Beach Themed Learning Trays

G (2 years old) absolutely loves when I have learning trays set up for him in the morning.  Since the weather has been so warm lately, the beach has been a fun place to visit.  I created some beachy learning trays for us to work on together!

I used a divided plate from the Dollar Tree and labeled it "Living" and "Not Living."  Then, I put some magnets (also from the Dollar Tree) in the largest section.  They were either sea animals or modes of transportation so it was a good, predictable way to start learning what is alive and what isn't.

I love these ice cube molds from Ikea!  I paired this starfish one with tweezers and pompoms.  He is getting SO good with tweezers that he can do this totally on his own now!

Using a paint tray and long handled spoon (Dollar Tree), he worked to transfer smooth pebbles into each well of the tray.  We called these pebbles "sea glass" and he thought that was pretty cool.

I know it's a little tricky to see in the picture, but I set out a bowl with four different types of tiny objects (real shells, plastic jewels, sea glass, and fish erasers) and he had to sort by type.  I printed this grid HERE.

And finally, a lacing fish was super fun!  I picked up a two pack of these thick cardboard ones from the dollar section at Michaels.

Learning trays are great opportunities to practice new skills.  Plus, once we've done them together, I keep them out and he can work on them independently, too!

Written by Jill