Loose Parts Box, Tinker Tray, Wooden Box, deals Open- ended material box, Tinker Box, Chrismas Loose Parts, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia

A tinker tray is a tray filled with loose parts or found objects. They are commonly used in the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. Tinker tray materials can be used for a variety of activities or art making projects. I love tinker trays because they promote open-ended art making, critical thinking and process over product.

They can be used with children from toddler age (as long as they are well supervised or loose parts are larger so they don't pose a choking hazard) all the way to middle school age. Heck, even teenagers and adults can find some entertainment in a tray of cool stuff to build with.

A tinker tray is inexpensive and versatile. You can use tinker trays for sculptures, collages, math manipulatives, STEM challenges, pre-writing and more. Tinker trays promote open-ended play and learning and naturally inspire creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. The small nature of the objects helps children practice their dexterity and fine motor skills.

Tinker tray items are open-ended. Trays allow children to deals be creative and to explore the items in a way that interests them. They might add bits to their artwork, create structures or even explore schemas through the items available.

They are great for introducing loose parts. If you are looking at introducing loose parts freely within your continuous provision and are afraid of the mess or risks they pose, why not opt for a tinker tray to begin with?

Tinker trays provide a wealth of sensory experiences. Think about the different textures, scents and sounds that will be experienced through tinkering, especially with natural items.

Children will explore mathematical concepts of shape, space and number as they explore how they can fill the tray with items.

Children will be exposed to a wider breadth of language as they describe and discuss tinker tray items alongside an adult.

Tinker trays are developmentally appropriate for all ages and stages of development as they have no pre-planned outcomes.

This tinker tray is made from the highest quality natural pine and lubed up with natural oil.

Dimensions:
37 cm x 27.5 cm x 6.2 depth
▪ 1 large compartment 26 cm (l) x 6.2 cm (w)
▪ square compartments 6 cm (l) x 6 cm (w)
▪ Rectangular compartment 10 cm l x 6 cm (w)