As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child grow and develop, no matter their abilities. Sensory activities can be a fun and effective way to engage your child's senses and promote their overall development. In this blog post, we'll explore five simple and easy-to-do sensory activities that you can do at home with your child, using items that can be easily found around the house. These activities are suitable for children of all abilities, and can be adapted to meet your child's individual needs.
Activity #1 - Sensory Bins
Sensory bins are a great way to engage your child's senses and promote exploration and discovery. To create a sensory bin, simply fill a container with materials that provide different textures, such as rice, sand, or dried beans. You can also add small toys or objects for your child to discover. Encourage your child to use their hands to explore the materials, and talk to them about what they are discovering.
Activity #2 - DIY Sensory Bottles
Sensory bottles are another easy and fun sensory activity that you can create at home. To make a sensory bottle, fill a clear plastic bottle with water and add items such as glitter, beads, or small toys. You can also add food coloring to create different colors. Encourage your child to shake the bottle and watch as the items move around. This activity can also be a great tool for helping your child calm down and relax.
Activity #3 - Sensory Walk
A sensory walk is a fun way to engage your child's senses and promote physical activity. Create a sensory walk by laying out different materials such as foam mats, carpet squares, or cardboard boxes, each with a different texture. Encourage your child to walk barefoot or in socks, and talk to them about how each material feels under their feet.
Activity #4 - Sensory Playdough
Playdough is a classic childhood activity that can also be a great sensory tool. You can make your own sensory playdough by adding different scents or textures, such as cinnamon or glitter. Encourage your child to use their hands to explore the playdough, and talk to them about the different textures and scents they are experiencing.
Activity #5 - Sensory Balloon Play
Playing with balloons can be a fun and engaging way to promote sensory development. Blow up balloons of different sizes and colors, and encourage your child to play with them using their hands, feet, or even their whole body. You can also add different materials such as feathers or pom-poms inside the balloons to create different textures.
Engaging your child in sensory activities can be a fun and effective way to promote their overall development. These simple and easy-to-do activities can be done at home using items that can be easily found around the house. By exploring different textures, scents, and materials, your child can develop their sensory skills and engage in meaningful play.