Sensory Experiences

As if you hadn't noticed already, but I'll bring it up anyway, children love, love, LOVE to participate in hands-on, tactile activities. Sensory experiences are what young children are all about, so here's your chance to give them what they need to develop their maturing senses!


What is so wonderful about children is the same thing that can make them difficult - they are curious and explorative. Knowing this, we can devise learning experiences for them that allows them to explore and investigate. One of the best ways to keep your home clean (or clean-er) while providing your child with the opportunity to gain new sensory experiences is to use a sensory table. If you don't have the room or the monetary means to purchase one (because Lakeshore can be a tad expensive), I recommend a large, rectangular plastic bin. With this you have only the limits of your imagination to help guide you toward fun things with which to fill your sensory table.


Fun Ideas for Sensory Table Fillers

• Water with food coloring
• Sand (or molding sand, for a different texture)
• Dried coffee grounds
• Cake mix
• Cotton Balls, Q-Tips, and Tissue Paper
• Uncooked rice
• Uncooked pasta
• Uncooked oatmeal
• Or anything else that is safe and your child shows interest in!

*If you are beginning to notice a pattern (everyday household items) it's because children are curious about items that they are familiar with, but are not usually given the opportunity to play with or explore.


Anytime that you fill your sensory table, make sure to give your child manipulatives to encourage longer and more interactive play- I would recommend measuring cups, spoons, and plastics cups. Also, if your child really enjoys water play, give them items that need a little loving and add soap to the water to give those items a "bath." Children, I've noticed, really enjoy washing their play dishes and silverware as well as their baby dolls. If you decide to go this route, add in items that you use to clean (i.e. a sponge for the dishes or a loofa and a washcloth for the dolls).


When it comes to your child, the sky is the limit, so use your imagination (and get their input) to create a fun, innovative, and enriching learning experince.