If you’re missing your sensory play programs at the library, here are five ideas from Children’s Specialist Margaret Lake (of Crozet Library’s It’s Bin Fun Sensory Play fame) that you can do with many household items that you may already have on hand.
- Fill a large bin with dry beans. When the child is done playing, snap on the lid and slide the bin under a bed.
- Put two primary color paints in a gallon Ziploc bag. Use packing tape to tape the bag to a low window, such as a sliding glass door. Or you can tape it to a table. The child can press on the bag to mix the paint and scribble lines and circles.
- Lay a blanket on the floor and place the child in the center. Two adults can each grasp two corners and lift the child from the floor. Then you can do some gentle swinging and bouncing.
- Hold the child on your lap and sing some songs. Some fan favorites include: Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Pat-a-Cake, and Yankee Doodle.
- Put some dry instant mashed potatoes in a large bowl. The child can play with them dry. When they start to get bored with that, gradually add water so they can explore it at different consistencies. You can also add food coloring at different stages.