* Attach some bags, pockets or shoe boxes to the wall at a level that the age group can access easily.
* Provide a range of materials that the children can explore and experiment with.
* Plan ahead to ensure the children's senses are stimulated. For example, the photo shows items that are visually attractive to the children. These include ribbons, chains, beads, tinsel and string.
* Alternatives could include: musical instruments, scented soaps, bags of herbs, items of various textures and so on.
* These pockets known as 'We-Go' TM systems are available from Mind Stretchers (website www.mindstretchers.co.uk,tel: 01764 664 409).
Mirror, mirror on the table
* Cover a child-sized table-top with sticky back reflective paper (available in large DIY stores).
* Invite the children to gather round the table and look at their reflections.
* Add to the experience by offering small amounts of materials such as custard, pudding, rice, yogurt or mashed potato for the children to experiment with on the table-top.
* Alternatively, cover the reflective table with a thin layer of one of the above foodstuffs and allow the children to make marks or to find their reflection.
* Or spread reflective paper on the floor and allow children to sit on it while experimenting with reflection and textures.
Hanging on the wall
* Secure a curtain pole at the children's height on a clear area of the wall.
* Attach visually stimulating toys and everyday items to the pole with brightly coloured ribbons.
* Encourage the children to explore the attachments.
* Change the items attached to the pole on a regular basis to keep the children's interest levels.
* Once again, add a range of items that will stimulate the children's senses.
Sparkly batons
* Buy sparkly batons (available from Action for Leisure, tel: 01926 65019).
* Encourage the children to watch the sequence as the glitter moves slowly up and down the baton.
* Tape eight empty Smartie tubes together and decorate with sparkly wrapping paper.
* Encourage the children to place the batons into the various tubes.
* Alternative batons could include lolly sticks, coloured spirals and cinnamon sticks.
Extras
* Fibre optic lamps (Kirton Healthcare, 01440 705 352)
* Unbreakable mirrors; kaleidescopes (Galt, 08702 424 477)
* Glitter pom poms; coloured acetate sheets (Philip and Tacey, 01264 332 171) PLEASE NOTE: To avoid overstimulating the children, these activities are designed to be used separately and not all in one session.
