidance
These bug catching jars allow the insects to breathe, but can also be used with water. Additionally the lid is a magnifying glass, allowing the kids to get a better view of the detail of either real or toy insects
Miss S, in particular, enjoyed putting some of the toy insects into the bug catching jar and viewing their details. We also took them outside and caught a few ants and scraped up some dirt
As with any ITP table, I include a sensory box or sensory element. This one had natural coloured pebbles, tweezers, toy insects and wooden numbers
Miss S used the bug scooping tongs one afternoon as an alternative to the tweezers. It was great to see her little hands working hard on developing her fine motor skills and hand strength
This particular activity has become something that both kids have enjoyed daily. Miss S in particular is drawn to the sensory box
This set is a Backyard Explorer kit that I picked up on sale for 50% off. It’s been a HUGE hit
This divided tray has pom poms, wooden numbers, toy insects and some edible ladybugs (which didn’t last long!)
The example above of the ink pads just goes to show how much further they can take your idea, and why I love Invitation to Play tables so much. I had included the ink thinking that we might make insects from stamped finger prints.
Without me offering any suggestions, Mr L decided to try to get the foot prints of some of the toy insects. While this didn’t come out very clearly, I love the fact that he came up with the idea and tried out his plan. It is such a powerful step for creativity, trying out a theory, and ultimately helpful in developing skills in executive function and problem solving.
Mr L decided to count the legs of the insects and match them with the numbers. It required bi-lateral coordination and crossing the midline
Manipulating the toy insects to count their legs offered some great hand-eye coordination opportunities, as well as fine motor dexterity
Overall this has been a really interactive Invitation to Play table and there have been quite a few questions to arise. As it’s the school holidays we’re following this up with a trip to our local Butterfly House. We’ve been before but it’s great to be able to see the life cycle of an animal in real life.
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