Sensory
So, what exactly is sensory?
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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:
Sensory Play All Day
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.
Sensory Systems Ideas
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
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
Scented (Olfactory) Sensory Ideas
Taste (Gustatory) Sensory System Play Ideas and Oral Motor
Proprioception Sensory Ideas
Vestibular System Play Ideas
Auditory Processing Sensory Activities