Sensory

So, what exactly is sensory?

Remember learning about the senses in school? Did you know we actually have 8 sensory systems? There is so much to understand about sensory processing, and how kids can respond to sensory input in each of these sensory areas. Explore these blog posts for information on sensory-friendly classrooms, sensory diets, and how to address hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, under-responsiveness, and sensory meltdowns. Here, you’ll find sensory play ideas to meet every need. Let’s nail down sensory processing so you can have the tools you need for thriving kids and families!

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What do all these words mean?

There’s no doubt that sensory play is a huge source of play-based learning and development in kids. Sensory activities support sensory processing and integration of sensory systems, but also the tactile, visual, and movement challenges impact development in all areas. Here, you’ll discover various play activities for kids of all ages. Use these ideas in occupational therapy interventions, in multisensory learning, and in the classroom.

Sensory Play

Stop by and check out all of these sensory ideas.  Don’t see a link for what you are looking for?  This page is being updated (sleep calls!).  Don’t worry though–Pop a description of the image below into the search bar on the sidebar and you will find the sensory-based play ideas linked there.

I am a big advocate for sensory play with kids.  There is so much learning that takes place during sensory experiences.  Exploring textures, manipulating items, scents…the list can go on and on!  When a child explores the world through their senses, they develop fine motor skills, gross motor skills, language abilities, self-confidence, and so much more. 

While play definitely is based on the body’s senses, there are also the vestibular and proprioception senses that provide input to a child.  Any experience involves the body’s ability to take in sensory input, process it, and provide appropriate responses.  During all of this learning is happening!  


This page is a place where we’ll share all of our sensory-friendly play and learning activities in one place.  We have many more old posts to add and SO many new ideas to share with you.  Stop back often so you can see what we’ve been up to. 

So many of these ideas you will find on this page are perfect for using in sensory diets and sensory challenges to address sensory processing needs. Read more about how to create a sensory diet.

One of our most popular resources is our printable sensory paths. Check out these sensory stations as a sensory play material that kids love:

  1. Summer Sensory Stations
  2. Fall Sensory Stations
  3. Winter Sensory Stations
  4. Spring Sensory Stations
 
Sensory activities for kids
 
 
 
Have fun playing and exploring the senses!
 
sensory play ideas for kids
 

Sensory Play All Day

For a better understanding of how to incorporate sensory experiences into a scheduled plan for individual children, read more about what a sensory diet is and how to address common concerns.
 

Carryover of sensory strategies is extremely important in both the home and in the classroom. If activities are not able to be carried out, then a different sensory strategy should be incorporated into the child’s sensory diet.

When using The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook to create and monitor sensory diets, users will find the Daily Sensory Diet Sheet and the Sensory Diet Schedule to be effective tools for carryover and monitoring strategies.

Use the Sensory Diet Effectiveness Tool, found in the Addendum of this book, to monitor sensory diet results and strategies. This form should be completed after a sensory diet has been in effect for two weeks.

 
 
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Sensory processing red flags for parents to help identify sensory needs in kidsWhy do kids need a sensory diet to help with sensory processing problems? Sensory Coping StrategiesSensory processing disorder free printable packet of information on SPD
 
 
 
 
 
Shamrock Balance Beam Vestibular Sensory Sensory activity for kids with animal crackersTravel Sensory Diet Bag for on-the-go-sensory needsClothing fasteners and sensory processing issues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Oobleck in the Marble Run  Alphabet Discovery Bottle
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Snowball Shot put Sensory Play for Kids Llama Llama Red Pajama Proprioception Sensory Play Christmas carols sensory bins for kidssensory summer camp at home idea for handwriting summer camp for kids using all of the senses to prevent the summer slide.
 
 
 
 
 
Sensory play ideas for kids to inspire learning and sensory processing experiences
 

Sensory Systems Ideas

Try the activities based on the various sensory systems listed below. Each activity is listed out by sensory system.  Try more than one!  You can address a different sensory system each day with this list!
 

Tactile Play Ideas

 

Sensory Paint Play


Valentine’s Day Goop Painting


Valentine’s Day Sensory Bin


Outdoor Dandelion Messy Water Play


Water Bin Play Series


Relaxing Lavender Water Bin


10+ Water Bin Ideas for Learning


Snowy Farm Sensory Bin


Fine Motor Sensory Water Bin


Calming Waterbead Water Bin


Color Matching Water Bin with Letters


Textured Paint Sensory Play


Blue Sensory Toddler Tray


Red, White, and Blue Goopy Dough


Purple Water bead Sensory Bin


Sensory Handwriting Practice


Make Your Own Colored Sand to use in sensory play


Spring Sensory Seek and Find


Pool Noodle Water Bin


I Spy Sight Word Sensory Bottle


Halloween Sensory Bin


Halloween Sensory Table


Egg Carton Pumpkins Fall Sensory Bins


Learning Through Play with 60+ Sensory Bins


Snowy Farm Sensory Bin


Relaxing Lavender Water Bin


Multi-Age Letter Learning Bin


3 Rainbow Sensory Bins


Letter Bin


Honey Bee Sensory Bin


The Best Sensory Activities of 2013


Candy Cane Noodle Sensory Play


Ultimate List of Christmas Sensory Ideas for Kids


Candy Cane Scented Moon Dough Sensory Activity


Gift Guide Toys to Inspire Sensory-based Play

Soda Dough Snowmen

Baby and Toddler Sensory Floor Play


Messy Sensory Ideas for Kids


Window No-Mess Sensory Spelling


Mess-Free Bubble Wrap Painting


Color Matching Water Bin


Swamp Water Bin Sensory Fun 


Swamp Dough


Colors Water Play Sensory Bin


Toddler Ping Pong Visual Motor Activity


Island Luau Water Bin Sensory Play


Outdoor Dandelion Water Bin Messy Play


Tactile Sensory Backyard Activities


Sensory Bin Base Filler Ideas


Fizzy Soda Dough Activity


Visual System Play Ideas

Read more about the Visual Sense and Visual Motor Activities HERE.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Scented (Olfactory) Sensory Ideas

 
 
 
 

Taste (Gustatory) Sensory System Play Ideas and Oral Motor

 
 
 
 

Proprioception Sensory Ideas 

Read more about the proprioception sense and Proprioception Sensory Activities HERE.
 
 
 
 
Sensory Play Ideas for Kids
 
Be sure to stop back for more sensory ideas for kids and families!