Texture Tubs

The boys decided they wanted to pull out our texture boxes from the pantry today and spend some time playing with them.  I always enjoy these boxes -- watching the boys practice pouring, measuring, scooping, categorizing, counting, following directions and excavating in these tubs is fun!

They are learning so many different things and LOVING every second of the process!

Over a year ago I watched as a speaker at a MOPS group demonstrated the concept of texture tubs.  She illustrated how they are a great way for kids to build their vocabulary, follow directions, develop fine motor skills, work on sharing, measuring, counting, pouring, sorting, etc.

She suggested using ingredients that have great textures, such as:  dried pinto beans, dried pasta, dried oatmeal, dried rice, polished rocks, seashells

Here's what I came up with after learning about texture tubs:

Even though P was only 18 months when we began with him, it surprisingly worked really well!

The list I brought to the store included:

-- 4 empty plastic storage tubs

--several bags of uncooked kidney beans

--a tub of oatmeal 

--several bags of different types of uncooked pasta 

--a few containers of plastic zoo animals

--measuring cups and a funnel set

** Many of these items can be purchased inexpensively (many even at a Dollar Store). **

I then distributed the above items into the tubs (I ended up with so much pasta that I filled 2 tubs worth with just pasta).  My original thought was that one of the 4 tubs would be for water-play, so when I want to do that I just pour the pasta into another large bowl.

(Sometimes I empty both pasta containers and fill up 2 water-play tubs -- one for each boy to have.)

The key to these texture tubs is to use them not only for a fun play activity but also as learning tools while kids are playing and discovering in the process.  These are for the parent to be right there next to the child and guide them through the process.  ** Especially if the items are choking hazards with smaller children** 

Ideas for the tubs include:

-- Hiding animals inside the tubs and then saying something such as:  "Today we are going on an excavation!"  Then explain what an excavation is and how to approach it.  The kids can become scientists and begin categorizing, etc.

-- Sorting by size, shape, color, etc. (mixed pasta works great for this one) 

-- Pouring from one size cup into a different sized cup then talking about how that worked (have the child figure out which one is the bigger of the two and can hold more)

-- Talking about the sound it makes/texture (provide new adjectives to increase vocabulary) when they wiggle their fingers through the tub

-- If the child is sharing the tub with a sibling or friend, sharing/trading for "tools" (spoons/measuring cups, etc.) is a good lesson 

-- Scooping up in a cup or spoon then guessing how many, then counting (for older kids counting by 5's/10's, etc.) 

-- Threading the pasta on a piece of yarn to make a necklace is great fine motor skills

Although my boys have been playing with these tubs for a year, I have yet to replace any of the ingredients inside them!

They know that if things are thrown from the tubs on purpose then they will be done playing with the tubs for a while...even at 18 months, our ever-so-spunky P understood and complied with these directions because he did not want to have the tubs to be removed!  :)

I'll admit, a "Water Tub" seemed a bit intimidating to me when I 1st heard the speaker talk about that one, but I put a drop cloth under the table and remind the boys that if water splashes on the floor they will have to be done -- they are really careful to keep the water inside the tub!  (I fill only 1/4 full for our 2 year old)

Water play really is one of their favorites, too!

I would encourage everyone to try these with their kids!  These tubs are an awesome rainy day activity when you have the time to play along side them.