Table Toys for Preschool

Preschool Table Toy ideas

Wondering what table toys are? Or maybe you’re looking for table toy suggestions or help with organizing them in your preschool classroom? Either way, you’re in the right place!

Quiet Center Activities for Preschoolers

Table Toys

First things first, many people use different terms to describe these toys. Some people call them table toys, while others refer to them as manipulatives, or even a fine motor center.

I use the words table toys to describe a time of the day when children are seated at tables (hance the name) and engaging with materials independently without direct teacher guidance. This activity usually occurs during a time such as arrival, after lunch or nap, or while students are waiting to be picked up by adults at dismissal.

The materials used as table toys often allow children to practice the development of their fine motor skills. These skills include visual acuity, dexterity, and fine motor strength.

Table Toys for Preschool

Preschool Table Toys

The items you use should facilitate, reinforce, or extend learning for your students. Here are just some materials you might consider using during this time.

Center Essentials Cover 400

Bristle Blocks for Preschool

Table Toys Suggestions

It’s important to have enough choices available for each child in your class to have one if they should choose to do so. For example, if you have 15 students in your class, having 12-15 tubs (bins, baskets, containers etc.) available at one time should provide enough choices and variety for your little learners.

You can rotate the items out as the children’s interests and abilities change throughout the year.

Whenever you add a new item to table time, you will need to introduce the item to your entire class, then model and demonstrate how to use and care for the item. Your modeling and demonstration should also include where each item belongs on the shelf through the use of labels.

Teaching Trailblazers

Having the right materials is awesome! But let’s face it, toys can’t make you a better teacher. The best place to discuss teaching best practices and get the support you need is in the Teaching Trailblazers. We have many printable lessons and on-demand video trainings to help you become the best teacher you can be! If you want to get on the waiting list for the Teaching Trailblazers, do it soon so you don’t miss the next open enrollment period!

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