tot trays for early learning

Tot Trays are a wonderful way to engage your young two or three year old in learning activities! I used to set out six tot trays for my son each week. I did this when he turned two and a half. We worked through the alphabet together — when May slept in or took a nap. It was our special time together. (I shared all of our Tot School Posts from A to Z here.) We stopped making six trays when I realized that they weren’t holding his attention any more. I began only making one or two around Letter H. And then we slowly stopped later in the alphabet. They didn’t work for his learning style.

May is now two and a half. We have done many various little activities together. We have sensory time, we paint, she loves coloring.

John was not able to handle his own little tray. To bring it down on his own, set it carefully on floor or table, work on it respectfully, and then replace it back to the shelf. He couldn’t and still can’t. (The tray’s contents were thrown, purposely dropped, torn, etc.) That’s okay. Over the years and months I am understanding his needs. Little trays are not beneficial to his learning.

But May. I brought out these simple trays and began filling them with contents. She couldn’t stop asking me to play with them!

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I’d love for these trays to be ready on our kitchen shelf for her one morning like the picture above! This is hard to make a reality. We don’t have a single homeschooling space, so if I work on something for them they will always watch me prepare it. It takes away the element of surprise, but it also may help them to appreciate the work and effort I put in to making their learning enjoyable.

May was thrilled. She has loved her little trays. This type of set-up is right for her. Well, right now. I will always watch and see if they are engaging her and assess to make changes. But for now, I am thrilled to begin making alphabet, themed, and number Tot Trays once more.

There is definitely some work involved — but her excitement and her learning and her feeling special — it’s oh so worth it!!

(The above trays: stacking blocks, Lauri uppercase alphabet peg letters, Lego printable from All Our Days, snowman sort from Royal Baloo, laminated color template from All Our Days, Melissa & Doug letters puzzles.)