Young children are very kinesthetic learners. They
need to explore, engage, and experiment with their hands and movements. Sensory
activities are often very meaningful experiences for young children. Sensory
activities can incorporate many concepts. It is very easy to incorporate
literacy, writing, communication, descriptive words, vocabulary, science,
cause/effect, art, and mathematical skills. It is also an activity that many
kids will engage with for an extended length of time. Engaging with these
activities is very conducive to language development as well. Keep in mind they
can get very messy! We use smocks at our sensory table and remind students
often that items stay inside the table. You can make your own sensory box with
a midsize container or use them outside where they can get messy.
Shaving Cream
Sand
Water
Gems
Rocks
Mud (Students were amazed I let them turn our sand
into mud last year. I did use a specific sand that dries out and is easily
sanitized.)
Beans
Corn
Rice
Paint
Glue
Playdoh
Tape and toilet/towel rolls
Spinning
Putty
Jumping (On trampoline or holding hands)
Squishy Balls (sensory, spikes, foam)
Sticky Items
Making Gak
Glue and shaving cream together
Our Speech-Language Pathologist suggests pudding,
mashed potatoes, sticky items, and squishy fruits as a sensory and tactile
activity with various students.
(Note from Carrie: LET YOUR CHILD GET MESSY!)
We add funnels, cups, spoons, scoops, shovels,
building materials, shapes, people, animals, etc. These activities allow for a
lot of dump and fill play and it’s a great visual activity too. You can hide
magnet numbers, letters, shapes, various items, and search for them. Whatever
items around your house or yard you are okay with your child exploring will
work!
