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Blog: Exploring Tuff Trays – Are We Overusing Tuff Trays in the Early Years? Dr Aaron Bradbury

Before you come for me as I am about to say something about the beloved tuff tray here me out. I am coming at this angle from seeing tired, worn out professionals who want to do the best for our youngest children. But I am trying to say please don’t take on this extra pressure when you don’t actually need to.

Deep Breath here goes…….

Tuff trays have become a staple within our early years settings, and for good reason. They are versatile, durable trays which can be transformed into miniature worlds, sensory stations, art canvases, and have many uses. They provide a contained space for messy play, encourage creativity, and allow for exploration across all areas of learning within the EYFS.

However, as with any tool, there is a question worth asking: are we overusing tuff trays in early years education? The rise of the tuff tray (or builder’s tray which we called them in the olden days) which was something we have had as an early years classroom staple. However it’s adaptability and size quickly caught the attention of early years practitioners and parents. Its ability to hold messy materials, from sand and water to paint and small-world items, made it a go-to choice for engaging in play. Social media has since made it more popular, with beautifully curated tuff tray set-ups flooding Pinterest and Instagram, inspiring practitioners everywhere. But therein lies the question. While tuff trays are undeniably useful, there’s a growing concern from my own thinking and observation on my travels in early years classrooms that we may be overusing them to find a balance of understanding play— and further to this is the expectation for picture perfect set ups which may have now overshadowed the resources purpose.

Personally I want to say that no one should be spending a long amount of time to make elaborate pieces of artwork. If your environment is welcoming and well planned effectively with the children in mind, children will engage in play and even be brave enough to set up their own tuff tray activities. So let’s look at this further.

Are Tuff Trays Becoming Overused?

The overuse of tuff trays can lead to some challenges:

  1. The ‘Instagram Effect’: Social media can create pressure for practitioners to produce elaborate, aesthetically pleasing tuff tray set-ups. In spite of the fact that they may look impressive, they are often led by adults and may not meet the development needs or interests of the children. The focus on appearance can detract from the child-led exploration that underpins effective early childhood education.
  2. Limited Learning Opportunities: When used excessively or in a repetitive manner, tuff trays can narrow the scope of activities offered to children. Tuff trays are not necessary for every activity. A variety of outdoor spaces, tabletop activities, and large-scale loose parts can be equally as valuable (if not more so) as indoor spaces when it comes to fostering creativity and physical activity.
  3. Time and Resource-Intensive: Setting up intricate tuff tray activities can be time-consuming and resource-heavy for staff. While preparation is a vital part of early years planning, spending too much time on tuff trays may reduce opportunities for spontaneous play or responding to children’s interests in the moment.
  4. Over-Reliance on Structured Play: Excessive use of tuff trays can lead to a more structured, adult-led approach to play. Children may feel restricted if materials are set up with a specific outcome in mind rather than allowing open-ended exploration.
  5. Now I am not against the good old tuff tray, but like anything in our classrooms its about striking a balance and setting up our environment to meet the needs of our children rather than feeling the pressure which comes from seeing picture perfection on social media.

Finding Balance with Tuff Trays

So, what is the solution? It’s not about abandoning tuff trays altogether but rather reflecting on how and when they’re used. Here are some tips to ensure balance:

  1. Child-led inspiration: Instead of focusing on what looks good, take cues from the children. What are they interested in? A simple set-up of mud and twigs might be far more engaging than a meticulously planned winter wonderland if it aligns with their current curiosity.
  2. Use tuff trays more sparingly: Tuff trays don’t need to be a daily feature. Incorporate them alongside other resources, such as floor spaces, outdoor areas, and communal activities that allow for collaboration and movement.
  3. Prioritise open-ended play: Avoid creating tuff tray activities that have a specific ‘goal’ or outcome. Instead, offer loose parts and open-ended resources that encourage creativity and critical thinking.
  4. Embrace simplicity: Not every tuff tray set-up needs to be elaborate. A handful of natural materials, some water, or a small selection of toys can be just as stimulating as a farm which has corn flakes and crushed up food to envisage a farm yard.
  5. Reflect on Impact: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of tuff tray activities. Are children engaging meaningfully? Are they being challenged? Are their interests and needs being met?

As with any tool, tuff trays should be used with purpose and intent in early childhood settings. It is possible to limit the opportunities for diverse and dynamic play if we over rely on them. It is possible for practitioners to ensure that tuff trays remain a valuable part of the early years toolkit, rather than a dominating feature, by taking a step back and reflecting on their use. Ultimately, what matters is not the tray itself, but the opportunities it provides for children to explore, create, and learn.

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