Invitations to Create Tables for Preschool Classrooms
When I was a preschool teacher, one of my favorite ways to start the day was to set up an Invitation to Create table. These are simple, open-ended setups that invite children to explore, imagine, and make something uniquely their own. In a preschool classroom, these invitations don’t need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the most engaging activities come from just a roll of paper, markers, and a few basic supplies.
To set up an Invitations to Create Table, I use a large, table-sized creative space where children can gather, explore, and work together on a shared project.
Why Invitations to Create Tables Work So Well
- Encourage Collaboration – Since the space is shared, children naturally chat, share supplies, and build off each other’s ideas. It’s a perfect setting for working on communication skills.
- Support Fine Motor Skills – Using stickers, markers, scissors, and tape gives plenty of opportunities for little hands to strengthen their skills.
- Promote Creativity Without Pressure – There’s no “right” way to complete the table. Children have freedom to interpret the prompts however they want.
- Engage Multiple Learners at Once – Unlike small, individual projects, a big table setup can accommodate several children at once, keeping everyone involved.
Ideas for Invivtation to Create Tables
Check out these ideas for creating your tables!
1. Spider Webs
Cover a the table in white paper and draw spiders and webs. Then have kids use dot stickers to create whatever they’d like! I love this activity for working on fine motor skills.
2. Pumpkin Patch Sticker Table
Another idea using butcher paper, is drawing pumpkins and letting the kids create with dot stickers! Some kids were inspired to use scissors to cut out their pumpkins, which is another fantastic way to work on fine motor skills!
3. Tape Pull Table
For an even simpler idea, you can stick strips of colorful tape directly onto the table. The “invitation” is to pull, peel, and play with the tape. This activity might seem basic, but it’s an excellent workout for fine motor skills and a fun sensory experience. You can use masking tape, electrical tape, or washi tape.
4. Bear Coloring Table
When we were doing a bear unit, I drew teddy bears on a paper-covered table. I used a cookie cutter to help me trace the bears. Then I set out markers for the children to color. It was fun to see how each bear had a different “personality” based on the colors and patterns the kids chose.
5. Celery Stamping
Stamping with celery and paint is a fun way to create! Just pour some paint on paper plates, add cut celery pieces, and set some paper on the table. The celery prints look like hearts!
6. Shaving Cream
If you’re brave and willing to try a messy idea, try shaving cream! Simply spray some shaving cream on the table and then let kids create! They can draw shapes, letters, and numbers with their fingers. Or just enjoy the feeling of the cream! It’s a fun sensory play activity, too.
7. Balloon Painting
Another messy idea is balloon painting! Place butcher paper on the table, pour paint on paper plates, and blow up tiny balloons. Then have students use the balloons to create designs!
8. Bubble Painting
For this one, pour bubble solution in a bowl and color it with food coloring or liquid watercolors. Set a piece of paper on a tray. Then have students dip the wand in the colored solutions and blow bubbles on the paper. When the bubbles pop, it leaves a colored bubble mark!
9. Play Dough Faces
Have kids use play dough to make faces! I printed off blank faces, laminated the pages, and then had kids create faces using the dough.
10. Cookie Cutter Stamping
This one is a simple one! Just set out paint, cookie cutters, and paper. Have students dip the cookie cutter in the paint and then stamp it on the page.
I hope you try some (or all) of these ideas! Your students will benefit greatly from these invitations to create tables!
