The tuff tray has easily become a classroom staple that has created endless possibilities for play, learning, igniting imagination and creativity in our classroom! As Educators we understand the significance of providing our preschoolers with an engaging and stimulating environment to make their preschool years successful. The tuff tray is an essential tool in creating a versatile space for a variety of provocations that cater to the interests of our children and co-learning educators. It has also enhanced the play and learning in our classroom – our motto when in doubt it can go in the tuff tray! We utilize our tuff tray for all sensory provocations, art process, small world play, science experiments, numeracy and literacy provocations and loose parts. The tuff tray allows children to easily move around and explore each activity from a different perspective and angle. It also encourages children to collaborate, communicate and socially interact with their peers through play and exploration. We started out with a black tuff tray that we use for everything. We have since added a white one that is great for potion making and colourful projects and more recently an earthy green tuff tray that we use for loose parts. The children enjoy the tuff tray experiences so much and are often suggesting their own ideas and provocations they would like to explore.
“Optimal conditions for learning occur when we are fully engaged. For children, this happens in play that evolves from the child's natural curiosity - active play that allows children to explore with their bodies, minds, and senses, stimulating them to ask questions, test theories, solve problems, engage in creative thinking, and make meaning of the world around them.” (How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years. Page 35).
