Sensory Fun for Young Learners

Hi! It's Brittany here from Precious Steps Preschool! I thought I'd share a few fun ideas for some sensory play with you today. While I am no longer in the classroom, there is no shortage of children in my life! Between my own kids, my adorable nephew, and my Sunday school students, I am always experimenting with ideas for sensory play. These ideas can easily be adapted into more standards-based educational activities for older students as well!

These are ideas that are super simple, and use ingredients you already have around your home. 

1. Homemade Finger Paint
To make this, just mix 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 2 cups water, and food coloring in a saucepan until combined. If you want a thicker version, like shown, just sprinkle in some more flour and salt to make it a tad thicker. This makes a "puffy paint" that is great for kids. It would be perfect for a tactile way to practice sight words, letters, or numbers too!

2. Discovery Bottles
These are so easy and fun! Do I even need to explain how to make these? Just put random fun things inside water bottles and hot glue the tops (don't forget that step!) Some ideas: soap, water, and food coloring, colored water and oil, rice, pasta, broken crayons, pieces of foil (makes the best sound!), flour, sand, salt, the list goes on! These would make a great addition to your science station!

3. Squishy Bags
To make these, just stick some hand sanitizer or hair gel and food coloring in a gallon-sized baggie. Seal the top with tape. You can use these on a flat surface or tape them to a window, as shown. For older students, have them use their finger or cotton swabs to write letters or sight words into the gel.

4. Bubble Fun
To make this, just put dish washing liquid (such as Dawn) and water in blender. Blend away until it's nice and frothy. Dump into a pan, and enjoy! This would make a great writing activity!

I hope you saw an idea or two that you liked! Thanks for reading!

Brittany