Most preschoolers love playing in sandboxes, but without a lot of work we can turn playtime into a little bit of educational fun, too.
This roundup of sandbox learning activities from Books and Giggles is a great place to start. It has everything from sensory ideas to literacy, STEM activities and more.
Some of my favorites include sight words in the sand from I Can Teach My Child (great if you have lots of shells collected from beach vacations) and the rain gutter sandbox from Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds.
Do you work playful learning into sandbox time? I’d love to hear your ideas.
[Photo: Books and Giggles.]
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.
Rainbow Sensory Activity bin –
A rainbow sensory activity bin is a vibrant and engaging play space that is filled with a variety of materials in different colors of the rainbow. Children can explore the materials using their senses, including sight, touch, and sound, and can use their imaginations to create their own play scenarios.
Creating a rainbow sensory activity bin is easy and affordable, and can be customized to suit your child’s interests and developmental needs. You can include a variety of materials such as rice, pasta, pom-poms, feathers, and more, all in different colors of the rainbow. Children can use tools such as scoops, spoons, and funnels to manipulate the materials and create their own sensory experiences.
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.
Leave a Reply