A few weeks ago, I shared on the blog about ways to increase preschool table play engagement.   One of the ways mentioned to increase table play engagement was to provide containers with table toys.  

Increase Preschool Student Engagement During Table Activities by adding containers to play

Today I wanted to share a little more about adding containers to play because it’s such an easy way to maximize the good things that teachers do in the classroom.  In fact,  have consistently found containers to be a game-changer when it comes to extending learning and engagement with table toys.  

What Learning Concepts Can Containers Add to Play

There are so many learning concepts that preschoolers can learn while playing with containers.  Here are just a few:

  • Capacity:  Do these things fit?  Can I add one more?

  • Prepositional concepts: in & out, empty & full

  • Size Concepts: big & small, tall & short

Two trays on a table filled with small manipulatives and with small containers provided to extend engagement in the table play

  • Verbs:  Put in & take out, open & close

  • Fine Motor:  zipping, twisting lids on and off

  • Sorting: Often I will come across a tray of toys after school and find various objects sorted in the containers…

So many learning skills!

What Kind of Containers Work Best for Preschool Table Play Engagement?

Any kind of container works well to extend engagement during table play!  That being said, free or cheap containers are the best.  Here are some of the containers that are popular in my classroom:

Clear Tubes

These tend to be popular with the Little People.  I think it might be because they are clear, and their narrow and tall shape creates new perspectives on capacity.  

Segmented Containers

My favorite place to pick these up is at the dollar store.  

Pill Storage Boxes

Another Dollar Tree Find

Containers with Hinged Lids

These are especially fun with magnets.

“Science” Tubes


These were a great find at the Dollar Tree.  The twist-on and off lids provide an added layer of fine motor practice

Zippered Containers

I find these a lot in Back to School areas.  Perhaps they are for headphones?

So there you have it.  I encourage you to try adding containers to increase your preschool table play!

Picture of wooden box with containers with text suggesting extending table engagement with containers.