A network to share best practices for children with special needs
Sensory Bins and Playdough
We are homeschoolers and sometimes use sensory bins and playdough activities for learning or fun. This year, I plan to have both available whenever we have learning times so the kids can use them to self-regulate. I would love to hear about your favorite uses for these, sensory bin "ingredients", tips, etc.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Matil Vallianos on -
Hello- I use many sensory related activities all the time! :) A great tactile sensory activity that many of my clients love is playing with birdseed. I put birdseed in a tub/container and place objects related to theme or vocabulary words I am targeting (e.g. for Halloween I put plastic spiders, pumpkins, cups for pouring). It's great for fine motor, language, and sensory/regulation. Enjoy! :)
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Permalink Reply by Martianne Stanger on
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Shaving cream is big for us, such as our Sensory Snow and Ice tray, as are gel paints, but neither would work well in a sensory bin for multiple time use. I do look forward to eharing others' replies, though.
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Permalink Reply by Martianne Stanger on
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here are some of my thoughts on playdough as a learning tool and here are some of our snowdough tray creations, too
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Permalink Reply by Nicholle Taurins on
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I was working in a preschool last week which used a water table. They had things that would sink, those that would float, etc. The unique thing was that it was scented. She'd put peppermint extract in the water to add an extra sensory experience. The kiddos loved it!
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Permalink Reply by Carrie-Anne Irby on -
I just added water beads. The ones that use for plants. Here is the official website, but you can find them much cheaper. http://waterbeads.net/ I actually got a small bottle of clear at Dollar Tree. I order a set of colored ones from Amazon.
Carrie-Anne
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Permalink Reply by Chloe R. on
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Some ideas:
Different textures of papers for the childrent to rip or include scissors and they can also work on cutting.
Oobleck or Fluubber
Different colors of rice
Insta-Snow
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Permalink Reply by Martianne Stanger on
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Thank you for all the ideas and input. We use many of these things and appreciate hearing about others' ideas. Not a sensory bin material necessary, but a recent find we LOVE is Thinking Putty.
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Permalink Reply by Chloe R. on
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Play foam is a lot of fun as well!!!!!!!!!! I love the fact that it doesn't seem to smell or leave a smell on your hands like Play Doh does.
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Permalink Reply by Nicholle Taurins on
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I agree, Chloe. Playfoam rocks! It's not messy, doesn't smell, and best of all, doesn't dry out and get all crusty! My kiddos love it!
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Permalink Reply by Hannah Ehrli on -
Moon Sand is fabulous. I was given a sample pack for my classroom this year and I can't get enough of it. Rice bins are great as are kidney beans
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Permalink Reply by Meredith Richter on
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You can find MANY recipes for playdoughs and "moon sand" from homemade ingredients online. My favorites are adding glitter and essential oils to the playdough. The "moon sand" is made from flour and baby oil and has a fabulous texture. We always buy a variety of things to add to our sensory table after holidays or seasons are over and things are marked down. I do try to think of including as many senses as possible when I plan my sensory experiences.
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