Age Group

Infant/Toddler
Preschool
Kindergarten

Supplies

clear contact paper, items from nature (flowers, leaves of assorted colors/sizes, small sticks, small pinecones, hay/raffia, pine needles, etc), clear masking tape

Description

This concept of a sticky table was found on the Teach Preschool website - and it can be used for so many types of experiences!

To set this up - cut a large sheet of clear contact paper.  Tape the contact paper (sticky side up) to the table so it won't move around.  Have children go on a nature hunt and gather items from outside.  Depending on the season, you can select flowers, leaves, pine needles, hay or grass, etc.

Once back inside, have they explore their treasures on the sticky table.  They can play around and see which items stick better than others.  They can make a large collage of their collections - or they can try and construct a picture out of the items they have.  This is great for self-exploration and discovery!  The contact paper also allows for children to move items around (it's sticky - but items are repositionable).

Once they are done playing or making a collage, you can fold over the contact paper and seal it.  This makes for a good display to be hung in the classroom or put into the science center, where children can touch it and feel the impression of the items underneath (see last picture - click photos to enlarge).

 You can also make this an outdoor activity by bringing the contact paper OUTSIDE and attaching it to a picnic table or the sidewalk.

- This idea inspired by Pumpkin vines on the sticky table idea from Teach Preschool

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