Gems and Jewels Sensory and Sorting Play Activities

Our water sorting play ideas were inspired by the Experience Preschool’s  Sorting in Water day from the Nature Detectives or EcoVenture theme. We used our gems and jewels, coins, and beads for several sensory and sorting play activities including water play, play dough, sorting and loose parts play.

Setting up Water Sorting Play

We found several ways to play with these fun gems and jewels! Kids love sensory play opportunities, so combine them with shiny gems, beads, jewels, and coins, and they were super creative.

Week two of the Nature Detectives/EcoVenture theme is Wonder About Mystery in the Water. Read about Learning About Trees

Lesson 12 is all about Sorting in Water. 

Beads, gems, and gold plastic coins for sorting made up the supplies for our Gems and Jewels Sensory and Sorting Play Activities Preschool Activities.

Just add water! The sand sifter scoops were originally from Discount School Supply but I bought them on clearance and haven’t seen them again.

Muffin tins from the dollar store are excellent for sorting indoors or outdoors.

Sink or float, sorting, collect, pretend and have fun!

Pretending to be pirates!

Sorting pirate treasure into muffin tin trays.

Play Dough & Treasures

Creating shapes with a string of beads in play dough.

The gold coins make impressions – a fun discovery!

Loose Parts Gems & Beads

One 5 year old was very creative during free time with the jewels, beads, and some scarves. She said she was “sewing”. What a smart idea!

Beautiful loose parts play.

Beads and jewels on scarves.

I put the tray of gems and jewels on the table with a muffin tin for sorting on each side for two friends to sort and play.

Water Treasure Collage Art

Creative art activity for Mystery in the water. Finding water treasure would be so exciting!

Lots of glue and fine motor skills.

Beautiful water treasure!

There are so many ideas fun ways to learn about sorting and great hands-on ways to explore and learn about water.