Investigating Detectives: Kid Sensory Science and Gardening with Egg Cartons
Sensory Play is a big buzz word. Back in the day, all my play time was sensory play. I'd run around outside, get filthy making mud pies and sand ice cream, dash through the sprinkler, plop in the bath, (where I swirled Dad's shaving cream into Mom's shampoo painting Picasso's all around the tub) and head to bed one truly happy camper. Make a sensory science egg carton garden with your kids!
Gardening: The original Sensory Play Based Learning.
Today, lots of people don't like to let their kids get messy or to be seen in dirty clothes, the horror!
Start your seeds in egg cartons in doors in early spring.
I sweep the kitchen and bathroom floor several times a week, but you'd never know it. Anytime you stop by for a visit you'll find dried mud, bits of dandelions, grains of sand, tiny twigs, and a few dead bugs. And, at least two kids in dirty clothes. I often joke, I'm no Martha Stewart, but I'm no June Cleaver either. Ahem... If I had to pick a t.v. personality's home to compare ours too... I fear we resemble Roseanne the most, just not so crass.
Everyday is Sensory Play day! Last week, Jake was covered in mud he found in a hole in the backyard. I plan to make some mud paint for my next sensory post. Amanda loves to investigate with her magnifying glass, ziploc baggies, and spoons from the kitchen drawer.
When our seedlings come up, we'll plant them in this little garden box we built together last year. We have healthy strawberry plants already!
Keep bunnies out of your garden with raised garden boxes.
Science projects cover the front porch, 'Please watch your step.' Our favorite toys are anything we can find growing in the yard.
This post was sponsored by Landscape Structures as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Have you noticed a change in your children when they're playing outside? Sure, they may complain that they're tired or that it's too hot or even that they're bored. However, outdoor play benefits kids in many ways. Once children have built the coping and social skills needed to interact in an outside play environment, the benefits of outdoor play far outweigh their complaints! What are the benefits to outdoor play? Keep reading to learn some tips on how to keep your kids happy outdoors.
What are the benefits of outdoor play?
Be Prepared.
When you take your kids to an outdoor play space or local park, be sure to be prepared. Bring a cooler with bottles of water for hydration, cool, healthy snacks like carrots and cucumbers, and go ahead and throw in a treat for when they've depleted all of their energy.
You may also want to bring a change of clothes, a non-toxic bug repellent, a blanket for resting, hats or sunglasses to shade them from the sun, and a first aid kit. Whatever you can do to insure the happiness of your children and counteract any excuses they may have for not wanting to play, only increases your chances for success.
If you're forgetful and always seem to forget the essentials, keep a park preparedness kit in your car. We never leave the house without folding chairs, a vinyl table cloth, and an umbrella packed in the trunk. If you leave a mini cooler in the trunk, it's always waiting there to be filled. You can simply stop at any convenience or grocery store along the way.
Benefits of Playing Outside
Best Places for Outdoor Play
No matter where you choose to incorporate outdoor play, it's beneficial to your child. Simply being outdoors in the sunshine can boost your child's immune system because the sun gives us vitamin D which is essential to health and happiness. Dr. Clare McCarthy shares some benefits of outdoor play over at Harvard Health. Even if you have a tiny yard, be sure to create a space for your child to get in some daily outdoor play. If they like to color or finger paint, set up a table for crafting outdoors.
Water is the most fun element of sensory play.
A well designed play structure will keep your kids busy for an hour or two. You may not be familiar with the brand name Landscape Structures, but I'll bet you've seen one or two. These playground structures aren't just for swinging and sliding, they're set up with all kinds of ways to get kids moving and to encourage sensory play.
When you give children the freedom to play and discover on their own, they build self-confidence to explore more things on their own. They want to see what else they can discover without mom or dad. So, sit back and relax while the kids explore the outdoor environment and find new ways to have fun.
Hello, over there! This megaphone encourages interaction with others.
Landscape Structures playgrounds are designed to welcome children of all ages and abilities. This play equipment has all kinds of sensory elements and play activities that encourage kids to work together making it easier for them to socialize with others. These playgrounds also encourage exercise, but don't worry, your kids will have so much fun playing on the equipment they won't even know they're exercising!
Sneaky playground equipment encourages exercise.
Sensory play aids in the learning process. Children who play outdoors have more access to sensory elements as the five senses are involved in nearly every aspect of outdoor play. They hear other children laughing, birds chirping, and bugs buzzing. They feel the wind on their face and the grass on their feet. They can even taste the outdoors when berry picking or licking their salty lips.
Practicing on the bars builds upper body strength and self-confidence.
These poles encourage learning to balance.
What will you do when it's raining? Rain is the best sensory activity! Grab an umbrella and some rain boots and slosh through some puddles with your kiddos! Reach up to the sky and savor the raindrops as they splash on your face. Show your children that rain is fun, don't discourage it. Rain even smells good! These days, most parks use rubber mulch. If storms do force you to stay inside for awhile, don't worry about the playground being wet. Be a good parent and take the first trip down the slide to dry it off for those finicky little ones.
Encourage social interaction with other kids, but don't force it. Kids are smart, they know what you're trying to do. If they're moody, they'll fight you every step of the way. Also, simply knowing that you want them to interact with other kids can make the feel self-conscious. They may feel too shy to talk to another child when they know that you're anxious for it to happen. Pretend to keep busy reading a book or returning a text. Don't get too caught up though, those little eyes are always watching you. Sometimes, they want you to watch them and know that you're proud of them. Always be ready with a thumb's up!
A simple way to encourage socialization is to point out a favorite character on another child's clothing. "Hey, look he's wearing a dinosaur shirt. Don't you love it!" Your child may not respond, that's okay. Don't push them. You've given them something to talk about. You've made a connection with another child. Sit back and watch what happens. Socializing may start out awkward. If you have a backward child, trying to force it will certainly backfire. Learn to be happy with a nod or a smile. The rest will come with time.
Outdoor play improves mood.
Sleepy kids!
As an exhausted parent, one of the best benefits of getting in a lot of outdoor play time with the kids is that you'll get to enjoy some down time when the kids take naps. Even if they are past nap taking, they'll probably stay quiet for the car ride home! Be careful not to let little ones get too over tired. Often, an over tied preschooler will have trouble sleeping through the night. They need just enough exertion for a good night's sleep. And no one wants an over tired toddler...
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Decorate Kids Room for Sensory Play Based Learning
Universal Design elements give children multiple means of inclusion in group settings and aid in learning techniques. Implement design elements into your child's room to incorporate play based learning. We're sharing tips to help you build and design a kid's room that is beautiful, fun, and educational. Enjoy!
Each child has a different learning style. Some children learn visually (visual), some learn by hands-on (kinesthetic), and some learn easily by lecture-style (aural).
A child's room based on universal design incorporating sensory play concepts can aid in the learning process and can give your child a bright future.
The smooth lines of this "rocking horse" chair help prevent injuries.
The concept of universal design, the brainchild of architect, Ronald Mace, began as a concept to design all products, spaces, and buildings to be both aesthetically pleasing and well functioning for everyone no matter their ability.
Some principles of universal design include:
Flexibility in use (The design complements a wide range of preferences and abilities.)
Simple and intuitive use (The design is easy to understand.)
Tolerance of error (The design minimizes hazards and unintended actions.)
Size and space for approach and use (Appropriate space for reach and manipulation whether right or left handed is incorporated in the layout and design.)
Low physical effort (Design can be used comfortably no matter your mobility/motor skills.)
Equitable use (The design is useful and marketable to people with varying abilities.)
Perceptible information (The design communicates information regardless of the user's sensory abilities.)
This bunk bed may not allow for children of all abilities to sleep on top, but it is designed with a sleeping space for people of all abilities. The added element of a secret cubby for hide and seek, a reading nook, or just a private getaway space makes it perfect for sensory play. Children can climb to the top bunk and enjoy a spontaneous game of pretend Castle play.
Incorporate child size spatial elements to give your child a sense of security. A special place all their own is comforting and encourages imaginative play. Children learn by mimicking adults. Give them the necessary tools to explore. In a tent like this, the child becomes "big" which helps give their confidence a boost in contrast to the daily reminders of their diminutive size in oversized spaces and furniture designed for adults.
A plush, comfortable rug like this one makes a good place for creative play. The rug is tactile, thick, and soft. The visual sense is explored in the elemental colors and shapes that connect to form a castle.
When decorating your child's room, think of the five senses and add items that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sensitive to their sensory abilities. Recommended Reading: The Knight and the Dragon (Paperstar Book)*
Do you have Sensory Play Activitieson your blog? Are you looking for Sensory Play Activity Lesson Plans or Curriculum to do with your toddler, preschool class, or day care program? These sensory activities make it easy to plan your curriculum and prep those lesson plans. Check back often for our Sensory Play Linky Parties.Enjoy!
Are you looking for sensory activities to do with a baby, toddler, preschooler, elementary age, or teen child? We've got you covered with a linky party. If you have a blog or website, please link up your posts in the comments. Older children with sensory processing disorders, such as Autism benefit in the same way younger children do. Children can explore their senses with these sensory activities and become accustomed to the sensation of cold paint on their fingers, the sound of crackling paper, the smell of scented dough or spice paints, the taste of edible crafts, and the visual impact of it all.
From our Sensory Play Messy Class for Preschoolers and Toddlers: Worm Painting with Spaghetti and Edible Paint Art
Sensory Play is a great way to help preschoolers learn. It also helps with disorders of the Autism spectrum when the child is allowed to explore the subject matter on their own without being pushed. This activity is messy, squishy, fun, and even edible! Enjoy!
Getting Started with Cooked Spaghetti
Inspired Modern Art. Worm Painting?
Spaghetti Painting for Edible Art and Sensory Play feels like worms.
Swirl the Spaghetti in the paint, then onto your paper.
Since most in the class are toddlers, I paraphrase the words to get thru it quickly, paying a lot of attention to the photos and asking, "What is that?". We paired this with the Children's Book, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Next, I gave each child a spaghetti noodle to study. Then, we stood up pretending we were squigly spaghetti noodles. Oops, spaghetti can't stand up, so we fell to the floor and squirmed like worms. We finished up with a game of Duck, Duck, Goose but why not try Worm, Worm, Catepillar? Painting was a huge success. The sticky spaghetti is so fun, enjoy! Recommended Reading: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
We've had many great years teaching messy play and preschool classes for The Play Connection and hope the future will send even more blessings our way. Here are our top sensory and messy play preschool activities from 2013. What a blast from the past!
This post contains affiliate links.
Here is a listing of our top posts of 2013. Many offer great ideas for fun, preschool activities, clip art, and lots of fun for kids! Enjoy!
There are many Homeschool Lessons in this series, so make sure you click the labels under each post. (Still Life, Water Coloring for Kids, Weaving, Self-Portrait activities, Building Models for Science, Christmas Gingerbread House how to diy, Color Theory Lessons, Primary Colors, and even some History along the way - it's art to me how we've designed our lives throughout the years. I hope you will follow along on the journey.)
We published a Kitchen Kids Cookbook with mix and make recipes for kids. We helped fund raise for Santa's Elves of Indy, we started Homeschooling through INCA (Indiana Connections Academy,) and we moved to a house in the country.
2013 holds many dreams as we look forward to gardening, raising chickens, goats, and hopefully bunnies and alpacas, get that YA novel published, and share a few of the many stage plays and skits for kids I've written over the years. Bring it! I am excited to get started :-) What does your future hold? Leave a comment and let us know.
This winter craft idea for kids focuses on how to make snow for your Ice Age Dinosaurs. In this DIY, you'll use wax paper. Enjoy!
Ice Age creative play with Dinosaurs, Diego, and wax paper snow activity for kids.
We've shared many sensory activities for kids, but this winter one is the cat's meow! So, I've been saving a a bag of snow since my Grandmother passed away. I inherited it with a few pieces of her snow village. A few years ago, I used store bought snow for my village, as I wasn't ready to use hers or risk losing it around the cats and little ones. This year, I pulled it out and dumped it around my village. It was as remarkable as I remembered. Enjoy!
The cat kept climbing in it spreading it all over the floor. During the holidays, I brushed it under the table to clean up later. Later came, I began carefully picking up the pieces preparing to place them in a baggie for next year, when somehow the glistening bits of fake snow appeared more familiar than I'd ever known. This wasn't fake snow at all. It was tiny pieces of shredded wax paper! I made a collage with snowy scenes around my house so you can see how natural it looks.
Make Fake Snow out of Wax Paper.
Ice Age Dinosaurs, Sensory Snow Play.
Grandma's fake wax paper snow village versus real snow covered pine trees in the landscape.
Sneaky Grandma, surprising me from the grave. I hadn't realized she was so creative. One year, on my parents twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, she volunteered to get SILVER vases for the table centerpieces. She brought them just before the guests arrived, and I was astonished to see plastic glasses of some sort wrapped in aluminium foil. Not her crafty-ist moment. It felt a little tacky for what I had planned, but certainly creative.
And now, the snow.
What an easy project for your snow globes, snowman in a jar, I -spy Christmas ornaments, or just for an ordinary day ofcreative playwith plastic animals or Legos. We decided to play Ice Age with ours. I'll save Grandmas, just thinking how she took the time to craft it makes me smile.
So, grab your wax paper. Do not cut it. Tear it into tiny shreds and store in a Ziploc bag for your kiddos. So easy, so fun and perfect for SENSORY PLAY! Thanks, Grandma!
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
When is Dr. Seuss's Birthday? Celebrate with Sue Snue Birthday Party Activities
I bet Dr. Seuss, Theodore Geisel, liked to celebrate April Fool's Day. Why not celebrate his birthday with this joke shaving cream cake trick activity and read Sue Snue. Dr. Seuss's Birthday is March 2, 1904. Remember, it is Seuss, not Suess.Enjoy!
Theodore Geisel: Dr. Seuss.
Shaving Cream is Versatile. Mix up one batch and enjoy three fun, messy activities for kids. This is a fun way to celebrate a kids' birthday party!
Shaving Cream Sensory Play Ideas.
You will need:
1 can of Shaving Cream
Gel Food Coloring
Plastic Spoons
Cake Decorating Sprinkles
Birthday Candles
Recycle Plastic Containers
Paint Brush
Read "Who Are You, Sue Snue?" From Jim Henson's Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss. Sue has a birthday and everyone in town wonders what she will do to celebrate.
Who Are You, Sue Snue? From Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss.
Fun Kid's Activity #1
Mix up some shaving cream with a few drops of your favorite color of gel food coloring. Grab a clean, empty, cream cheese container, turn it upside down, and ice it like a cake. Add a candle on top. This is a great idea forSensory Play!
Fake Shaving Cream Birthday Cake for playing an April Fool's Joke on your kids.
Cool Craft for Kids #1 Variation The cake looks good enough to eat. Why not play a fun April Fool's Joke on a friend?
Trick your children with this fake joke cake for April Fool's.
Activity #3 After the kids have made a sufficient mess, use your left-over shaving cream "icing" in the bathtub. It works great and cleans up easily. (They are going to need a bath!)
*Special Thanks to Momto2PoshLilDivas for the cake idea.
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.
*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
Cardboard Toilet Tubes turned Holiday Hats How many rolls of toilet paper do you go though each month? We've got to recycle that ca...
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