We all know that when working with children with special needs, sensory integration is important for self-regulation throughout the day. There are many ways a child can gain sensory input or output in their daily routines. Many of them can be easily made to be used.
I have a pack of 9 sensory experiments that can be used both at school and at home that are so easy to do and use over and over again.
Visual sensory experiments
- How to dye rice
- How to dye pasta
- How to make dough
- How to make slime
- How to make sensory bottles
- How to make Floam
- How to make sensory balloons
- How to make lava bags
- How to Make Moon Sand – I also have a YouTube video showing you how to make it and use it in the classroom!
All visual sensory experiments include:
– sequencing of visual sensory experiments (with real images) and sequence pad
– customized visual experiment worksheets
-pages to create a visual recipe files folder
-4″ sequence cards
– comprehension questions
– experimental research
Some other easy sensory resources to create at home or at school are:
Sock and beans
This is an EASY way to upcycle all those solid color socks that come out of the washer and dryer. Grab one of these socks, fill it with dry beans, and you’ll have a valued sensory friend to take on the go whenever needed.
Water beads Stress ball
This FREEBIE activity is easy to do using readily available materials like water beads and a balloon. Your kids will love helping you make it, as well as love using it to squeeze when they feel the need to release some stimulation. Also watch this video to see how it’s made.
Sensory bins
To create a sensory container, simply fill a small tub or container with objects from nature such as leaves, rocks and sand that have different textures. You can also use foods such as pasta, rice or beans, along with spoons, cups, bowls and small toys for digging, digging and exploring.
Playing with food
Is it messy? Yes, but what toddler doesn’t like to play with food? Squeezing, spreading and tasting as you go. Twisting noodles, spreading yogurt and squeezing beans can be a satisfying activity for inquisitive hands and taste good at the same time!
Is there any sensory integration that you and/or your little ones didn’t mention above? What are your favorite uses? Let us know in the comments!
