Incredibly Easy Apple Sensory Table – Apple Scented Water

The kids loved this easy apple sensory table during a recent preschool apple theme. They were so engaged with the activity as well as the literacy component we added to the mix.

A deliciously scented apple sensory table for kids

Yes, I am still on my apple-theme kick!  🙂  We’ve been learning about apples since the first day of preschool, and this will continue the rest of the month.  Last week, we had a great time with an apple sensory table that was super easy and super cheap!  It only cost me 99 cents (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post).

The secret ingredient?  Apple-scented shampoo!  It was on sale at my local grocery store, and I know the Dollar Store carries it as well.  I put a small squirt into my sensory bins, then added lukewarm water.  It didn’t take much to provide a yummy green apple scent and some bubbles.  I replaced the water each day, and I still had most of the apple-scented shampoo left at the end of the week.

Related: Spring Sensory Bin

The kids went “bobbing for apples” in the apple sensory table.  For this, I simple tossed in laminated apples that had the children’s names written on them.  I didn’t do the best job laminating some of the apples, though.  This ended up with some soggy apples and runny names.  The students weren’t bothered by it, though!  Next time, I’ll use something sturdier — perhaps some of those little fake apples!

I also added perforated plastic golf balls (ping pong balls would work, too) and slotted spoons to the apple-scented water.  This activity was a BIG hit with the boys and girls!  They used the spoons to stir the water, transfer bubbles between the bins, and even “catch” some of the name apples.  Mostly, though, they enjoyed moving the ping pong balls back and forth with the slotted spoons.

Yes, quite a bit of water ended up on the floor due to the kids’ enthusiasm.  To reign that in, I put an absorbent mat underneath the sensory table.  I also made sure to add less water to the bins after the first day!  🙂

Shared at The Sunday Showcase, Tuesday Tots

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