Engaging your child in sensory play is a wonderful way to support their development, build motor skills, and spark creativity. These activities stimulate the senses—touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste—while creating opportunities for bonding and fun. Here are five exciting sensory activities to try with your little one inspired by the practices of this independent school in Berkshire.
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1. DIY Sensory Bins
Sensory bins are versatile, easy to make, and provide endless opportunities for imaginative play. Fill a shallow container with materials like rice, sand, pasta, or water beads. Add small toys, spoons, or cups for scooping and sorting.
You can theme your sensory bin to match seasons or holidays. For example, create an autumn-themed bin with dried leaves, acorns, and mini pumpkins. This tactile exploration helps children develop fine motor skills and fosters creative storytelling.
2. Playdough Creations
Making and moulding playdough is a classic sensory activity. You can make it at home using simple ingredients like flour, salt, and water, and even add food colouring or scents like vanilla or peppermint for extra sensory engagement.
Encourage your child to create shapes, animals, or pretend food. The squishing, rolling, and moulding strengthen hand muscles, improving pre-writing skills, while the soothing texture helps regulate emotions.
3. Nature Walk Sensory Hunt
Turn a simple walk into an adventurous sensory experience by organising a nature hunt. Encourage your child to touch tree bark, smell flowers, listen to birds, and collect small natural items like stones or leaves.
This activity not only engages all five senses but also teaches children about the environment. You can extend the fun by using their collected treasures for an art project or a sorting game at home.
4. Water Play
Water play is a hit with children of all ages. Fill a basin or bathtub with water and add cups, sponges, or floating toys. For an added twist, create “fishing” activities with magnetic fish and poles.
For older children, consider adding colour tablets or small bath bombs to explore changes in colour and scent. Water play is excellent for developing hand-eye coordination and teaching basic scientific concepts like buoyancy and volume.
5. Sensory Art Projects
Combine art and sensory exploration with hands-on activities like finger painting, sand art, or salt dough crafting. Let your child mix paints or sprinkle glitter onto wet glue, enhancing their tactile and visual senses.
These projects nurture creativity and self-expression while improving focus and fine motor coordination. Don’t worry about the mess—it’s all part of the learning process! Use washable materials to keep cleanup stress-free.
Benefits of Sensory Play
Sensory activities are more than just fun; they help children understand the world around them, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance language development as they describe their experiences. Additionally, these activities can be calming, making them perfect for moments when your child needs to unwind.
Exploring sensory activities with your child is a rewarding way to spend quality time together. Whether you’re building a sensory bin or enjoying a nature walk, these experiences will create lasting memories while supporting your child’s growth.
Why not start today with one of these activities? You’ll love watching your child learn and grow through play!
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