Tinker Trays

What is a Tinker Tray?

It is a collection of loose parts that is made available to use with no defined purpose. The materials are pre collected and displayed in a way that children can access them easily. They have the creative freedom to use the materials in any way they choose.

What are the benefits of a tinker tray?

Tinker trays can provide many benefits and the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the benefits.

Tinker trays promote independence with the use of materials.
Children must use decision making with how to use the materials.
Problem solving skills will be used as they work through the open ended process of creating.
Fine motor skills may be strengthened when manipulating materials.
Creativity and imagination are at the root of tinker trays.

How do you set up a tinker tray?

Tinker trays can include almost any combination of materials. They may be centered around a theme with various related items. For example, you could focus on a sea theme with paper fish cutouts, shells, marbles, etc. Tinker trays may also include random materials in which the child is able to use their creative freedom when interacting with them. No matter the route in selecting materials, the purpose is the same. The materials are easily accessible and meant for open interpretation.

There is no wrong way to set up a tinker tray. As long as the materials are accessible and a workspace is provided, you are good to go. Below are some ideas for displaying the materials.

Utensil Tray
Veggie Tray
Bowls on a shelf
Wooden tray with divided sections: We purchased a set of two wooden boxes on Amazon. Unfortunately, these are unavailable but any desk organizer or small compartments (such as this one) would work.

How to pick materials?

I suggest looking through what you have on hand before hitting up a craft store. Go through your junk drawer, art cabinet and recycling bin and you’ll probably have more than enough to get started. You may be surprised with the creativity that can stem from ordinary everyday materials. An empty water bottle may become a rocketship or an old cereal box may become a puppet theatre. When given the freedom to explore, your children will create amazing things.

I would suggest including scissors, glue and/or tape, and at least one type of writing utensils (markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc). Once you have your materials, set them out and let the children have at it. They will be excited and focused on the task at hand and you’ll have an opportunity to observe or take a few minutes for yourself.

Below are some examples of tinker tray themes. As mentioned above, you certainly do not have to provide materials around a theme. You could just as easily provide a random collection.

** If you like the Sea Animal Resources from the photographs, check out this post to get them for FREE!