What is Sensory play? Sensory play includes any activity that stimulates any of your child’s five senses: touch, smell, taste, sound or sight. Sensory play is only limited by your own or your child’s imagination. Sensory play is an important part of development and learning.
Sensory activities are offered or are set up as an invitation to encourage children to use their senses while they play, create, investigate and explore.
When we talk about the senses sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste it opens up the learning world. Any or all of these can be incorporated into play to create a sensory play activity/invitation.
You do not need any special equipment to create your own Sensory play activity at home. Most activities involve a large plastic tub that the children can dive their hands in to feel and explore. You could use a cardboard box or just the ground if that is all you have available. Make use of the free items around you before heading out to spend money.
Supplies:
2” sections of yarn in the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet)
Heart shaped latch hook form
7 clothespins
Paint Markers These are the paint markers I used for the rainbow puzzle
A plastic bin with clip on lid
Directions:
Paint one clothespin for each color of the rainbow. I used paint markers for quick drying time.
Arrange the 2” sections of yarn in a plastic bin, in the pattern of a rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet)
Add the painted clothespin to the side of the bin
Add the latch hook heart to the bin
Invite your children to explore the bin. Encourage them to thread the yarn through the holes in the latch hook heart form, to sort colors and clip them to the bin with the clothespins.
If you are looking for more Sensory ideas, check out our DIY Sensory Aid Board on Pinterest Or check out our handpicked sensory toy gift list on Amazon.
How to Dye oatmeal , pasta and rice for Sensory bins – Sensory bins are a fun and engaging way for children to explore different textures, colors, and materials. One way to enhance the sensory experience is by dyeing materials such as oatmeal, pasta, and rice. This not only adds a burst of color to the sensory bin, but also provides an opportunity for children to practice their fine motor skills as they scoop, pour, and play with the materials.
Halloween Sensory Jars Get ready to spookify your sensory play with these Halloween sensory jars! These DIY jars are perfect for kids who love all things creepy and crawly. Not only are they a fun way to engage in sensory play, but they also make great decorations for your Halloween festivities. Using simple materials like mason jars, food coloring, and creepy-crawly toys, you can create a whole collection of sensory jars for your kids to explore. These Halloween sensory jars are a great way to get into the Halloween spirit while also providing your little ones with a fun and educational activity.
How to make Textured Sand for Sensory Play
With just a few simple ingredients like sand, cornstarch, and food coloring, you can create a range of textures and colors for your kids to play with. Not only is this activity fun, but it also provides valuable opportunities for learning and development. Sensory play helps children develop important cognitive and social skills, as well as promotes creativity and imagination. So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for your kids, give textured sand a try!
How to make Scented Playdough.
Playdough is a classic sensory activity that kids love. But have you ever tried making scented playdough? Adding scents like lavender, peppermint, or lemon can add a whole new level of sensory exploration to this beloved activity. Scented playdough not only engages kids’ sense of touch, but also their sense of smell. It’s a great way to provide kids with a multi-sensory experience while also promoting relaxation and stress relief. Plus, making scented playdough is easy and fun! With a few simple ingredients and essential oils, you can create a whole range of scented playdough for your kids to enjoy.