I didn't realize there was a name for it until recently but I have been strewing things for my kids since they were toddlers. I found it was a great way to get them engaged in something constructive while I got my work done. Strewing is the practice of setting out interesting items or resources for your kids to discover and willingly explore. I like to set out toys and hands on activities that can be done independently. I tend to mix in a lot of seasonal themes. Currently, we are doing a mini Valentine's Day unit so I integrated that theme into some items to strew along with some winter items.
Valentine's and winter strewing items
I was setting up the STEM bins to strew on my desk this morning as I was logging into work, you know multi-tasking! I've been doing a lot of building manipulatives and STEM task cards lately since there is a good age gap between my kids and it works well for both. I found a great task card bundle on TPT. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Bins-Seasonal-Task-Cards-STEM-Activities-2801231. I get most of my building manipulatives and pencil boxes to organize the manipulatives in from the Dollar Tree and the Target Bullseye spot. The hashtag blocks from Target which are basically knock off Plus-Plus blocks are one of the few items that are still $1 in the Bullseye spot and they change the colors seasonally. The brain flakes are from the Dollar Tree. While the colors are more limited, it's a great way to try them out with your child without spending a lot of money. My youngest loves sensory bins, so I will usually incorporate a sensory bin or playdoh set for them as well. We have a playfoam snowman sensory kit that I include with the winter STEM task cards. These STEM bins have also been great for road trips.
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