This summer the children have been engaging in many different sensory activities. As the name implies, sensory play is designed to engage all of the senses: touch, sight, smell, hearing, and taste. Young children are natural born scientists, constantly experimenting and making discoveries about the world around them. One of our room's favorite tactile experiences is "Oobleck," a simple mixture of corn starch and water.
Oobleck
Discovering viscosity
Sharing a tray
Mixing colors
Making playdough
Shaving cream smells great and it washes off easily
Elbow pasta is light weight and feels smooth on the skin. Using tongs to pick small toys out of the pasta is a great way to hone fine motor skills.
I's car changed color in cold water and warm water.
Dried corn, bird seed, and pine pellets all feel, sound, and smell different.
Tacks, balloons, foil, and tissue paper make a beautiful 3D piece of art!
The children's conversation about what they were making and reminding their friends about sharp tacks was so neat to be a part of.
Water color pencils feel cool and a little ticklely on the face.
The children used mirrors to draw on their own faces.
I.W. grew an enormous sunflower at home, it was about 12' tall, then brought it in to share with the class.
He shared pictures of how tall the flower grew.
Then the children got to taste sunflower seeds.
Wow! Seeing all the little sunflower seeds tucked away under the little blossoms.
The flower was very heavy! Thank you, I.W., and mom, for sharing such an amazing plant with us.
Keep the sensory learning going!
Teacher Kristina, Teacher Thaovy, and Teacher Aimee
For some sensory ideas to do at home, please visit http:/www.kidsactivities.about.com. Or http:/www.pbs.org/parents/child-development/sensory-play/
