Have you ever wondered how a toddler would interact if you put musical instruments in front of her? Babies and toddlers learn through play. Music is sound, rhythm, and more. All of that can translate to music, math, and science. Enjoy!
This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience.
A great way for a toddler to learn is by hitting a drum, shaking a maraca, a tambourine, or some shaker eggs. You can make your own drum, grab some pots and pans, or buy a baby music set to teach your baby to play music. We’ve experimented with the B. Parum Pum Pum Drum Set. This set is for ages 18 months-24 months, and it is perfect for baby sensory play.
Music is one of the best forms of baby and toddler sensory play.
Our baby tester loved playing with this toy. She laughed and mimicked mommy hitting the drum. Beat the drum and count out to ten. This is a great way to introduce counting to a toddler. Practice with them.
Will she tap the drum ten times too? Make it a game and practice each day. You can experiment with patterns too. You know, rumpa pum pum. Tap the drum or shake a shaker in a numerical pattern: 3-1-3-1-3-1 or 5-2-5-2-5-2 and so on. If you speak the counting of each beat, the child will begin to learn to count as well: “One- two three- one- one- two- three- one- one- two- three- one.
Baby’s favorite toy in the B. Parum Pum Pum Drum Set is the shaker egg. Whenever she shakes it she laughs! Each instrument makes a different sound which is excellent for sensory play. Demonstrate each toy’s sound to your toddler. Can she copy the sound with her voice? “Shh Shh Shh Shh”. Practicing to copy these sounds, and moving her lips to form the sounds, can help her learn to speak.
This music play set should entertain your child, keeping her busy for long enough for you to do the dishes! If you have older children, they can join in on the fun too. Let them be a babysitter and play tutor. They will enjoy making music (or just banging and shaking the instruments to make noise). All of the items store inside the drum so it stays together making it easy to put away.
Baby play with musical Instruments helps a child learn creativity through play. Another way to teach creativity and reduce sensory issues is to paint. Starting art lessons early will aid in color and shape recognition. Check out the recommended reading list below to find more posts and books on sensory play for babies and toddlers.
Maybe you need an easy recipe for how to make doughor you're wondering how do I make play dough at home? How to make clay dough for older kidsHere are fun clay and dough recipes to make at home with kids of all ages. How to make play dough recipe: 2 c. corn starch, 1 c. salt, 1 1/2 c. boiling water, 2 tbs. cream of tartar, 2 tbs oil (vegetable oil to keep it edible or baby oil to make it fun and a pleasant scent) Mix all ingredients together, then add a couple drops of your favorite food coloring. You can also separate into individual baggies, add a different drop of food color to each bag, and knead to mix. Let the kids do this for extra sensory play! You can make it without cream of tar tar too; the oil will fill the void it just might not stay fresh as long :)
Sensory Guest Post from Krissy Sherman Bonning, Mama of 3, and Blogger at B.Inspired, Mama! (Connecting moms with kid-friendly arts & crafts, easy recipes, and preschool learning fun.) Hop over to Krissy's blog and check out all of the cool fun from a Mommy with a Master's degree in Art Education.
I found an exciting feature on her blog, she accepts Submissions from other bloggers! Get your fun ideas posted and earn yourself some much deserved recognition.
Fun things to do with Playdough at home.
My kids’ go-to sensory activity is definitely play dough. The ways you can play with it are endless. And adding unusual objects and art supplies to it make it even more fun. Here are some of our favorites:
Stencils – Use them to place on the play dough and trace around, press into the play dough to make impressions, and for imaginative play, too.
Recycled Bottles – Next time you drink something out of a plastic bottle, check out the bottom. It will probably make a really cool flower-like impression in play dough. (from B-Inspired Mama)
Muffin Cups – Silicone muffin cups are perfect for making pretend cupcakes and muffins for an impromptu Birthday party or picnic. (from B-Inspired Mama)
Fake Flowers – Plant them in play dough to make a beautiful flower garden for imaginative gardening fun. (from The Imagination Tree)
Animals – Green play dough makes the perfect jungle for little animal friends. (from Picklebums)
Googly Eyes – Bright your play dough to life and make silly monsters with lots of googly eyes. (from Pink and Green Mama)
Candy Molds – Use chocolate play dough to make pretend candies and fun shapes with candy molds. (from Learning 4 Kids)
Laminated Play Dough Mats – Laminate images and learning worksheets for kids to add play dough details, letters, and snakes to. (from Planet of the Apels)
Alphabet Cookie Cutters – Make play dough fun a learning opportunity by adding letter cookie cutters. (from No Time for Flash Cards)
Glitter – Add lots of glitter to turn play dough into a glistening glob for galaxy fun. (from Poppytalk)
Trucks & Cars – Play dough makes fun hills for driving over and tires on toy vehicles make awesome impressions. (from B-Inspired Mama)
Do your kids like playing with play dough? Have you ever used anything unusual to make it more fun?
Whether your toddler loves to get messy or hates it, sensory play activities are essential to learning. When more than one sense is involved in learning, learning becomes easier. This Sight Word Sensory Activity with Shaving Cream and Foil is Messy, noisy, andfun for preschoolers. It also makes a great high chair activity for toddlers. Enjoy!
Shaving cream, aluminum foil, food coloring, and paper confetti for Sight Word sensory play.
The little explorers love the sensation of feeling a new substance. They learn hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and the ability to deal with being messy through sensory play. This activity is great for young children two to six years old.
So, what senses are used?
Hearing: The aluminum foil is noisy. Cream makes a swoosh when it comes out of the can. Shake the sprinkles to the beat of your favorite song.
Sight: Add lots of colors for eye candy or combine different colors of food coloring, and watch as they change into a new color.
Taste: Use canned cream and sprinkles (see below).
Touch: Aluminum is smooth and crinkly. Shaving cream is cold and wet. Dots are difficult to pick up. Squish a little shaving cream on your fingers to make picking them up easier and more fun.
Smell: Shaving cream comes in lots of scents like spearmint, peppermint, or perfumes. Add scented oils or extract for more scentsations :)
One of my favorite things to use for sensory play is shaving cream. It comes in varying scents, it always feels cold, it is light, fluffy, and super fun! For our last messy play class, we gave each child a large piece of aluminum foil, wrote the first initial of their name, squirted a few drops of food coloring in a blob of cream, and recycled paper from hole punches. Fun activity for toddler shaving cream on aluminum foil. Messy, sensory play is a great tool to use to aid in sensory processing disorders. Starting a sensory play regimen early gives children the best chance for improvement.
What do you think happened? It was quite surprising. No one messed up their letter. They played and mixed the blob with food coloring, they picked up the dots and moved them around, but not one preschooler smooshed their letter!
I demonstrated by decorating my letter with the pieces of paper and mixing in the colored shaving cream. After this, they were still reluctant to ruin their letters, but eventually one or two began to decorate their letters. Finally, everyone joined in making faces with the paper and swirling the cold cream around.
This is a great way to teach your toddler the alphabet. Gently, take their finger and trace the letters. Focus on a new letter each day. Add an alphabet coloring sheet. Tip: For an EDIBLE option, use refrigerated, canned whip cream, food coloring, and candy sprinkles or colored sugar. Recommended Reading: Learning Sight Words with Scrabble Tiles Letter B Printable Coloring Page
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! :)
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...
Recommended:
More Ways to Play from Kids Creative Chaos
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.
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...
Follow us on Instagram
Get Circle Time Handbook
Can't remember all of the words to your favorite group game? Get the handbook with reproducible pages to copy and add to your clipboard. All of your favorite games right at your fingertips!
. This set is for ages 18 months-24 months, and it is perfect for baby sensory play.
*
*
*
*
