I started a new job last week. I am the new atelierista (art teacher) at a Reggio based preschool close to where I live and I just love love love it! Reggio is a play based approach that I learned about several years ago and immediately fell in love with. There are several key elements to the Reggio approach to learning, which I will be sharing more and more about over time. Today, I want to focus on the idea of the environment as the teacher, a Reggio essential. In a Reggio classroom, the environment is carefully constructed and designed to engage active learners who are inspired to think, ponder and create. I spent the last week or so setting up our atelier (art studio) and one of the things I had the most fun creating was our tinker tray. I’m so excited to tell you about it because it’s something anyone can do, and is an absolute home run for engaging younger and older children.
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If you follow my blog, you know I an a thrift store junkie. Yes, I have a problem. I have always been attracted to compartmentalized drawers or trays, like the one in the pics. I come across them fairly often, either with a cover or without and pretty much every time I see one, I buy it. A good price for one of these is about 10-12 dollars and if you’re lucky you can find one for even less. There are so many possibilities for a tray like this and a tinkering tray is a great one.
First, look for objects around the house or outside that look interesting. If you have kids, I’m sure you have a lot of stuff to chose from. I try to stick with natural elements, like stones, twigs, crystals and pieces of wood. Other items might be marbles, shredded paper, dried beans, nuts and bolts, keys and toothpicks. Basically, you want to fill your tinker tray with anything that might be interesting to feel, look at, play with or construct with. Once you have your tray organized you’re ready to get going. *If you aren’t able to do a thrift store or flea market shop for a tray, maybe you have an old Melissa and Doug tray laying around that could work. They don’t always have as many compartments but it can still work. Here’s an example
Okay, once you have your tray set up, there are lots of ways to enjoy it. We started with small round mirror trays as a base for mandalas or whatever the kids came up with. I work with young children, so a provocation, or invitation to play, needs to be open ended and engaging. What I love about the mirrors is they are an activity in them self. Kids can come over, look at their reflection, pick them up, look at other reflections and then decide how they want to use them with the objects. If you don’t have mirrors to use, which you very well may not, you can try a piece of wood wrapped in tinfoil or a regular tray or a round lid from a container. There is no right or wrong way to do this.
Gigi jumped right in when she saw the materials. It cracked me up that her first thought was to blow right through the cardboard tubes that were in the tray. Ha! Something I had never thought of. Since other kids will be using the tray, I replaced these after she used them but her response was right on. “Hey, I can make bubbles!” she said. We recently saw this awesome activity on a tv show, so I knew just what she was thinking. Next, she noticed the gems and was very interested in filling her mirror tray with them. “Look mama, I can move them all around,” as she slid each one with her finger making sliding noises. This kind of investigation engages the senses, promotes critical thinking and demonstrates cause and effect, all while having fun.
I have spent a lot of time doing art and sensory play with my children. If this is something new, you might want to sit with your children first and explain that the objects in the tray are very special. They are there to explore and create with, but not to throw or make a mess with. Of course, there is going to be some objects that spill or get on the floor, just like with any project. If you’re worried about it, you can put an art tarp
Mirror trays are just one way to explore the tinker trays. Next we are going to use slabs of clay and see what happens. I’ll be sure to post pictures so you can see. Play dough would be fun as well. You can also try clear contact paper
If you are intrigued by tinker trays and the Reggio Emelia approach to learning, I recommend you check out this site. There are tons of great ideas there. You can find some Reggio inspired art projects here and here that are really fun for kids. Most of all, I hope you are inspired to let your children create. You never know what idea they might tinker up. Have fun!
*Note* I wrote this post almost a year ago. I’ve since learned a ton about tinker trays. To learn along with me and get over 10 ideas for how to use them, click here or on the pic below.
Fantastic! And now I’ve just realized what my dream job is! How do I get that job??! I’m incredibly jealous! Enjoy every second!
Thank you so much Maria! I am thrilled thrilled thrilled. I can tinker all day with the kids : )
I could stare at this tray all day. It’s mesmerizing! I love all of the different materials you put in there, from the little pebbles to the blots (or are those nuts?) to the confetti paper. So inviting! Would you really let them glue it all together? I learn so much from you! This school is very lucky to have you, Meri. xo
I just might : ) xoxo
Oh I need to keep my eye out for a great tray like that!! We adore exploring and creating with these kinds of bits and pieces but I really need a tray like that!
If you hit up your local flea markets or thrift stores I bet you’ll find one. They’re the best!
Great post Mer!!
I’m loving this! The mirror is such a fascinating idea and I’m really enjoying your posts on the new school. I’m learning, linking ideas and really enjoying! Keep up this wonderful sharing!
Ah ha! The light bulb just turned on! I’ve been pouring over craft organization pins on Pinterest because my craft closet is getting out of hand since we started collecting Reggio supplies. Now I understand what I need to do. I need to set up some storage bins ready to use as tinker trays! Thanks for the inspiration!
Ha. Great Amy! I can relate. I’m addicted to art supplies, especially anything I can use for a Reggio based activity. Tinker trays are fantastic! Have fun : )
what school are you at now again> I really would love to tour it. This is an amazing piece and very inspiring! Are you planning to tinker at any friday play groups? Let me know when so we can come! Thanks.
Hey Carly. I’m at Kol Tikvah. It’s great. Tinkering like this would be pretty challenging with such young kids though you’ve inspired me to think how it could work. We’ll see!
Whoooooo keeps the items in the tinker trays organized…??? Maybe it’s just my students but, given ten or fewer minutes, everything would be combined and disorganized. Maybe my students are too young for this….generally five years old but living in northern Thailand so not accustomed perhaps to Western ideas. Your thoughts?? PS I do think I can add mirrors to the free play time IF I can find any to purchase here. I will need to cover the backs with heavy tape so, when-not-if they fall, I won’t have slivers of hazardous glass all over.
Hello. All great questions. We had a lot of talks with small groups of students before using the tinker trays. We practiced how to use the materials and I was very clear about it. I work with 3-5 year olds and they have done great with it. Setting clear expectations is key. Also, they sell acrylic mirrors at Discount School Supply but tape is a great idea too. Also, you practice first using the materials safely and model the correct behavior. That helps me a lot. Hope you give it a try when you think the time is right!
I love these ideas! Instead of a well organized tinker tray, I have a lovely heap of supplies my students sift through. I’ll be making the switch soon! My question for you is what type of glue do you use for your students who choose to make their projects more permanent? I don’t fee that elmers glue would bond some of the items well. I would want to use a glue that is safe enough for my students to use in the classroom without constant monitoring.
Hi Kendra. Thank you so much! So glad to hear you’re inspired. I am a big fan of regular white Elmer’s glue. I’ve found that it’s held everything pretty well. Hmm…I don’t know of any other solutions? Rubber cement??
These are great recommendations – thanks. My five-year-old loves working with oil pastels, but the last time I went to replace his set I noticed a set with a sticker on one cautioning people that some of the ingredients are known to cause cancer. I wasn’t sure if this applied to other sets as well, but after some mom-googling, it does seem likely. I am hesitant to let him keep using these, especially as his main, daily art tool. What is your opinion and experience with this?
I’ve heard that before Jana. I think everyone has to do what comfortable for them. Fortunately they make non toxic ones! Here’s a link. http://www.amazon.com/Jumbo-Pastels-Brilliant-Colors-Non-Toxic/dp/B00AXDU5FO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452394696&sr=8-2&keywords=non+toxic+oil+pastels
These are wonderful ideas, thank you.
You mention using tin foil instead of mirrors…how about old, used CD’s? They would work and have the added benefit of the hole in the middle for more exploratory play 🙂
Sounds great Debbie : )
Hi Meri , I keep coming up on your posts on pinterest and I am always delighted!
I opened a studio in LA area also and it makes it extra nice to see an inspiring blog and studio so close to me!
I would love to connect with you one day. 🙂 Thank you and keep on Tinkering!
Tiffany
Owner of Gorilla Art Studio
Do you have a supply list for the first tray pictured on this page? I would love to make a tray like this for my classroom! Thank you!!
Your tinker tray looks so enticing! I’m very inspired!
Great! Thank you so much. Have fun.
Thank you! I love a good tinker tray!
Hello,
Great idea! However in the classroom with two over active children, who just run about and tip everything on the floor and throw things around the classroom, it would be too much! Or maybe not?