We all know that when working with children with special needs, sensory integration is important for self-regulation throughout the day. There are a multitude of ways that a child can get sensory input or output in their everyday routines. A lot of these can be easily made in order to use.
I have a bundle of 9 sensory experiments that can be used both at school and at home that are so easy to make 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 that shows you how to make it and use it in the classroom!
All Visual Sensory Experiments include:
– visual sensory experiment sequencing (with real pictures) and sequencing mat
– adapted visual experiment workpages
-pages to create a visual recipe file folder
-4″ sequencing cards
-comprehension questions
-experiment survey
Some other easy Sensory Resources that could be made at home or at school are:
Sock and Beans
This is an EASY way to upcycle all of those singleton socks that come out of the washer and dryer. Take one of these socks, fill it with some dry beans, and you have yourself a weighted sensory friend to take on the go, whenever needed.
Water Beads Stress Ball Activity
This FREEBIE activity, is so easy to make using easy to find materials like water beads and a balloon. Your kids will love helping you make this, as well as loving using it to squeeze it when they feel the need to release some stimulation. Watch this video too to see how they are made.
Sensory Bins
To create a sensory bin, simply fill a small tub or containers with objects from nature such as leaves, rocks, and sand that have different textures. You can also use foods like pasta, rice, or beans, along with spoons, cups, bowls, and small toys to bury, dig and discover.
Playing with Food
Is it messy? Yes, but what toddler doesn’t enjoy playing with food? Squishing, smearing and tasting as they go. Twisting noodles, smearing yogurt, and squishing beans can all be satisfying activities for curious hands, and event tasty at the same time!
Is there a sensory integration that you and/or your little ones that weren’t mentioned above? What are some of your favorites to use? Let us know in the comments!
