Introduction
Hi! I’m Ayesha from Little Sensory Play. I share easy sensory ideas on my page, suitable for all ages! I am a teacher and mum of a little girl called Elana. She loves to craft, play and squish things. I started my page during lockdown, selling sensory loose parts on Etsy. I’m now back at work as a teacher full time but still love to make sensory crafts and resources for (and with) my little one!
What is sensory play?
Sensory play is anything that sparks the senses. Using materials in your home or nature are the best ways because they’re often free or cheap and very simple! Sensory play at home doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Sensory (and open ended) play has been a saviour and a definite parenting hack for when I need a few minutes of peace and a hot drink. Here are some of my ideas!
Make a sensory bottle
You can fill your bottles with anything! Water and glitter, or loose parts (any random objects such as buttons, beads, peppercorn, sticks!). We have made nature sensory bottles in the Autumn previously. Pick leaves, acorns, pine cones, fallen petals, and separate each item in a separate bottle! This is so fun as a visual aid, to explore the seasons, to feel nature, as well as practising mathematical skills like counting and sorting! I buy mine from Amazon but you can use any small, empty bottle. Just make sure you seal the lid shut with either strong tape or a hot glue gun to ensure little ones can’t open it and mouth the pieces! Always supervise closely when playing.
Nature painting
This is a fun one to do in the garden! Go outside armed with some paint and some scrap paper. Make a paintbrush using fallen twigs and leaves. I have previously found huge leaves in the woods and took them home. Elana painted with them straight away onto some scrap cardboard boxes that I was about to chuck in the recycling bin!
Dye your own loose parts
I know some people are against this because of the cost of living etc, but I can assure you that dying a small amount of rice or chickpeas becomes a cheap way to create small world scenes that will last for years if kept in an airtight jar. Not only this, they can be re-dyed several times over! To dye your own rice, you just need a container, a couple of splodges of paint, OR liquid food colouring. Give them a good mix and leave on a baking tray (with parchment paper underneath!) to dry. Within half an hour you will have an amazing array of colours to mix and explore! Be prepared for mess though! Rice gets everywhere but can be contained if you use a deep tray. I have used large oven trays in the past, or invest in a large tuff tray to contain the mess. Warning: dyed loose parts are inedible and must be kept away from small children under 3 and also pets. Always closely supervise when playing!
One thing that some parents who are new to sensory play worry about, is the mess. Sometimes, it does get messy. However, it is so beneficial for the children. It allows them the space and freedom to explore, play, learn and develop in so many ways. It gives you precious time to do certain jobs around the house, or catch up with some work. Just have a few tools in your arsenal, like towels or wipes and a large tray, or pick sensory play ideas that don’t involve mess! Mirrors, real coins, foil, pipe cleaners, pine cones, are all brilliant sensory materials and don’t cost the earth. Have fun with it, and go by what your child is interested in! Go follow @littlesensoryplay on Instagram for more simple sensory play ideas
