Engaging in sensory activities with your child is a wonderful way to support their development while also having fun together. Sensory play stimulates the senses—touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell—helping children improve their motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Here are five simple and engaging sensory activities to try at home, inspired by the practices of this independent school in London.
This is a collaborative post.
For more ideas of activities to try with your child, take a look at this post which explores the benefits of music for young children and suggest musical activities to try.
1. Create a Sensory Bin
A sensory bin is a great starting point for sensory play. It’s easy to set up and can be tailored to your child’s interests or the season.
What You’ll Need:
- A shallow plastic container or box
- Fillers such as rice, pasta, sand, water beads, or shredded paper
- Scoops, cups, small toys, or objects for your child to explore
Activity:
Fill the container with your chosen material and add items like toy animals, small trucks, or spoons. Encourage your child to scoop, pour, and explore different textures. For an added challenge, you can hide small objects inside and turn it into a mini treasure hunt.
Developmental Benefits:
Sensory bins promote fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and imaginative play.
2. DIY Playdough Fun
Playdough is a classic sensory activity that never gets old. Making it at home is easy and allows you to add colours, scents, or textures for extra fun.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar
- Food colouring and water
Activity:
Combine the ingredients with warm water until a dough forms. Let your child knead, roll, and mould the playdough into shapes. You can add scents like vanilla or lavender to make the experience even more engaging.
Developmental Benefits:
Playdough helps strengthen muscles in the hands, improves dexterity, and encourages creativity.
3. Sensory Water Play
Water play is a versatile and calming sensory activity for children of all ages. It’s particularly great for warm days but can be done indoors with the right setup.
What You’ll Need:
- A shallow tub or basin
- Cups, sponges, small toys, or containers
- Optional: food colouring, ice cubes, or water-safe objects
Activity:
Fill a tub with water and add objects like cups for pouring, sponges for squeezing, or small boats to float. You can also freeze small toys inside ice cubes for children to ‘rescue.’
Developmental Benefits:
Water play develops hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of cause and effect.
4. Explore Sensory Art
Sensory art activities combine creativity with tactile exploration, giving children the freedom to create and get messy.
What You’ll Need:
- Finger paints, shaving foam, or cornflour mixed with water
- Large paper or a tray
- Optional: brushes, sponges, or stamps
Activity:
Encourage your child to use their hands or tools to create patterns, shapes, and designs. For an added twist, you can mix paints with sand or rice to give it texture.
Developmental Benefits:
Sensory art supports fine motor skills, creativity, and early literacy through mark-making.
5. Nature Walk and Sensory Scavenger Hunt
Spending time outdoors is a fantastic way to engage the senses while exploring the natural world.
What You’ll Need:
- A checklist or prompts like “find something soft,” “listen for a bird,” or “touch a rough surface”
- A bag for collecting items (optional)
Activity:
Take your child on a walk in a park, garden, or woodland and encourage them to use their senses. Ask questions like, “What do you hear?” or “How does this leaf feel?”
Developmental Benefits:
A sensory scavenger hunt enhances observation skills, language development, and connection to nature.
Sensory activities are not only fun but also provide valuable opportunities for learning and development. Whether you’re getting creative with homemade playdough or exploring nature, these activities will engage your child’s senses and help them grow. Give these ideas a try and enjoy the joy of discovery together!
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