It’s no secret that I don’t get the tuff tray craze. Stick something in it, make it look pretty, and then get some likes on social media. Who has the time and who is it for? Let’s not even talk about those chalk pens with words in the tuff tray, as though 2-year-olds can read it! Anyway, back to why we’re writing this. I must be going soft in my old age as I am starting to feel the love for the tuff tray. But there is a reason, and this blog is going to explain why.
In November, we visited Community Playthings. We drove a long distance to see what Community Playthings had to offer for our new Early Childhood Simulation Suite at the Mansfield Campus. We discussed tuff trays during our car journey and why they can be useful.
Tuff trays are also known as discovery trays or play trays and are used in a variety of settings, from early childhood education to sensory play at home. There are many possibilities for learning and exploration with these trays, which are typically made of robust plastic. We will examine how tuff trays can be used to stimulate imagination, promote learning, and enhance play experiences in this blog post.
Our visit to Community Playthings has given us a new understanding of how tuff trays could enhance early childhood provision. There is a new and improved tuff tray available at Community Play which is not your usual builders’ tray. It is nothing like the ones described above, but has a unique design and is ethically sourced as it’s made of wood and ethical plastic. We saw a tuff tray that was referred to as an ‘activity tray table’. A unique feature of this table is the fact that it can be used as a table one minute and a tuff tray the next, meaning endless opportunities for learning within the early years setting.
The team at Community Playthings demonstrated the activity tray table to us and we were immediately impressed by the pedagogical opportunities it could offer an early childhood setting. Moreover, we believed that this would offer graduate trainees in our Mansfield Early Childhood Simulation Suite a unique opportunity to develop children’s interests, joy, awe and wonder. It would be ideal for sensory activities that stimulate children’s senses and promote hands-on learning to use this ‘tuff tray’ (activity table). With textured materials and water play, educators can tailor activities to align with specific learning objectives, fostering cognitive development in a fun and engaging manner.
This table might offer a wide range of possibilities, but we are just going to share some ideas about how this can be used for open ended play opportunities within your early years setting.
Children benefit from messy play opportunities such as finger painting, cornflour, spaghetti and mud with a tuff tray, which develops their fine motor skills while offering enjoyment and memories.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities – children can experiment with water, sand, or other materials to grasp basic scientific principles or explore mathematical concepts.
A tray can be used as a stage for storytelling and role-playing scenarios involving toys and figurines, and it can be removed with resources such as leaves placed under the transparent tray to prompt discussion by children and adults.
The benefits of using an activity tray table:
Being able to develop concentration and focus – engaging with a tuff tray activity requires concentration and focus, which helps children develop attention skills. As a result of the hands-on nature of these activities, hand-eye coordination is also enhanced.
Language development – As children explore and discuss their tuff tray activities with their peers or adults, they can enhance their language skills. The development of vocabulary is supported by describing textures, colours, and actions.
Social development – The activity tray table can be used collaboratively by children to promote social interaction and cooperation. Working together on a shared activity promotes communication, negotiation, and teamwork.
The activity tray table can be customised to align with specific learning themes or topics. Educators can adapt the materials and activities in the tray in accordance with the current curriculum or the interests of the children. It can provide a flexible and engaging platform for a wide range of learning experiences, supporting the holistic development of children in a fun and interactive manner when incorporated into early childhood education settings. Community Playthings have thought about how accessible the activity tray table is: just like their tables, the activity tray table comes with height adjustable legs, meaning that this can also be used for children and adults with mobility needs.
(Images courtesy of Community Playthings, used with permission)
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