Inspire seasonal art and engineering inspiration for preschoolers with the Fall Tinker Tray! This flexible invitation to create allows children to practice fine motor, social and creative skills at the same time. The possibilities are endless!
What is a Tinker Pallet?
The Tinker Tray is a collection of loose parts designed to excite children. The function of the adult (teacher or parent) is to collect and present material. The rest of the process is open to the child.
The tinker tray can be used as an activity center for a few children or for the entire group. The more children you have creating at one time, the more materials you will need. Before showing children the tinkering tray decide whether to allow them to keep their creations or ask them to return the materials after playing.
Why use a patch tray?
Using a tinker tray is a great way to encourage problem-solving skills and promote creativity. Students will work with new materials and have choices about which materials to choose and how to use them.
When preschoolers create together, they are sure to imitate, inspire, and encourage each other in their creations. Changing items based on the seasons can help spark interest in new projects. Be sure to tell your preschooler’s family about the tinkering tray so they can help collect fun items to add to the supplies.
Fall Tinker Tray Materials
You will need:
Check out this research-based, fun learning unit in our course store!
Bundles with 14 of my most popular fall resources, including math and literacy group activities! Make learning fun with these hands-on resources!
- Tray or utensil organizer
- Natural autumn items
- Scissors
- chenille craft stems
- clothespin
- various other materials
When choosing materials for your refinishing pallets, just about anything can be included. Even if you’re not sure how your children will use the items in the tinkering tray, you might find that their creations will surprise you!
Includes scissors and adhesive to help children with the engineering aspects of patching the pallet. Adhesives can include glue, tape, or even plasticine. Always consider safety and supervision when providing items to young children.
Explain to preschoolers that they can create anything they want using the materials in the tinker tray. As they begin to explore, encourage speaking skills by asking questions. Model how to work collaboratively by asking others to share supplies.
Preschoolers will exclaim, “I have an idea!” and “Look what I’m doing!” They’ll soon be asking for the Tinker Tray activity time and time again!
Introduction: Devany LeDrew is a former kindergarten teacher who writes at Still Playing School, where she shares intentionally planned play-based learning activities. Follow Still Play School on Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest and twitter!
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