I love thinking of ways to provide children with simple everyday opportunities to engage in sensory play activities and experiences. I truly believe it is one of the best forms of play that educators and parents can offer young children.
I also believe being exposed to sensory play in different forms is a big reason why my daughter Ruby was able to overcome many of her sensory processing challenges. I worked hard to make sure she was exposed to many different textures, smells and play experiences since she was a baby and I’ve seen how it has worked to desensitize her fear in many areas so you can certainly see why I feel it is so important!
Sensory play is not just 'messy play' (although I do love the many benefits of messy play!). Even if you don't feel comfortable providing everyday messy play experiences there is no excuse not to regularly provide access to simple sensory play for all ages with just a few simple resources or tools.
And before you tell me you don't have the time or budget.... take a wander through the DIY projects shared below for a little inspiration and motivation to get cracking making your own sensory paths, walls and toys - many you can also create WITH the children!
I'm sharing some of my favourite projects from around the web as well as highlighting the creative DIY skills of some of our Empowered Ed Facebook Community Educators.
Make a Sensory Wall!
Sensory walls invite investigation, exploration using different senses and opportunities to extend on language skills. No need to overthink how to set one up though - if you don't have a wall space you can use why not try the back of a door, a wooden board, fence, or length of material you can hang from a tree branch.
Take a look at some of the ideas shared below to help get those creative juices flowing!
Inspiration above left to right...
Inspiration above beginning top left...
DIY Inspiration above with this clever 2 sided sensory board from Empowered Educator Member Lisa...
Make a Sensory Path!
Sensory pathways don't need to break the budget or take a landscape builder to put together. Collect a few different everyday materials, decide on what you can use for your edging (that you will no doubt already have lying around somewhere) then put it together any way you like - short or long it is up to you. Why not ask the children to help you with the design and construction and work on it together as a group project?
If you need a little inspiration to take the next step (yep, see what I did there ha!) take a look through these ideas from some of our clever Empowered Educator Facebook Group Community Members.
DIY Sensory Toys to Make!!
Not sure how to engage babies and toddlers in simple but fun sensory play experiences? Try making some of your own resources using the ideas below!
Why not join our Empowered Ed Community – you will find early childhood educators from around the world sharing ideas, inspiration and support!
If you loved this post why not Pin it – you can also follow my Sensory Play Board on Pinterest.
A Little About Me
Jodie Clarke is an early childhood professional supporting educators who want and need to stay passionate about the work they do! She has 30 years hands-on experience in the early childhood and human services sectors across many different roles.
Jodie is mum to 3 in Australia and has already helped thousands of educators with their work through her popular blog posts, activity ideas, online training and e-books.
I love these ideas, so affordable to use things you’ve already got lying around. Im going to try it.