Why Every Preschool and Primary Classroom Needs a Tuff Tray

The ultimate play tool for curious minds and creative hands

A tuff tray isn’t just another piece of play equipment, it’s one of the most valuable, versatile, and cost-effective teaching tools a classroom can have. From early years sensory play to primary school STEM experiments, tuff trays help teachers bring lessons to life through hands-on, play-based learning.

At Discovery Playtime, we’ve seen first-hand how schools use tuff trays to create meaningful, engaging activities that support children’s growth across all areas of the curriculum. And right now, we have a limited number of trays and stands available, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Why Tuff Trays belong in Every Classroom?

1. Aligned with the Curriculum

• In Aistear, play is the foundation for learning, and tuff trays make it easy to create sensory, imaginative, and exploratory play opportunities every day.

• In the Primary Curriculum Framework, inquiry-based and collaborative learning are key - both are perfectly supported by group play around a tray.

2. One Resource, Hundreds of Lessons
Teachers love tuff trays because they can be adapted to almost any subject:

• Literacy: letter hunts, story reenactments, mark-making.

• Numeracy: sorting, counting, measuring.

• STEM: water flow experiments, building structures, exploring forces.

• Arts: painting, collage, pattern-making.

• SESE: history role play, geography landscapes, nature exploration.

3. Inclusive and Accessible
The raised edges create a defined play space that helps children focus and reduces overwhelm. Tuff trays work brilliantly for sensory regulation and are easily adapted for children with additional needs.

4. Practical for Busy Classrooms

• Contains mess in one space

• Quick to set up, easy to clean

• Durable enough to last year after year

• Used indoors or outdoors with minimal fuss

4. Encourages Collaboration
Large enough for multiple children to gather around, tuff trays foster teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, skills that are central to modern teaching approaches.

5. A Cost-Effective Investment
Instead of buying lots of single-purpose items, one tray can deliver endless learning opportunities across age groups and subjects.

How to Use a Tuff Tray by Age Group

Early Years / Preschool
• Place trays on the floor so children can sit inside or around them.
• Fill with simple sensory materials (rice, water, sand, leaves).
• Add animals, cars, or dolls for imaginative small-world play.

Junior & Senior Infants
• Raise trays on low stands so children can move freely around them.
• Focus on phonics hunts, counting activities, and story-based setups.
• Provide fine motor tools like tweezers and scoops for added challenge.

Primary School
• Use trays on taller stands or tables for group investigations.
• Perfect for science experiments, building challenges, and collaborative art.
• Great for project work that involves sorting, sequencing, or experimenting.

Simple Setup: Just 4 Essentials

You don’t need elaborate resources. Start with these four basics:
1. Figures– animals, cars, dolls, or characters.
2. Blocks– LEGO, magnetic tiles, wooden blocks, train tracks.
3. Sensory items– rice, pasta, bark, flowers, sand, or natural loose parts.
4. Fine motor tools(optional) – spoons, tweezers, tongs, or scoops.

Inspiring Tuff Tray Ideas

Need some setup inspiration? Here are a few favourites we love using at Discovery Playtime:

Adjustable Stand for Every Age

One of the greatest benefits for schools is the adjustable stand, making tuff trays suitable for all ages:
• On the floor– ideal for babies and toddlers.
• Low stand– perfect for preschoolers and infants.
• Higher stand– best for older primary children working in groups.
📹 Watch our short video to see how quick and easy it is to assemble the stand, no tools required!

Equip Your Classroom Today

We’ve used tuff trays in everything from sensory workshops to teacher training, and we’ve seen the incredible value they bring to children of all ages.

Right now, you can get your own tuff tray and adjustable stand set, but only while our stock lasts.Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

👉Order yours here and bring endless play and learning into your space.