Thursday, January 5, 2012

Favorite Things: Trays

A few years ago I purchased a set of trays from Discount School Supply. I had been stealing borrowing cafeteria trays from the church kitchen off and on for a while and decided that I needed my own trays.

Then I started reading Irresistible Ideas for Play Based Learning. Sherry and Donna regularly posted about making activities look attractive so I would occasionally use my trays to try and create enticing arrangements. (I've not yet reached the level of Sherry and Donna, though.)


But these trays have become some favorite tools in my classroom.

We use them to contain art supplies.


Or as part of a still-life display.


We use them to finger paint.


Or as a landing pad for other painting and stamping activities.


We use them for materials in the blocks center. (And other centers.)


And to hold games to play on the floor.


We used them recently in our "sand out of the box" experiment.


These trays have been great to have on hand. I can always pull them out to complete an activity. These have definitely become a favorite.

How do you use trays in your classroom?