Most young children thrive when engaged in sensory play. Sensory tubs and playdough are two simple. low-cost, satisfying sensory play options families can offer at home. These hands-on activities are typically calming, help children focus and express themselves creatively and are ripe for extended, engrossing play. At HFP– and likely preschools across the nation– children naturally gravitate to the sensory and playdough tables. These activities are easy to offer at home.
Sensory Tub
- Find or purchase a plastic tub with lid.
- Fill with water or any dry ingredient such as popcorn kernels, rice or lentils.
- Add a range of containers or scoops such as empty plastic bottles, measuring cups, measuring spoons, etc.
- Rotate tools inside the table to keep interest high.
- Borrow a range of sensory table tools from HFP’s Toy Lending Library to add flare and variety to your home tub.
- Cover with a lid when not in use.
Playdough
- Make a batch of homemade playdough.
- If you make more than one color, consider making primary colors (such as red & blue or yellow & blue) so they’ll blend well when inevitably mixed together.
- Cooked playdough recipe here.
- Borrow a range of playdough table tools from HFP’s Toy Lending Library to add flare and variety to your home playdough.
Virtual Play Date
While these offerings will likely be sources of joy for your child at home, you might consider amping up the excitement by offering a virtual play date. Children from two households can meet-up and use sensory materials together over Zoom or Google Meet. Children can mold playdough together or scoop and fill cups of multiple cups of “hot cocoa”… building off the ideas of their playmate while playing side by side.
